Our Story: A Journey of Caymanian Pride and Creative Expression
Welcome to Awleh!, a brand born out of love for the Cayman Islands and a passion for design. Our story began during my time at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), where a simple desire to showcase my Caymanian pride sparked the creation of what would become our iconic Cayman Islands flag t-shirt.
Each year, SCAD hosts an International Festival, a vibrant celebration of diverse cultures from around the world. As a proud Caymanian, I wanted to make a statement at this festival, so I decided to create a t-shirt that represented my heritage. After a quick search for t-shirt printers in the US, I had my first Cayman Islands t-shirt. It was a humble design, reflective of my pre-major design classes days, but I wore it with immense pride.
Living abroad made me realize how deeply connected I was to my culture. There's something special about hearing a Caymanian accent in a foreign country, seeing our flag, or spotting our national airline. These moments of connection were profoundly moving and inspired much of my work at SCAD.
During my time at SCAD, I choreographed award-winning Quadrille pieces and even wrote a play, all infused with elements of home. Most of my design projects carried a piece of Cayman with them. One of my professors, Professor Michael Whitney, once remarked that my vibrant colour choices were unmistakably Caribbean. This observation was a proud moment for me, as it affirmed that my island's spirit shone through my work.
Fast forward to 2016, when I graduated from SCAD. I revisited the t-shirt design, envisioning a shirt entirely printed with the Cayman Islands flag. It was my personal expression of cultural pride, perfect for cultural events and travels. However, my mom and a close friend saw its broader potential. When my mom shared a picture of the redesigned t-shirt on social media, the response was overwhelming—everyone wanted one!
Driven by a desire for perfection, I refined the design once more, creating what is now the classic Cayman Islands t-shirt. This moment marked the birth of Awleh!, a brand dedicated to celebrating the vibrant culture and heritage of the Cayman Islands.
"Awleh," a word expressing surprise or amusement, was a favorite of my great-grandmother, Beulah Adinah Ebanks. Naming the brand after her felt like a fitting tribute to her legacy. She loved her flowers and her garden, and while she didn't pass down her love for gardening to me, she did inspire my love of vibrant colours and nature.
Today, Awleh! stands as Cayman's Patriotic Brand, a testament to our rich cultural heritage and my journey as a designer. Through our products, we aim to share the beauty and spirit of the Cayman Islands with the world, one vibrant design at a time. Thank you for being a part of our story.
