Hi. My Name is Dawn,
and I'm a Textile Surface Designer.

 

At WAKALEKA, my focus is on creating original designs that are printed on everyday home decor accessories
—like bedding sets, area rugs, and shower curtains.
I'm a bit of an artistic chameleon, so whether you're drawn to bold geometrics or colorful abstracts, modern minimalism or retro maximalism,
— there's something here for you.
Every piece is designed to be functional art with a unique twist.
My goal is to offer you high-quality, affordably priced decor that you won’t find on the high street.

And because I handle everything myself—from design to customer care—you can count on a personal, attentive experience every time you shop.

 

The Humble Beginnings of a
Traveling Artist...

In 2014, I moved from Mexico to Guatemala, where I began creating one-of-a-kind papier-mâché bowls to sell on Etsy. Designing and painting each piece was a joy, and the experience taught me a great deal about the ins and outs of running a small online business. But in 2016, the government unexpectedly shut down the national post office, making it impossible to affordably ship my products. I knew I had to pivot quickly if I wanted to continue making a living from my art.

So I went back to my roots, drawing on both my formal education from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design and over thirty years of experience in graphic design.

I partnered with a US-based production company that now prints my designs and ships directly to my customers, and I launched WAKALEKA—a name that loosely translates to “fast delivery” in Hawaiian.

From art director in Canada to handmade artisan in Mexico to textile surface designer in Guatemala, it’s all part of the same creative journey for this artist originally from England.

The Mission Behind WAKALEKA

WAKALEKA was born out of the desire to keep creating, no matter the circumstances. What started as a way to adapt has grown into a brand that celebrates originality, quality, and accessible design. My mission is simple: to bring you unique, art-driven home decor that feels personal, not mass-produced.

I believe your space should reflect your personality, which is why I focus on bold, expressive prints you won’t find in big-box stores. Every piece is designed with care and intention, combining art and functionality in a way that’s both eye-catching and practical.

WAKALEKA is for people who value creativity, love original designs, and want something a little different to call their own.

I May Run a One-Person Shop, but You’ll Always Get Five-Star Service.
Every Order Matters to Me.

★★★★★
-Jackie Oct 16, 2024

The quality is very nice. I loved the picture on the website but when I received the shower curtain I was disappointed with the colors. I was expecting gray and white but the curtain had more dark gray and black. After talking to Dawn, she was able to quickly resolve the issues with the shower curtain to my satisfaction.

★★★★★
-Randi Aug 6, 2024

This shower curtain is gorgeous! The colors are so deep and saturated. I could not be more pleased. The quality is outstanding and I'm sure it will last many years. The seller was a delight. There was an issue in the manufacturing process due to a power outage and the seller was very communicative and apologetic about the delay. Unforeseen circumstances out of our control happen and she handled the situation very well. It was worth the wait. Highly recommend.

★★★★★
-Jacqueline Apr 13, 2022

Awesome! This is a beautiful carpet. The best part is Dawn the owner. My carpet arrived with a slight flaw and instead of discounting it or making me send it back at my cost her company is sending me a new one at no cost. Wow! Now that is customer service. She returns emails almost immediately and has renewed my faith in people and online shopping. Thanks Dawn.