December 1 - December 14, 2020
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Local fashion bag designer creates label that benefits orphans Her brand, KatFaith, donates 6% of its proceeds to organizations that deal with child welfare By Raiza Giorgi
Photo contributed Nakia Zavala is featured on the latest episode of "SYV Stories," a new local podcast about community and purpose in the Santa Ynez Valley.
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anta Ynez Valley local Katherine Hamaker has always had a love for fashion and wanted to create a line that would not only use her creativity, but also help other kids who were orphaned as she was. “I was an orphan at four years old, and I wanted to do something that combined my creative side with helping kids who were just like me and show them being an orphan or adopted is just a part of your story, not what defines you,” Hamaker said. Hamaker grew up in Lompoc after being adopted at age 8. Her dream of going to fashion school was put on hold when she met and married her husband Evan, who is a firefighter, and the two decided to start their own family. Hamaker decided to wait until after her two children were older to pursue a career in fashion. “I started taking business classes through Women’s Economic Ventures in Santa Barbara and wrote my business plan and they connected me with my mentor who helped me navigate the textile industry and get manufacturers,” Hamaker said. After spending several years researching fabrics and designs she started creating her own line KatFaith, which is using Merino wool, a very durable and renewable fabric resistant to water and flame. “This breed of Merino sheep produces the highest quality of wool well-fitted for different clothing materials,” Hamaker said. “Thus, Merino sheep are highly prized, thanks to their
Photos by Jessica Maher Photography "I was an orphan at four years old, and I wanted to do something that combined my creative side with helping kids who were just like me," said Katherine Hamaker, founder of KatFaith.
‘SYV Stories’ features Chumash member Nakia Zavalla Solvang resident Tamara Rowles produces local podcast
The Theia Tote bag from KatFaith.
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Six percent of all KatFaith's proceeds goes to supporting organizations like Hidden Hearts Foundation, which help kids who are orphaned or dealing with child welfare in Tanzania.
fine hair that gives us fluffy wool.” The wool fiber also has a natural waxy coating that repels liquid, which as a mom, Hamaker said, is very “kid friendly” as she finds lots of things her kids put in her purse and sometimes spill or has left stains in other purses
she’s owned. All the handbags are also made in the United States at a shop in Los Angeles, which Hamaker is proud to say because she wanted to be sure all the people working on her handbags were KATFAITH CONTINUED TO PAGE 21
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akia Zavalla can trace her Chumash heritage back to at least six generations. She grew up on the Chumash reservation and learned about Chumash traditions from her grandmother and her parents. Zavalla is featured on the latest episode of “SYV Stories,” a new local podcast about community and purpose in the Santa Ynez Valley. Hosted and produced by Solvang resident Tamara Rowles, each episode features an in-depth interview with a member of the community who has contributed something significant to the valley or has an interesting story to share about its history. Those featured in past episodes range from distinguished resident Allan Jones, Santa Ynez Valley Star Publisher Raiza Giorgi, Third SYV STORIES CONTINUED TO PAGE 21
El Rancho Market Christmas ideas from our fabulous menus
Go to: www.californiafreshmarket.com/recipes/weekly
2886 Mission Drive • Solvang • 805 • 688 • 4300
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