Find handmade gifts from Mexico at Walnut Creek boutique Portal Artesanal [Video]

WALNUT CREEK, Calif. — Along bustling North Main Street in Walnut Creek is a gift shop bursting with color and culture. Nearly everything you’ll find in Portal Artesanal is handmade in Mexico.

From jewelry to clothes to home decor, everyone in the family can take a little piece of Mexico home with them when they visit.

The women-owned, family business is managed by co-owner Erika Pantoja. She and her sister founded Portal Artesanal in 2019 by selling products online and at events. Fast forward to 2023, and they were able to open their first brick and mortar location.

Pantoja said she thinks of the store as a piece of home for the Hispanic community in the East Bay. She also sees it as an opportunity to share her culture with others. “As an immigrant, it’s difficult for some of us to go back to our home country. For me, it’s really emotional that other …