I started Daylin Skye Designs because I was searching for a way to survive my father's passing from cancer.
His name was Gary, and he was totally and completely my hero.
He was the kind of man who showed up fully for everything he did, not because anyone was watching, but because that was simply who he was. That principle, do your best even when no one is watching, is sewn into every single piece I make.
In 2011, I bought an iPad, something my dad would have normally bought me, as we shared a love of gadgets and electronics. Having spent all my money on my iPad, I wanted a way to carry it beautifully. But I couldn't find anything that was the right fit, so I decided to make something myself. How hard could it be? (famous last words!)
I am Amber, the founder and sole maker behind Daylin Skye Designs, based in North San Diego. Every bag, pouch, and accessory that leaves my studio is made by my hands, start to finish.
I am the daughter of an incredible man who worked hard and loved harder. A 6-foot-2 green-eyed Irishman who loved the Hispanic community, rode motorcycles, built things with his hands, and spoke more Spanish than my mom, who is Spanish. Together they gave me something I carry into everything I make, a deep love of culture, of beauty, and of doing things with your whole heart.
And then there is my mom. I would not have a business without her belief in what I do. She is my biggest champion, my most loyal promoter, and my self-appointed Head of Marketing. She carries a Daylin Skye bag everywhere she goes, and if she sees a stranger with a bag she admires, she will walk right up to them, show them hers, and hand them my business card. She has been known to offer a mama's discount on the spot.
I could not make up a better marketing team if I tried.
Daylin Skye is for the person who wants something that means something. Not chasing logos. Not interested in fast fashion or mass production. People who value craft, community, and authentic stories about the humans that make small businesses great.
Fourteen years in (almost fifteen), every piece still gets the same attention as the first one. Because my dad taught me that is the only way to do it.
Thank you for being here. It means more than you know.
Rexy was my soul dog. Long haired, red, and completely irreplaceable. He went by Rex, Sexy Rexy, Rexadoodle, and Rexipexy, depending on the day. During the hardest seasons of my life he refused to leave my side, not even to eat or go to the bathroom. He made me a better person. Every single piece I make carries a little bit of him in it. Forever missed, never forgotten.
Dude is Rexy's son, named after the Beatles song Hey Jude. Do not let his small size fool you. He is firmly in charge and he knows it. He grumbles at me until I pick him up, refuses to go inside if he thinks I am leaving without him, and has perfected the art of looking absolutely distinguished while being completely and utterly spoiled. The tiniest gentleman I have ever met.
Tino is Dude's son, which makes him Rexy's grandson, and he takes his role as protector of this operation very seriously. He is the fastest dachshund I have ever seen, jaunty and fierce, and he knows the sound of every single car that comes down the street. Delivery truck? He is already barking. His bark has startled me more times than I care to admit. He has also, on one occasion, been outsmarted by a miniature toy poodle. We do not talk about that.
Rocky is Rexy's son and his namesake, which means he had a lot to live up to. He did not disappoint. The man has a flowing mane that would make a shampoo commercial jealous. He came to live with me after Rexy passed, and I think that was not an accident. He is curious, beautiful, and completely aware of both. We do not hate him for it. We cannot.
