favorites

tequila

and

reclaimed pieces

I love art-crafts, stories, and vintage items.

About ME

Born in the 70's, I always felt drawn to rustic elements or items that told a story with the scars they gained with the passage of time. As a lover of vintage items & repurposing various elements into creative solutions, I've seen beauty in what others consider broken or outdated.  I’m true to my creative spirit, a visionary, and will become passionate about every artist I get to collaborate with. My creativity is both organic and limitless. I have worked hand-in-hand with artisans in my native Ecuador, creating elements to decorate my family's fashion businesses. Additionally my family started an art-craft program in Comasagua, El Salvador to help the people overcome the economic crisis that occurred as a result of the 2001 earthquake's devastation. 

Unexpectedly I landed on Maui at the beginning of 2014 and have fallen in love with the gifts and opportunities that the island has given me. At the beginning of 2017 I became the Design & Project Manager for the Maui Tropical Plantation. During that time I renovated and curated all of their venues. With my amazing team we repurposed parts and items collected from the now closed Pu‘unene Sugar Mill as a way to honor and tell Maui's sugarcane history. My designs are showcased throughout the whole property. Early 2021 I designed, built and curated the interior of the newly opened Country Market at the plantation, which is a one-of-a-kind venue in the state of Hawai‘i. While witnessing the amount of local businesses looking to sell their products at the market, I wondered if I could start a venture that would showcase local arts and crafts. Thoughts manifested into words, and words into actions. At the end of November of 2021 I opened Mālama Studio while showcasing 12 local artists.  Three months later 12 turned into 22. Some of the sales benefit nonprofits that care for local youth, our sea life and people with disabilities. I am beyond grateful for everyone's support. Some days it still feels like a dream.

Meet the maker