About Me
Hi, I’m Shayla! So grateful you’re here.
Growing up along the shores of Lake Superior, I was always very deeply connected to the lands, waters, creatures, and communities that surrounded me. As I grew, I began to learn more and more about growing injustices for this divine planet and humanity… cyclically frustrated with the ‘why’ of it all. My mom would probably tell you that “Shayla always knew she wanted to make a difference in the world…” I had a deeply intuitive pull to help Earth and do better for her in some way- wherever and however I could. When it became time to choose my educational path, I immediately began thinking of ways to combine my natural love for the arts with Earth sciences and media, in a way that could help me create positive change for a living.
My creative professional journey began during my Honours Bachelor in Natural Resources Management, where I specialized in wildlife conservation and sustainable land use. I focused my honours thesis research on plastic pollution and human consumption, where I then identified student behaviours and policy change opportunities for Lakehead University. This research inspired my commitment to continue utilizing design and media as a tool for knowledge-sharing, environmental protection, and long-term systemic change.
Since then, I launched Cetadora full-time in 2023, and proudly led communications, project coordination, and design systems for the University of Victoria’s POLIS Wildfire Resilience Project, University of British Columbia, Gonzaga University, Integrated Operations Group, New York Fashion Week, North Island College, and many more. Over the last five years, my work has spanned government-influencing research reports, branding systems, merch design, marketing campaigns, and videography for change-makers across the world.
When I’m not designing, I’m likely oceanside with my journal, at the gym, reading, grounding, or spending time with the people that I love!
What is Cetadora?
Pronounced: seta-dohr-ah
Cetadora is a multi-disciplinary design studio crafting visual tools for change-makers, creatives, healers, researchers, and industries building a better future.
From brand identity and web design to data visualization, campaign graphics, social media, and apparel, I design with heart, intention, and channeled intuition. Every output is created to help you clearly communicate your mission, expand your impact, and re-align with your greatest potential.
Cetadora’s visual language is rooted in Earth-based imagery, sacred geometry, mysticism, grounding colour palettes, and clean, contemporary typography: styles that reflect my authentic self, my values, and the kind of world I want to help co-create.
This studio exists as a portal for unity, collaboration, and collective empowerment. Through our combined works, may we continue to support positive change, meaningful connection, and a stronger relationship with Gaia.
What does the name Cetadora mean? How did it come about?
I created the name after brain-storming words that could encompass both my feminine-spiritual nature, and deep love for the Earth.
I began thinking about Latin (the language used for naming all plants and animals) and explored some of its root words, and began thinking on what I could create from that.
“Ceta-”, or Cetacean, is the Latin order of aquatic mammals (such as whales, dolphins, or porpoises— orcas being my favourite species). I later found the root word ”-dora” meant “gift”, and I’ve always seen my art and passion for making a difference in the world as a gift.
Combined, I made Cetadora, a beautifully unique and intentional name that translates to the gift of the whales. 🤍