Today we’d like to introduce you to Patricia Parada.
Patricia, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Wanderlust Boutique was always something I dreamed of but never quite knew when it would happen. It truly became a blessing in disguise. The boutique started during the pandemic — at a time when my parents needed help with their business, and I was looking for a way to step away from my job while still supporting myself. What began as a way to help them quickly became something much bigger — a creative outlet, a family-inspired journey, and the start of Wanderlust Boutique.
Wanderlust was born from the same passion my mom instilled in me — the love of serving our local community. She’s been in business for over 17 years selling supplements, and while we don’t share the same business, we share the same heart for people. That spirit has guided me from doing wholesale shopping and running the store to attending local markets and connecting with customers face-to-face.
Today, Wanderlust is known for its stainless-steel jewelry, signature hats, and inclusive sizing that celebrates every body type. From designing and buying to running the online shop and marketing, I’ve poured my heart into creating a space where everyone feels seen, confident, and part of the Wanderlust family. 🤍
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not at all — it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but it’s been worth every step. Starting during the pandemic came with a lot of uncertainty. I didn’t have everything figured out, and like many small businesses, there were moments where I questioned if I could really make it work. Balancing helping my parents, learning how to run my own business, and trying to build a brand from the ground up was overwhelming at times.
There were late nights, financial stress, and the constant challenge of wearing every hat — from marketing and design to packaging and customer service. But every challenge has taught me something valuable. It pushed me to get creative, to connect with my community, and to keep showing up even on the hard days.
Wanderlust has grown because of consistency, faith, and the amazing support from people who believe in small businesses like mine. It’s been far from easy, but it’s been so rewarding to see how far it’s come. 🫶🏼
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Wanderlust Boutique ?
Wanderlust Boutique is more than just a clothing store — it’s a space where fashion meets confidence and community. We specialize in women’s clothing, hats, accessories, and stainless-steel jewelry, carrying sizes from XS to 4XL because representation and inclusivity are at the heart of everything we do. Whether it’s a statement hat, a game-day outfit, or a piece of jewelry you can wear every day, I want every customer to feel seen, confident, and beautiful in their own way.
The name Wanderlust came from my love for travel. I’ve always believed that you should dress like you’re on vacation — whether that means being a little extra, bold, or simply relaxed in your favorite lounge set. To me, Wanderlust represents that feeling of freedom and confidence, no matter where you are.
What truly sets Wanderlust apart is how personal I get with every customer. I love learning their stories, helping them find pieces that make them feel good, and building real connections that go beyond a simple transaction. Some of my favorite moments are seeing returning customers who have become friends, or meeting someone at a pop-up and later seeing them support online. That one-on-one connection is what keeps me motivated and makes Wanderlust feel like family.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My biggest advice is to just start — even if you don’t have everything figured out. When I started Wanderlust, I didn’t have all the answers, but I had drive, faith, and a vision. You learn so much by doing, and the experience itself will teach you what no one else can.
Don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s. Everyone grows at their own pace, and social media can make it easy to feel like you’re behind — but consistency and authenticity always win. Stay true to your purpose, pour love into what you do, and remember why you started in the first place.
And most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek help. Community is everything — support others, build relationships, and stay humble. Small steps add up, and looking back, you’ll be amazed at how far you’ve come. 🫶🏼
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wanderlustboutique0.myshopify.com/products/back-to-back
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wanderlustboutique_?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
