Anna Gaytan

Hello All,
My name is Anna, born with the name Wiyanna. When I was a young impressionable "girl-child" (The actual native Apache meaning of Wiyanna) I became sensitive of the kids teasing me as "wee-wee." One day I asked that I never be called Wiyanna again. From then on my family and friends knew me as Anna.

The opening and naming of my shop, WIYANNA, has deep meaning within my heart. Its almost as if there was a re-birth of my pride, my dignity, my own happy unique self. My craft gives me a voice that I was yearning for all my life.

I was born with hands to create. I find a very strong connection with leather for some reason. the way it feels, the way it smells, the uniqueness of each piece and how it tells a story. Since the day I began my WIYANNA adventure of working with leather and reclaimed materials I feel a sense of freedom. Its as if some primitive force within me was released. I feel that I was meant to design and create functional, aesthetically pleasing items and want to share them with you.

My goal when designing is to create things that will transport you to you to a simpler, less complicated time. I want raw but clean edges, earth inspired color combinations, honest and solid materials, details within function, the blending of dichotomy between simplicity and playfulness.

I believe in designing and creating in accordance with Earth and her inhabitants.

I hope you enjoy my things as much as I enjoy creating them for you.