The ongoing Covid situation has affected local small businesses and many are struggling to stay open. In an effort to help those small businesses survive, we are featuring them in a segment we call #SmallBusinessShoutout, and today's featured small business is very close to our heart.
If you listen to KFI in the afternoons, you will no doubt hear the voice of our 'Angel of Traffic,' Angel Martinez.
But did you know that Angel has her own Small Businesses?
Angel is the owner of Nauti, a collection of hand crafted sandals, purses and accessories made in the U.S. A.
Angel says the inspiration to start this business was totally serendipitous.
A gentleman by the name of Paul Messina, a retired shoe manufacturer and Italian American shoe craftsman, was selling his hobby business of making children's shoes and sandals. A friend of Angel's knew Paul. This friend also knew Angel was interested in buying a small business. A meeting was set. Angel and Paul were introduced. Although Angel had no intention of making children's shoes, she wanted to check out the machines. Paul showed her the machines along with the shoes and sandals he made. It was at that moment Angel realized these were the same children's sandals she wore as a kid. Paul also made a great kid's flip flop sandal…that would become an inspiration to Angel. From their first meeting, there was a nostalgic connection between the two.
Making children's sandals isn't what Angel had in mind, but she liked the machines and she liked Paul. She figured since she is super picky about the flip flops she wears, she would, at the very least, always be able to make herself the most comfortable sandals. So, she bought the business. Messina taught her how to make sandals and the rest is history!
Today, not only are there Nauti Sandals, but they make purses and other accessories. Nauti sandals are made without animal products. They are constructed from all orthotic material with lined straps that are soft against your skin. All Nauti products are cruelty-free and made right here in Southern California.
All Nauti products are cruelty-free and made right here in Southern California
"We are passionate about protecting our ocean and nature’s animals. We are tied to the ocean. Our seafaring souls always lead us back to the water. Nauti is a state of mind. It’s a way of life. You’re Nauti and we have the Nauti things you want. From the most comfortable handcrafted sandals to seashell accessories, we have you in mind…so we encourage our customers to… #GetNauti!"
You can find Nauti products at the Nauti store at Open Market OC in Laguna Hills. Every Friday she's at the Farmakis Farms Farmer's & Artisan Market in San Juan Capistrano . Or you can check them out on their website (if you order use the code GaS for a special discount) and use the Instagram @NautiThings & Facebook @NautiUSA
Check out Angel's interview with Gary & Shannon.