Isídro Sánchez Icaza

Originally from Mexico City, Isidro Sánchez Icaza comes from a family of 11 siblings. His life took a different turn when his brother Manuel was offered a job in Cancún. There, Manuel saw the potential to open a silverware shop, and after establishing the first one, he brought his brothers into the business in different ways. For Isidro, this was a period of learning: he helped with everything he could, even cleaning, since he did not speak English and had not finished high school. He acknowledges that it was a period of readjustment, not knowing what direction his life would take, until he saw a craftsman making jewelry at a table and thought, "I want to do that."

Expansion and Consolidation in Los Cabos

Over time, the family moved from Cancun to Los Cabos 30 years ago, again at Manuel's invitation. The time came to become independent, and little by little, the brothers opened their own jewelry stores. They started in the Cabo San Lucas market and then opened another jewelry store in San Jose del Cabo, the first to open there 28 years ago. Soon, the siblings began to feel the urge to become independent, and they all supported each other so that each could open their own business. When it was Isidro's turn, he opened the jewelry store "Isidro Sánchez Icaza" with his brother Rogelio, the youngest of the family. He has been in that location for 24 years, and although at first the location in Plaza Teniente Antonio Mijares was not the best, with effort they managed to get ahead.

Over the years, Rogelio obtained a location next to the Tropicana hotel, and the two went their separate ways professionally. Isidro began designing his own line of jewelry under the name "Isidro Sánchez." Through books on the history of San José del Cabo, Isidro fell more and more in love with the peninsula and its friendly people. Later, his marriage to Indira López marked another stage in his life.

Participation in the Historic Center Association

The main motivation for the business owners in the center to support each other was the negative impact of the annual fairs on the main street, where two of his brothers had jewelry stores. They got together with other business owners to find solutions and promote more activities in San José del Cabo. Isidro joined because he saw the need to work together, and when he found out about an association led by businesswomen like Rosa Luz Treviño and Blanca Pedrín, he decided to join the Historic Center Association. He admits that the area has gone through some tough times, but it's also a privileged place. The association has fought to preserve the identity and roots of the community, which has grown with people from different parts of Mexico and abroad.

Current Objectives and Projects

Currently, the association's vision is not limited to the historic center, but seeks to integrate and benefit the neighborhoods and the hotel zone. Hotels, as the main generators of tourism, are key to promoting activities. The second edition of a tourist guide and a website are being planned to support the promotion.

Part of this project is the improvement of signage, so that each business has a sign in accordance with its line of business, facilitating orientation for tourists and locals. In addition, the calendar of activities has been enriched with events such as "Sabores de San José" (Flavors of San José), which features more than 40 restaurants with discounts and special menus every Tuesday. There are also activities scheduled with the Casa de la Cultura (House of Culture). "Sábados de Tómbola" (Tombola Saturdays) feature businesses offering prizes and discounts to visitors.

Preservation of Local History and Culture

The association works to ensure that the historic center is not seen solely as a tourist destination, but as an accessible space for locals, with reasonable prices. It seeks to involve the community in celebrations such as the Day of the Dead, highlighting illustrious figures from San José del Cabo and promoting cultural diversity. With the collaboration of the Casa de la Cultura and the government, schools and young people are encouraged to participate in activities and competitions.

The local cemetery is a meeting point for the celebration, where the stories of those who have contributed to the community are recognized. The association, once again chaired by Blanca Pedrín, has regained strength after years of inactivity, managing to bring together merchants and establish new foundations for the promotion of San José del Cabo.

Challenges and Opportunities for the Association

One of the main challenges today is to expand the tourist guide and develop a book about San José del Cabo that preserves its roots, iconic buildings, and notable figures, with historical and current photographs.

Another challenge is the recovery of the estuary, which has been affected by water lilies and sewage. This is a priority; plans are in place to rehabilitate it to create a bike path and allow boat rides, restoring native species. Other challenges include paving streets, reforesting the plaza with more trees, and managing resources. The members of the Historic Center Association work without remuneration, motivated by their love for the community and their desire to attract more visitors.

The association seeks to benefit the entire environment by promoting collaboration among jewelers, artisans, restaurants, galleries, and other entrepreneurs to overcome old ideas of competition and envy.

Los Cabos Fashion Week and International Projection

Isidro is a member of the FDLA (Fashion Designers of Latin America) platform, chaired by Albania Rosario. Although jewelry was not initially relevant in fashion events, the platform opened up space for jewelry designers, and in New York, Isidro participated with more than 200 pieces under the brand he founded with his wife: Indira&Isidro. His signature jewelry designs, which tell stories and use diverse materials and textures, allowed him to bring the experience to Cabo San Lucas during Los Cabos Fashion Week.

The first edition was challenging but successful; the second featured prominent designers such as Benito Santos and Jazz González, attracting national and international talent. Although the events do not always generate immediate sales, they have strengthened the community and the visibility of local work. The expectation is to continue with a third edition, consolidating Los Cabos as a benchmark in fashion and design.