Favorite Finds: Best of Surf Expo, September 2024

There are just a few trade shows we truly vibe with, and Surf Expo is high on that list. Maybe it’s the free-spirited surfer girl in me, who hasn’t hit the waves in years but still dreams of riding a perfect set. Or maybe it’s my inner mermaid, endlessly drawn to anything connected with the ocean. Whatever it is, I absolutely love soaking in the laid-back, sun-kissed energy and discovering the latest at Surf Expo.

This year was no exception. Here are just a few of the amazing brands we’re loving right now, and the best part is they all give back—whether to people, the planet, or both. BBB - Boho Blue Bonus!

KORK Goods

They tops are list as one of our favorite brand discoveries at the show…although we do have others!

KORK blossomed from the lifelong dream of sisters and best friends, Kelly and Katrina, who have always shared a passion for home design, fashion, and the vision of one day creating something beautiful together. Their hearts were set on building a business that reflected their love for both style and sustainability.

Kelly’s spark of inspiration came from reading about eco-friendly home décor. She discovered cork—an earthy, sustainable material with endless potential to transform into stunning creations. The idea resonated deeply with Katrina, and they knew they had found the heart of their new venture. The chance to craft high-quality products while giving back to the planet felt like a dream come true. The final piece of their vision fell into place during one of their brainstorming sessions when they combined their initials with their signature material to form the perfect name: KORK. Kelly recalls the electric moment when Katrina felt chills—an unmistakable sign that their brand had officially come to life.

And that it has! Their beautiful, durable designs are not only a stylish conversation piece, but you can feel good , knowing you are helping them to give back to the environment and the community and making the world a better place. They even give back to 1% for the planet.

From gorgeous bags, wallets, jewelry and accessories, to home goods and gifts, KORK has something for everyone!

Go check them out here and see why we feel in love: https://korkgoods.com/

Sand Cloud

Sand Cloud has always been a favorite of ours, so it was awesome to see them at the show. We got to experience the incredible softness of their beach towels firsthand and explore the exciting new additions to their product line.

Sand Cloud was born on the sunny shores of San Diego, founded by three friends with a vision to reinvent the classic beach towel. Their mission goes beyond innovation—they donate 10% of all profits to marine conservation charities, helping protect and preserve the beaches we all cherish. donate

By purchasing a Sand Cloud beach towel, you get a high-quality Turkish cotton towel and support our mission to #savethefishies.

Sand Cloud’s Turkish cotton towels are stronger, softer, and more absorbent than standard terrycloth. They get even better with each wash, offering durability and a cloud-like feel. Quick-drying and available in vibrant colors and patterns, they’re perfect for any season and ideal for all your summer adventures.

Not only are their original designs gorgeous, but they also have licensing deals with iconic brands including Disney, Star Wars ad Harry Potter!

But that is not all they have. This company may have started with a towel, but are now on a mission to build a legacy brand with multiple products all with one core mission: helping to protect our beaches and ocean and everything in it.

Sand Cloud is also transforming used plastics into products that help promote their mission to keep the seas trash-free. From the original towels to t-shirts and apparel, tote bags and beach accessories, Sand Cloud ensures that every item you use is contributing to a cleaner ocean and greener planet.

For more information, please visit: https://www.sandcloud.com/

Lotus and Luna

We have been stalking this brand on Facebook for a few months now and we were very happy when we got to swing by their booth at Surf Expo and see what they are all about…and now we love them more!

Originally, we were drooling over their harem pants. These pants have an exclusive design that feature…POCKETS! Guys just do not understand this obsession, but I know all the boho babes out there totally get it!  They claim these are the Comfiest Pants on Earth and we would have to agree. Each pair features a high waist, cuffed jogger bottom, and Lotus and Luna's signature buttery soft fabric in an array of beautiful designs, each more gorgeous than the next.

And the bonus…if that wasn’t enough to have to racing to grab your c.redit card…they are handmade in Thailand and each pair comes with the photo and story of the artisan who created it. Lotus and Luna empowers artisan communities through educational resources, fair wages, and endless opportunities. All of their unique, handcrafted products promote growth among the villages they work with in Thailand, helping them achieve a better quality of life.

But they have so much more than pants. From gorgeous jewelry to stunningly boho clothing and accessories, you will not only look good, but you will definitely feel good about giving back to the artisans who crated such incredible pieces.

To get your harem pant and check out all they have to offer, please visit: https://www.lotusandluna.com/

Pichincha - Spirit of Nature, Inc.

You may not of heard of them, but you definitely have seen their products if you have ever ventured into a gift shop while traveling or at the beach.

Pichincha prides themselves on being Latin American handicraft specialists and although they only sell exclusively to wholesalers, you definitely want to keep an eye out for their products.

Pichincha, which is located in the heart of the Andes is the name of an active stratovolcano in Ecuador. Pichincha Spirit of Nature, Inc. (Pronounced PEE CHEEN CHA), brings the spirit, mysteries, and essence of the region to you through its many beautiful artisan made crafts and handmade jewelry.

As a family-owned business for almost 40 years, this traditional handicraft business is now considered one of the leading Latin minority run wholesalers of its kind in the industry. As Latin Americans and women, they are extremely proud of not only their growth in recent years, but the growth of their artisans, as well. With their help and guidance, they have left behind the life of poverty and now enjoy a much happier and healthier lifestyle while acting as pillars and mentors in their respective communities.

Their handcrafted seed beaded jewelry, accessories and ornaments are probably what you might be most familiar with. Their intricate beaded designs and vibrant colors, make them a stand out in any shop. I actually have several pieces before I knew who they were. However, in addition to hundreds of jewelry options, they also carry handcrafted bags, pipes and hair accessories and so much more.

So the next time you wander in to a gift shop, keep an eye out for those beaded masterpieces, knowing that you are not only supporting a long-standing minority family owned-business, but you are also supporting hundreds of artisans that get to make a living and support their families doing what they love.

To see all of their handcrafted jewelry and other items, go to: https://pichinchagifts.com/

Stonington Designs

This was another brand we discovered that ranked high on our list for beauty and contribution.

Rich and Michelle Drake have spent 40 years blending their creative talents and their beautiful products match their beautiful souls.

Rich, a master craftsman, works with wood and metals, while Michelle, an accomplished artist, brings her creative vision to life through painting. In November 2022, Michelle found inspiration during a basket weaving class, sparking the idea to repurpose exotic wood scraps Rich had saved from past projects. By combining these wood pieces with basket weaving techniques, the couple launched a jewelry line in January 2023, collaborating with local artisans to perfect their craft.

With Rich’s expertise as a process engineer and craftsman, the couple produces the majority of their jewelry components in their Connecticut woodshop. As demand for Michelle’s handwoven jewelry grew, they expanded to online and wholesale distribution, eventually recognizing the need for additional help with weaving. This is where that bonus comes in!

What began as a family conversation has grown into the Military Spouse Weaving Program at Stonington Designs. Led by their daughter-in-law Donna, who is married to their son, Michael, an Air Force pilot, the program provides free training, flexible work opportunities, and income potential for military spouses, many of whom are managing households alone while their partners are deployed.

The result…absolutely breathtaking, high-end wood jewelry, each piece lovingly hand-crafted with heart and soul. They even design unique hitch covers! With every stunning piece we laid eyes on, we fell deeper in love with this collection. And after hearing their beautiful story and how they give back to the military community, we knew they had to be on our list of Favorite Finds.

To see their complete line, visit: https://www.stoningtondesigns.com/

ALOHA Collection

If you have ever been to Hawaii, you realize that there is something magical about the islands and it is not just in the beauty that surrounds you, but its the people that truly embrace the spirit of Aloha. And that is the foundation for ALOHA Collection.

ALOHA Collection is a vibe, not just a brand. It’s about the freedom of the open road, the call of the ocean, and the thrill of chasing sunsets. Founded by Rachael Leinaʻala Soares and Heather Aiu in 2014, it all started with one dreamy idea and a single bag, brought to life by a Kickstarter campaign and the magic of their friendship. These two friends, with their shared love for adventure and island roots, have built something far beyond a business—they’ve created a global community. As they mark 10 years, ALOHA Collection continues to grow, weaving together stories, memories, and an international ʻohana.

The ALOHA collection features the iconic Splash-Proof styles and airy, lightweight Nylon designs, making sure your essentials stay organized, protected, and effortlessly stylish no matter where your journey leads.

Mālama ʻāina means to take care of the land. Every year they donate 5% of profits to Hawaii-based conservation organizations as a way of giving back to the community and to help preserve the cultural heritage and natural beauty of their home. In the wake of the 2023 Maui fires, they also hand-delivered care kits and provided essential bags to local organizations for immediate relief. Through our Mālama Maui Matched donation program, our ALOHA ʻOHANA came together, both locally and globally, raising over $300,000 for Maui relief efforts! This is definitely a brand we can get behind.

To see the ALOHA Collection and to learn more, visit: https://aloha-collection.com/

Baizaar Faire

If you’re a reader of Boho Blue, you already know how much we adore international, artisan brands that empower communities across the globe by showcasing their craftsmanship while providing fair wages to support their families. Baizaar Faire has quickly become one of our new favorites for exactly that reason.

Baizaar is all about celebrating the beauty of handcrafted artistry, with each piece of jewelry and accessory carrying the essence of the land and culture it comes from. Crafted from natural, raw materials, their collection is a treasure trove of unique finds, blending ancient traditions with modern, bohemian flair. Founders Andrew and Lauren, travel far and wide, working hand in hand with skilled artisans and small businesses to curate an ever-changing mix of soulful, small-batch creations.

Their traveling boutique can be found popping up at festivals and markets across cities like Chicago, San Francisco, Atlanta, Memphis, and New Orleans, spreading our love for wanderlust and ethically made treasures.

However, at the heart of Baizaar is a commitment to ethical sourcing and Fair Trade. They proudly support artisans in Nepal, Thailand, Bali, India, Turkey, and beyond, ensuring every purchase not only brings you something beautiful, but also uplifts the lives of those who created it. Each piece you wear is a testament to the power of handmade art and the global community we’re building together…and we are are here for all of it!

To check out all of the amazing artisan brands, visit: https://baizaarjewelry.com/

Liddle Speaker

PHOTO CREDIT: Liddle Speaker

Meet the ultra-versatile Liddle Speaker – a Bluetooth gem designed to magnetically snap onto your MagSafe iPhone, transforming it into a sleek kickstand. This portable powerhouse is perfect for vibing to your favorite Audible books, music, or movies. Whether you’ve got an iPhone, Android, or laptop, the Liddle Speaker connects seamlessly to any Bluetooth device. Plus, it’s dustproof and water-resistant, making it your ideal companion in the shower, by the pool, or soaking up the sun at the beach.

With its built-in magnet, you can stick it to your fridge, car, toolbox, or any metal surface – and thanks to the handy self-adhesive rings, it even grips wood, plastic, and glass. The Liddle Speaker is the ultimate accessory for home and outdoor adventures. Perfect for gifting, it’s a must-have stocking stuffer!

Check out all the cool colors and more information at: https://www.d3products.com/liddle-speaker

Punchkins

Ok, we know what you are thinking…what is so special about stuffed toys….well…they make you smile and the world could definitely use a little more happiness!

Get ready to fall in love with Punchkins, the must-have collectible plushies that are absolutely stuffed with character and charm!

Each one is crafted with a sprinkle of magic, designed to bring laughter, warmth, and connection. From the irresistibly cute to the hilariously sassy, these plushies speak your truth, making them the perfect gift for any moment that matters. Whether you're sharing a giggle, a hug, or a playful wink, there’s a Punchkin to match every personality and every occasion. These plush companions are more than just toys – they’re heartfelt tokens of love, friendship, and good vibes, wrapped up in soft, huggable joy.

These sassy stuffies definitely made us grin from ear to ear!

To see all of their collections, visit: https://punchkins.com/

RSVLTS

RSVLTS is another brand we have been following for a while now and absolutely love. It MAY have something to do with their licensing deals with Disney and Star Wars, but we know that these shirts are all very cool.

RSVLTS is more than just an apparel brand – it’s a lifestyle for those who live fearlessly and embrace every moment. Born out of Hoboken by two Seton Hall grads with a love for sports, pop culture, and adventure, RSVLTS started with a rebellious spark. A cease and desist from a major movie studio? They turned it into their first official licensing deal, and from there, they have partnered with the biggest names in movies, shows, artists, and sports leagues to create gear that’s as high-quality as it is bold.

Whether you're rocking your favorite iconic characters or repping your team, RSVLTS is for those who break the mold, chase fun, and Dare Mighty Things every day. And their bamboo collection and accessories are also some of our favorites.

To check out all of their design, visit: https://www.rsvlts.com/

4Ocean

If you are a fan of Boho Blue, you know how much we are raving fans of 4Ocean. We named them as a BBB - Boho Blue Best for our Favorite Finds: Eco-Friendly Essentials for National Beach Day story. So, needless to say there was no way we were going to leave them out of this list.

The ocean is the rhythm of our lives. It’s where we work, unwind, find balance with nature, and feel most alive. However, when we see plastic washing up on our shores, wildlife fading away, and communities losing their way of life, it ignites a passion to make a change….and change came from two surfer friends trying to make a difference.

Their purpose was and is simple: to safeguard the people and places they hold dear. We do this not just for them, but for every future generation, so they too can experience the beauty and freedom the ocean brings.

Whether to buy and original bracelet, other jewelry or accessories, you are helping to protect and preserve our oceans, with 100% of their profits going towards that mission. And for every bracelet purchased, five pounds of trash is removed from the ocean. This ocean-first philosophy is at the heart of every decision they make as individuals and as a company.

At Surf Expo, we had the chance to check out the entire line and explore all the exciting new styles on the way.

To learn more about 4Ocean’s mission and to see the complete line, please visit: https://www.4ocean.com/

Kate’s Real Food

PHOTO CREDIT: Kate's Real Food

We were invited to come sample these organic protein bars and we are so glad we did…they are delicious!

Kate, the founder of Kate's Real Food, has always been passionate about organic food, influenced by her childhood on a 200-year-old family farm in New York. Her experience at Cosmic Apple Gardens in Victor, ID, solidified her commitment to sustainable farming and soil health.

Relocating to Jackson Hole, WY, Kate embraced an active lifestyle filled with skiing and hiking. To fuel her adventures, she began making tasty whole-food energy bars that were easy to carry. Infusing her farm-inspired values into every recipe, she launched Kate's Real Food to offer wholesome nutrition for fellow outdoor lovers.

With numerous flavors and sizes, you will find one (or more!) that fits your lifestyle and taste. Personally, we loved them all, but that Peanut Butter Cup is the bomb! Does anyone say that anymore? Well…we are bringing it back!

To check all of the flavors, go to: https://katesrealfood.com/

Zox

Zox is a delightful brand we happily discovered, and their story truly warmed our hearts.

Founded by three brothers, this family business has a beautiful dream: to create a community that embraces everyone with kind words and gentle spirits.

These simple yet unique elastic bracelets are not just stunningly designed in vibrant colors and original artwork; each one carries a hidden, inspiring message that uplifts the heart and soul. Whether you’re collecting them for yourself or sharing them as gifts, these little treasures are sure to brighten anyone’s day. Each bracelet also comes with a matching card, making it easy to get a dose of inspiration with you wherever you are – whether it's in your car, on your desk at work, or tucked into your wallet for a little reminder of positivity throughout your day.

Every ZOX bracelet is a limited edition, collectible, work of art for your wrist. Did we forget to mention they’re made using buttery-soft elastic that they create using recycled water bottles. Bonus! In addition, they have not only partnered with Thirst Project to give clean drinking water to families in need, but thanks to their other partnerships, they are able to help contribute to marine life conservation,

To see all of their beautiful designs and to shop their whole collection, go to: https://zox.co/

DIP

We love dip! Yes, the kind you dunk all sorts of yummy goodies in…but this Dip is for your hair!

Dip describes themselves as “an environmental awareness company parading around as a damn good personal care company.” And we would agree.

Dip Shampoo and Conditioner Bars are great at home and especially on the go, giving you clean hair and a cleaner planet. And their selection of yummy scents, including a fragrance free option, offers something for everyone.

Dip brings luxury salon results in a way that’s as kind to your wallet as it is to the planet. Their all-in-one Hair Bar works beautifully for all hair types, simplifying your routine and reducing waste. With long-lasting formulas that stretch your dollar, their conditioner alone can save you over $200—no more pricey bottles piling up. Dip shampoo and conditioner bars are formulated intentionally to last you a very long time. They confess “that might sound like a crappy business model, but as we said, planet first, hair company second.”

You can feel good about your hair care, knowing it’s made to last and designed with sustainability in mind.

To check out all of their products and scents, go to: https://dipalready.com/