A Few Minutes with Kathy Beas

Last January, even before the pandemic outbreak, Kathy Beas was inspired to try her hand at making the kind of playful Mexican-style children’s clothing and accessories she loved when she was a little girl.

A few months later, she turned to designing and producing handmade masks, which became a hit with her family and friends.

Thus encouraged, she created an online site with a distinctive name, Mēxihcah Boutique -- pronounced “Me-sheek-a” -- adding more items as she went. While she no longer makes as many masks, her other items have grown popular.

Having a side business gives Kathy special insight into her full-time role of providing advice and guidance to members of the non-profit Diamond Business Association (DBA), based in Southeastern San Diego.

Kathy had previously volunteered for five years with DBA, a highly diverse coalition comprised of African-American, Latino, Asian, Arabic members, each with different languages and cultures and all looking to sustain their businesses through still-challenging times.

“When I was going to college, I thought I wanted to be an attorney,” she says, “but I decided I needed a closer connection to my community in a more personal way.”

A graduate of Madison High School (“I was bussed from Encanto to Clairemont”) and a 2002 graduate of the University of the Pacific in Stockton, with a degree in International Studies/Latin America, she decided to come home. 

A former teacher at e3 Civic High in downtown San Diego, a charter school that serves at-risk youth, Beas helps her DBA clients with every-day business tasks, such as filling out grant applications and learning how to best utilize social media outlets.

Late last year, LISC San Diego provided a $32,000 grant to DBA, which allowed the group to continue its services, as well as purchase new computer systems and office equipment, and covered Beas’ salary.

Where does the name of your boutique come from?
The word “Mēxihcah” comes from the language of the ancient Aztec empire, called Nahuatl, the language spoken by the Mēxihcah, which means “people of Mexico.” 

Why did you decide to start your business?
I’ve always had a desire to open up some kind of shop that offered genuine Mexican artisan goods. I had never even picked up a sewing machine until January of 2020, but I had a desire to learn. It took me a few months before I felt confident, then it all just happened.

What convinced you that your boutique would be a success?
During the pandemic, I gave away a few hundred masks to people I knew here in Southeast San Diego, then started selling them on-line on Esty. I was amazed when I got orders from customers all the way from as far away as Italy, Spain, France, Texas, and Oklahoma.

What about your childhood and ethnic background inspired you?
I consider myself what I call a “fronteriza” because I grew up in Southeast San Diego, and throughout the year and summers, my family would go to Rosarito or Mexicali, where my parents were building a home. Over those years, I immersed myself in Mexico’s culture and language, with a profound appreciation for our history as reflected in our artisan goods.

What about your role do you find the most fulfilling?
When our clients discover how they’re able to create a social-media presence for their businesses, using Facebook, Instagram, and others, that opens up a whole new world. Giving them that feeling is gratifying for me. 

In your life, what are most proud of?
Well, I’m the mother of Camila Rose, my 14-year-old daughter, who makes me proud every day. Beyond that, I’m proud that I’ve been able to help others who’ve needed my guidance. I always tell my business owners that, “I’m your teacher and here’s your homework. Whatever it is, we’ll get through this together.”