Shop pop-ups, during the month of July stop by 236 E Calder Way and visit Bixi Awotan. Noelia Torres and her sisters María and Saraí used their passion for design and fashion to create Bixi Awotan, a leather bag business. The name Bixi Awotan is a Mayan phrase for ‘What does your heart say?’

All bags are manufactured and designed by their family. They started this dream in 2002 in Mexico and Noelia has brought it to State College to share her love of handcrafting bags. The three sisters grew up in Leon, Guanajuato Mexico, a city that reflects the culture of leather handcrafting, which contributed to them wanting to carry on this tradition. 

Bixi Awotan has a variety of leather bags including shoulder bags, handbags, tote bags, crossbody bags, fanny packs and wallets. On their website you can also find leather biker jackets. 

Along with Bixi Awotan, Torres partnered with several other small business owners to showcase their work at the pop up as well. Featuring Aurela 18K Jewelry, Karakyle Ceramics and Ella Accessories. “When I got the invitation to do the pop-up I thought it would be more interesting to show a variety of products, people will come and have more fun things to see.” Torres said. 

Kendra Kielbasa, Downtown State College Improvement District’s Retail & Commercial Business Advocate, spoke on her view of pop-ups. “Pop-up shops are a cost-effective way for small businesses to build brand awareness, test the market or even new products, and engage with established and new clients. This pop-up will add to the vibrancy of our downtown, attracting foot traffic and fostering discovery and excitement amongst our shoppers and visitors. We are thrilled to welcome Bixi Awotan and partners!”

The DSCID maintains a listing of small businesses that are interested in short-term pop-up opportunities. If interested, please contact our office by emailing Kendra at kendra@downtownstatecollege.com.

Bixi Awotan will be open through July and is a featured artist at the Central PA Festival of Art, Booth M-11. Torres would love to continue showcasing her work in State College past the pop-up and invites everyone to visit her shop.

You can support Bixi Awotan by popping into the pop-up shop through out the month of July or on their website.