unexpected guests: kawa heart studio.

today we're headed to a remote part of australia to visit dee kawai tang of kawa heart studio. you're in for a loving dose of inspiration.

i don’t actually recall how i was introduced online to dee kawai tang of kawa heart studio, but i knew instantly she was a kindred spirit. an artist with a deep soul, an inspiring sense of style, and a beautiful way of looking at the world, dee is a true renaissance woman — a stylist, a writer, and an artistic powerhouse — i’d actually call her a poet of life. she lives in a remote part of australia with her family in a 1940s bungalow they call ‘the lady of california’, and one can definitely pick up on their sunshine state of mind and free-feeling beach vibes.

their story is a bittersweet one but one to be admired and shared. after their first daughter, kawa leaf, tragically passed away in 2017, their beautiful home has been a sanctuary for healing, filled with the love and laughter of kawa leaf’s siblings and a space for true creativity and growth for the entire family — she is very present in their lives in spirit and everything they do. if you’d like to read a moving interview with dee about grief and joy, you can find it here on hello lunch lady, and their companion podcast is here. i’m truly in awe of the grace with which dee has honored the loss of her daughter, and in the way she lives her life with love, openness, and positivity. dee’s story is an inspiring one — let’s get to know the lovely and talented dee kawai tang of @kawaheartstudio, and be sure to follow her on instagram and her new substack dear doris.