Boricua Khenalu: A Fashion Brand for All Bodies

As a designer, Keren Encarnación Rodríguez was inspired to create Khenalu after realizing her mother never had the chance to wear a swimsuit. She aimed to give all body types and ages the ability to feel confident in their swimwear.

Encarnación spent over 365 days developing Khenalu from scratch, creating a sustainable, affordable, and culturally rich clothing line that caters to various body sizes and lifestyles. The brand's first collection, Tropicana Criolla, features designs inspired by traditional Puerto Rican laza criollas.

Despite the numerous challenges of starting a business in Puerto Rico, including bureaucratic hurdles and financial constraints, Encarnación remains committed to her vision of making the world of fashion more inclusive and accessible. She emphasizes that Khenalu is for everyone, regardless of their size or background.

Through her work, Encarnación hopes to empower her customers, particularly women who have felt excluded from the fashion industry. Khenalu's commitment to sustainability and affordability makes it an attractive option for digital nomads and expats who may not have access to traditional retail.