Aloha!
And Congratulations on beginning your journey to Tiki Enlightenment! I’m Miss Holly Dawn, your friendly neighborhood pin-up model, co-founder of the San Diego Tiki Ladies, and 2023’s Mx Tiki Oasis 2nd Runner Up!
For a long time, I had been deep into the alternative scenes - loving anything out of the norm. I finally began my exploration into the Tiki Bar World after a friend casually said “Hey, you should check out this bar.” From that moment, everything changed. I became obsessed with Polynesian Pop, searching high and low for like-minded friends, buying up everything that I could find in the antique malls, and making it my mission to visit as many bars as I possibly could. As of 8/6/2024, I've been to 63 tiki bars around the world! I had no idea why I was so captivated by this world. That is, until I met you all!
I realized that the obsession grew from the love and passion of a community that has kept this culture alive! Which brings me to this book. A few years ago, while struggling to find the perfect Christmas gift for my mom, I had an idea! A book that her and her hubby could flip through, and jot down all their favorite memories and drinks! So, I started researching every Tiki Bar online, visiting in person, and even asking friends for recommendations on the best bars in their states.
After 18 months, and many, many hours of Excel, Photoshop, and Mai Tais, the book was complete. Unfortunately for me, I was not with my mom when she opened her present, but her shouts of joy and awe over FaceTime really made it worthwhile. After she flipped through the first edition, and pointed out the typos (thanks, mom), she insisted that I share this with the Tiki Ohana. I now hope to share that excitement with you. So, here we are!
-Miss Holly Dawn
My Non-Tiki Story
Aside from my obsession within the Polynesian Pop world, I've been a professional entertainer for 15 years! A professional singer, dancer, and actor, I've traveled the world touring in musicals and immersive experiences, with bands, and other performance troupes. I have continuously gravitated to vintage-style shows such as the Acey Deucey Club, Patsy Cline concerts, and 50s Rock n Roll bands, but can been found singing a modern tune here and there.
My entertainment life has taught me tips and tricks for vintage hairstyling and how to make them last through the toughest weather. Those interested can now take classes from me where I divulge my deepest, darkest secrets on how to achieve these styles easily!
And finally, a well-rounded woman needs at least one more skill, and for me, that's graphic art and video creation. If you snag a copy of my book, all the digital art you see was created by me! Now go and enjoy your journey to Tiki Enlightenment!
