Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Anni Martinez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Anni, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Parents play a huge role in our development as youngsters and sometimes that impact follows us into adulthood and into our lives and careers. Looking back, what’s something you think you parents did right?

My parents have always been my greatest supporters and the backbone of my success. From a young age, they instilled in me the confidence to pursue anything I put my mind to. Their belief in my abilities has been a constant source of motivation throughout my journey. A story that perfectly illustrates their impact on my life happened when I was coming up with the idea of starting my own small business.

At the time, I was working a stressful desk job that left me feeling unfulfilled and drained. I had always dreamed of doing something more creative and meaningful, but taking that leap into entrepreneurship seemed scary, especially at 19. One evening, after a particularly exhausting day at work, I shared my feelings with my parents. My mother, Yolie, who had run her own successful online cake business for years, immediately saw the potential in my ideas. She sat me down and encouraged me to brainstorm what truly inspires me. We spent hours talking about my love for handmade crafts, my Cuban heritage, and how I could blend these passions into a business. My father Frankie’s support was equally as crucial. He reassured me that taking big risks like this is a part of life and that he and my mother believed in my ability to succeed. His confidence in me was infectious and I truly felt that in that moment, my dream was within reach. My parents helped me create a solid plan, from sourcing materials to coming up with a name and logo. Their important advice and emotional support that night gave me the kick I needed to start Keys Koquito.

Their belief in me didn’t stop at words; they actively participated in my journey, providing both practical and emotional support. My mom’s entrepreneurial background and my dad’s constant reassurance gave me the foundation that I needed to grow Keys Koquito to where it is today. The lessons in hard work, resilience, and staying true to oneself that they taught me all those years ago shaped the way I run my business today. Thanks to my parents, I was able to turn a stressful period in my life into an opportunity for growth and fulfillment.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Anni Martinez, and I am the owner of Keys Koquito. My journey into the world of handmade crafts and entrepreneurship began with my deep-rooted love for creativity, the rich cultural heritage of my Cuban family, and the vibrant spirit of the Florida Keys. This unique blend of cultures sparked a passion in me to create products that celebrate these influences. Keys Koquito offers a diverse range of handcrafted products, including body care items, candles, home goods, and jewelry. Our homemade body scrubs, soaps, lotions, and candles are infused with tropical scents that transport you to sun-kissed beaches and ocean breezes. We also offer ethically-sourced crystal carvings, which are carefully selected to ensure authenticity and quality.

As a brand deeply rooted in our community, our products promise to whisk you away to the Florida Keys. I am extremely proud of the genuine connections we have built with our local customers. Through our growth within the upper Keys, we are honored to be one of the founding vendors of the Key Largo Locals Market. Our active involvement in various local craft fairs from Key Largo to Key West, as well as our contributions to locals churches and organizations like the MARC House, reflects our commitment to community engagement.

For potential customers and followers, I want you to know that Keys Koquito is more than just a business. It is a reflection of my journey, my family’s legacy, and the vibrant spirit of the Florida Keys. Each product we offer is a piece of our story, crafted with love and dedication. Our mission is to share the warmth and vibrancy of our heritage with the world, spreading joy and positivity through every item we create!

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Our commitment to transparency has been crucial in building our reputation within our market. We believe in being completely upfront with our customers, providing them with detailed information about the ingredients and materials used in every product we offer, right down to their sources. This transparency not only showcases our genuine love for what we do but also assures our customers of the authenticity and quality of our offerings.

Our strong emphasis on community engagement has also solidified our reputation, especially within our local community. By actively participating in local events, fairs, and charitable initiatives, we’ve been able to connect with our customers on a personal level and demonstrate our dedication to giving back. This commitment to community involvement not only allows us to support important causes but also fosters lasting relationships with our customers, who appreciate our genuine efforts to making a positive impact in the Florida Keys.

Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.

All of our body care items and jewelry pieces are handmade right in our home in Key Largo and our crystals are ethically sourced from trusted suppliers who align with Keys Koquito’s commitment to authenticity and integrity. When we started the business, we knew that manufacturing our products ourselves was the best way to ensure quality and maintain control over every aspect of the process. While it required a lot of trial and error in the beginning, we quickly learned the ins and outs of crafting each item to perfection.

Finding the right suppliers for our materials, especially our crystals, was crucial to our success. We spent a lot of time researching and chatting with potential partners to ensure they shared our values and met our standards for quality and ethical sourcing. Building these relationships has been invaluable, as it allows us to offer genuine, nourishing products to our customers.

Along the way, we’ve learned the importance of patience, attention to detail, and continuous improvement. Manufacturing our products by hand requires a meticulous approach and a dedication to excellence. Each item is crafted with care and precision, and we’ve honed our skills over time to ensure consistency and quality in every batch. We’ve also learned the importance of flexibility and adaptability, as we’re always open to new techniques and processes that can enhance our products and streamline our manufacturing operations. Overall, the journey has been incredibly rewarding, and we’re proud to continue crafting authentic, handmade goods that bring joy and beauty into the world.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://keyskoquito.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keyskoquito/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Keys-Koquito/61557179706594/?mibextid=ZbWKwL
• Other: https://linktr.ee/keyskoquito