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RoHo

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RoHo

Santa Barbara, California

 
 

Tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do:

Caleigh: RoHo

Caleigh: RoHo

Handmade in Kenya, loved around the world. We're a brand committed to empowering artisans with dignified work.

It all started when RoHo founder, Caleigh Hernandez, fell in love with a pair of beautiful beaded leather sandals in a craft market in East Africa. She brought a pair back for herself and her mom, who went crazy for them. And so the year-long quest began to find the best quality sandals (and other unique products).

Since then RoHo has expanded to work with four artisan groups across Kenya producing a variety of unique and beautiful products, all with a social mission. Yes, everyone at RoHo shares a passion for beautiful sandals and accessories, but it's about more than that.
We're committed to creating opportunities for consumers to buy beautiful, quality and ethically made products that have the ability to empower those across the world.

Let us know more about your business name - how did you come up with it?

RoHo is Swahili means kindness and that's our commitment to our artisans and customers!

What is your signature style / item? How did it become so?

My personal favorite is the Tsavo Tote that is handmade in a Fair Trade workshop. I use my tote to carry my laptop to my favorite local coffeeshop/workspace and as a weekender.

What makes your business unique to the industry?

I am proud to say that RoHo is NOT unique to this industry. What I mean to say is that I am humbled by the number of persons my age that are creating companies that are making a difference in the world! And yes, I do think RoHo is unique in that we listen carefully to our artisans to understand how we can assist them in making changes to their lives and communities.

What's been your biggest roadblock when it comes to business and how have you been able to overcome?

Like many young founders I often get intimidated by my lack of experience in operating a business, finances and marketing. I have found that by creating an entrepreneurial support network I am able to find the resources/mentors to guide me through critical times and decisions.

How has your business had to adapt amidst the Covid-19 Pandemic? What are you doing to navigate the situation?

COVID 19 has been stressful for everyone. It also was devastating for our artisans who lost their ability to earn wages. It did not take long before they were food insecure and we were very worried. We realized that these artisans had given us beautiful Kitenge fabrics on our last visit as a gift. And we then became the artisans! We used the cloth to make face masks that we sold online. In fact we sewed over 1800 colorful masks! We were able to feed over 300 artisans and their families until just a few weeks ago when they were able to go back to work. My US sewing crew, consisting of my mom, sister, grandmother and boyfriend all where very happy to let the real artisans take over the mask-making!

What is your favorite part of what you do?

I can't decide whether my favorite part of RoHo is spending time in the workshops with the artisans and their families or the delight of customers who love our products and the purpose behind them!

What is your *must do* local activity?

The Los Angeles 6 Peak Challenge! I have joined my mom who thought the best way to survive 2020 was by hiking on the trails. So once a week we choose one of the highest peaks behind LA to hike.

Where to find RoHo:

Jackalope Arts

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