We had the good fortune of connecting with Chilao and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi CHILAO, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
We’re inspired by things that stand the test of time—objects, places, and people with stories to tell. It started with family heirlooms that were passed down to us. That moment made us realize that well-made goods aren’t just things; they carry history, meaning, and connection. We see that same power in a perfectly broken-in tool bag, a patinaed leather strap, or a well-worn jacket that’s been everywhere with you. That’s what inspires Chilao—crafting gear that becomes part of someone’s story, something they can trust, use hard, and eventually pass down.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets Chilao apart? We make gear that actually earns its keep. No gimmicks, no cutting corners—just rugged, well-built goods that can take a beating and still have stories left to tell. In a world drowning in throwaway products, we’re here for the long haul. If it doesn’t last, if it doesn’t get better with time, we don’t make it. Simple as that.

Was it easy getting here? Not even close. We started with an idea, some good materials, and a whole lot of trial and error. There were long nights, missteps, and more than a few ‘what the heck are we doing?’ moments. But we had friends and family who believed in us, fellow makers who pointed us in the right direction, and customers who took a chance on us. We listened, learned, and kept pushing forward.

The biggest lesson? Authenticity wins. Do what you believe in, make things the right way, and the right people will find you.

What do we want the world to know? That Chilao isn’t just about bags, aprons, or ponchos. It’s about gear that means something. Stuff that picks up scuffs, scratches, and a heck of a lot of stories along the way.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
A week is a long time to plan out…how about we see what a day could look like?

First, coffee. La Colombe in Frog Town, How’s It Going To End in Montrose, or Maru for a cream top. Then, a morning hike at Gabrielino Trail near JPL (Jet Propulsion Laboratory by NASA).

Lunch? Gotta be tacos. Sonoratown or Homestate.

Afternoons are for taking it all in. A drive up Angeles Crest to remind yourself nature still wins and to soak in the area that Chilao (and most of our products) are named after.

At night, grab dinner at All Time and then head over to The Greek for a concert.

This barely scratches the surface. But if we’ve done it right, you’ll leave with a full belly and a little dust on your boots.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
No one builds anything worthwhile alone. Chilao wouldn’t be what it is without the people who believed in us, challenged us, and pushed us forward. A huge shoutout to Nick from Stock Tank Supply—he invited us to Shindig when we were just starting out, and that moment forced us to refine who we were as a brand. He’s been a connector, and a constant source of support.

In the early days, it was our friends and family who kept us going—buying our first products, spreading the word, and believing in what we were doing before we even had real customers. That support gave us that little boost we needed to believe in what we were doing and keep moving forward.

Beyond that, our trusted friends who have tested our gear, given us honest feedback, and stood by us through every iteration. The makers, craftspeople, and small brands we’ve met along the way—people who pour everything into what they do and inspire us to keep raising the bar. And, of course, our customers. The ones who take our products into the world, wear them hard, and make them part of their own stories. That’s what keeps us going.

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