Home JOURNAL Globetrotter | Hana Waxman

Globetrotter | Hana Waxman

Hana Waxman, a California-native and Mexico-based designer, mother, and world traveler, has called the charming seaside town of Sayulita her home for seven years. While her full service interior design firm, Hana Waxman Design, specializes in custom residential interiors, this busy globetrotter also runs a cool artisanal boutique and a small hotel. We spoke with this effortlessly laid back beach babe about life on the ocean and in this dreamy little town.

Hana Waxman, a California-native and Mexico-based designer, mother, and world traveler, has called the charming seaside town of Sayulita her home for seven years. While her full service interior design firm, Hana Waxman Design, specializes in custom residential interiors, this busy globetrotter also runs a cool artisanal boutique and a small hotel. We spoke with this effortlessly laid back beach babe about life on the ocean and in this dreamy little town.

All images courtesy of Hana Waxman

How would you describe your personal style?

I like to be comfortable and I love quality basics that have interesting detail, shape, or a pop of color. I like when things look effortless, because I have little interest in fussing about what I wear. I live on the beach, so simplicity is best for me. I tend to gravitate towards timeless, simple pieces that are versatile.

Who, what, or where is the inspiration behind your style?

The places where I travel and people that I meet and surround myself with influence my style. I look to close friends who are much more into fashion than I am. I choose what I love, not what is trendy. Inspiration comes from my travels, the colors of Mexico, healthy whole foods, outdoor living, interior design, and both old and new architecture.

What do you love most about Sayulita? Can you share your top three favorite spots for ?eating, drinking and shopping?

I love the easy sunny lifestyle, the warm ocean, and the fresh tropical fruit. I love to surf with my girlfriends when I make the time and I love the small village atmosphere. There are many talented people in Sayulita and I feel it is here where I have been able to grow into who I am, both workwise and with family. There are a handful of really great shops in Sayulita. My favorite store is Artefakto (my reinvented shop, formerly known as Yemaya). I have since collaborated with a friend to gear the boutique more towards choice authentic Mexican finds from its former bikini days. I love Gypsy Gallery, and R?volucion del Sue?o for its creativity. The Pachamama clan has a wonderful store as well. Purillos fish tacos are delicious, and I love Le Zouave for the jalape?o margaritas.

What is a typical [if there is such a thing] day like in your life on the road or at home?

My typical day consists of many things: I open the doors to the outside, make coffee, answer emails before my husband and boy wake up, get my son ready for school, go to a fitness class or a walk on the beach, and then I actually start my work day. I am always running around like crazy, checking on my interior design projects, writing emails, popping into my store, searching the internet or talking with vendors, designing furniture, picking out fabrics, and meeting with clients. Finally, I make dinner with my family and if there is day light we go for a beachwalk together before bed.

What are your favorite places to travel to and why?

I am a small town girl, but I love big cities. I love New York, Paris, Berlin. I love the little Mediterranean coastal villages where there is fresh fish and beauty everywhere. I like to arrive to a new place, step out the door and start exploring by foot. There is nothing better than a town that is accessible by foot. For me, it is the perfect way to discover hidden gems and to be in the street is where all the life is. I also love driving HWY1 along the Central and Northern California Coast. All of the sights and smells remind me of my past and I feel at home there, even though I have lived away in Mexico now for the last 7 years.

Name three of your favorite shopping destinations anywhere in the world.

Mexico for all of the special indigenous handcrafts and bright colors, New York because shopping is truly endless, and The Medina in Fez Morocco for all the exotic sights and smells.

What is your favorite item you have ever purchased or been given while on a trip?

A gorgeous cotton poncho/huipil from Oaxaca. It is so warm and cozy and will last for this life and many more.

Where do you hope to travel to next?

Bali ? I have never been to that side of the world and I am dying to explore it. I am craving a European visit as well. I just started taking French lessons, so I a trip to France is soon to be in order.