- Sandra Maldonado
- Instagram: @smald0nado (personal) @owt_wear (business)
- Occupation: educator & owner of clothing brand One World Traveler (OWT Wear)
- Hometown: Valencia, CA
- Currently Living: Los Angeles, CA
- Age: 36
I wanted to find out more about the solo-entrepreneur behind the travel-inspired brand, One World Traveler (OWT). Started in April 2017, OWT features apparel and accessories with graphics that implore you to get out and seek adventure. The brand’s Instagram page features loyal customers sporting their OWT tees and hoodies in places all over the world. 
Why did you start OWT?
Everywhere I’d go visit I would always buy a shirt to remember the place. I’ve always had a thing for fashion so I thought, why don’t I just design my own shirts that reflect on my travels instead of purchasing one. Now what I collect on my travels are bottle openers.
What’s your favorite part about the business?
I love the interaction I have with our customers. I love seeing where the shirts end up. They have been to so many places, like the Winter Olympics or the World Cup! So it feels like a little piece of us is there too. I always tell people it’s like the movie, “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.” Every item has a story to tell and we love seeing where they end up!
Where have you enjoyed traveling to the most? Why did you enjoy it?
Every place has had a very special place in my heart, but if I have to choose one specifically I would have to say Spain. The reason being is, one I speak the language and two I got my Masters degree in Spanish, so I studied the literature and history of the country. It was nice physically seeing the places I had studied about.
In addition to Sandra’s knowledge about the historical places in Spain, I was curious how she planned her trip. This is what she said:
I actually was a big Anthony Bourdain fan because I’m a foodie. That’s one of my main things. I always watched to see where he would go. When I went to New Orleans, I hit up the spots that he went. So I knew he had been to Spain and I would kind of see that. Also I’m a big soccer fan, so I knew I’d go to Madrid for that. I went on my Amazon Prime and I googled Spain, and I saw all the videos of different places you should see in Spain and the history. That’s how I chose.
What’s your favorite food or meal?
I genuinely love all kinds of food. I have certain foods which are more like comfort foods such as pizza or tacos, but what I really enjoy most is eating at hole in the wall kind of places. I have found that those places are awesome!
Do you have any upcoming trips planned?
I tend to take local mini road trips often. So maybe a mini road trip, but as for a big trip, I am hoping to go to Italy next summer.
I notice you have a lot of quotes and memes on your personal account. Do you have a favorite quote or saying that you live by?
Yes, I believe if you see it and speak it you can believe it and manifest it. So I try to post as much positivity as I can on our page. Some of my favorite quotes are, “Travel brings power and love back to your life”- Rumi , “Live with no excuses and travel with no regrets,” and the one I created which is, “Live a life full of passion and adventure” -OWT.
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I kind of really enjoy doing karaoke. I like Norah Jones, “Don’t Know Why.”
What are your favorite forms of self-care?
I listen to inspirational speakers often. In the mornings, on my way to work, I listen to their audiobooks and find that it helps my day go in a positive direction. I also do things that make me happy, like a walk on the beach or a lunch date with a good friend.
Who do you like following on Instagram? What do you like about their content?
I love following some travel influencers like @lisahomsy or @travel_inhershoes. They have really beautiful images. I also enjoy following inspirational people like Mel Robbins, Brené Brown, and Jay Shetty. But we also truly just enjoy photography and interacting with people, so we will pretty much follow anyone.
If you can relate to Sandra’s wanderlust, I suggest you check out owtwear.com for a large selection of graphic tees, hoodies, and accessories that reflect this sentiment and lifestyle. Also, give her a follow on Instagram to get daily inspiration for travel and experiencing life outside your comfort zone.
Mahalo to Sandra for spending some time with me! Stay tuned for more interviews with “People I Follow on Instagram.”
*Note: all photos provided courtesy of Sandra.
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