Dwayna Mayler celebrating Jamaica, one tote at a time

Dwayna Mayler is wearing her patriotism on her sleeve – or, more accurately, over her shoulder. Rooted in national pride, the designer has created celebratory totes that arrive in time for Jamaica’s Independence festivities while remaining stylish enough to be carried long after the celebrations have ended.

Her featured collection, titled Destination, showcases the nation’s natural beauty through prints inspired by the sun-soaked beaches, tropical florals, and, as the name suggests, iconic destinations.

“Jamaica has such a vibrant culture that deserves to be celebrated in everyday fashion. I wanted to move beyond the typical souvenirs and create pieces that Jamaicans are proud to carry and that visitors would love to take home,” she told Living. “Every print is thoughtfully chosen to reflect the location that inspired the particular bag.”

Additionally, her Market Laughs collection captures the humour and unforgettable personalities found in the market and incorporates familiar phrases, bold colours, and Jamaican-inspired elements that instantly make people smile.

“What makes the Market Laughs collection even more unique is that every bag is reversible, giving customers the option to wear the vibrant Jamaican-inspired printed side or flip it to the classic canvas side, depending on their mood,” she explained. That same versatility is evident with Destination as well.

Her journey into designing tote bags began back in 2019 after the country’s ban on single-use plastic bags went into effect. She, along with her siblings, launched the brand Thr3 Sistaz to provide sleek reusable tote bags that were both stylish and practical.

The business took a break, giving way to her own brand to emerge on the scene in 2021. “Two years ago, I officially introduced tote bags under Dwayna’s Designs. But I wanted my bags to do more than carry belongings. I wanted customers to walk with stories that celebrate Jamaican culture, personality, and creativity right on their arms.

After launching the two collections this year, Mayler said the reception has been phenomenal. “People are incredibly encouraging. They immediately connect with the Jamaican sayings in the Market Laughs Collection. While the Destination Collection has received wonderful feedback for its vibrant colours and premium finishes. One of the most rewarding moments has been seeing people smile when they recognise a familiar phrase or instantly connect with a destination-inspired design.”

As a firm believer that a good design ought to outlive trends, Mayler pays attention to what’s current. But that doesn’t mean her designs are driven only by trends. She starts her creative process with a timeless tote silhouette and then adds meaningful prints, colours and inspired details of her beloved home.

The tote bags, as a result, feel fresh and fashionable for everyday wear. “I even designed a signature woven label featuring the Jamaican flag exclusively for my tote collections to reinforce Dwayna’s Designs as a proud Jamaican brand.”

Her favourite tote is the Portland Cottage tote bag from the Destination Collection. “That design is especially meaningful to me because it was inspired by a trip that became a life-changing experience. Every time I see that bag, it reminds me of that journey, so it holds a special place in my heart. Funny enough, it’s also my most requested bag. I think people are drawn to its timeless design and coastal feel, which makes it just as special to them as it is to me.”

As Dwayna’s Designs continues to grow, she hopes to expand beyond family, friends and word-of-mouth referrals through pop-up events and social media platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp, so that more people can discover her collections.

“I want Dwayna’s Designs to become a recognised Jamaican lifestyle brand that celebrates our culture through thoughtfully designed, high-quality products. While tote bags are where the journey began, my vision is to expand into travel accessories, home décor, gift collections and other lifestyle products inspired by Jamaica. And I’d love to see Dwayna’s Designs represented in hotels, airports, museums, and gift shops across the island, and eventually on the international market, sharing a piece of Jamaica with the world,” the entrepreneur shared.

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com