Veronica Thao

aka “Spa” (she/her) on the trail. I am the artist, designer, nature-lover, and curious wanderer behind WILD DAYZ.

Though I didn't realize it then, my bond with nature started when I was a kid - playing with my five siblings in overgrown fields, urban playscapes and gardens, and pebbly rivers during summer breaks. Here, presence, play, and curiosity took root.

Through WILD DAYZ, I am excited to share this loving energy, and to keep the creative adventure going.

Pictured: Me on my my 2198.4 miles, 168 day Appalachian Trail journey in 2023, exploring the endearing homeland of the Wabanaki (Dawnland Confederacy), specifically the N'Dakina (Abenaki / Abénaquis) peoples, known also as Franconia Ridge.

About WILD DAYZ

Zesty. Fabulous. Whimsical. Fauna. Flora. Funga. Art.

Shaped by wild experiences, meaningful relationships, a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of the natural world, and a profound love of nature nurtured over time, I created WILD DAYZ - my artistic playground - as the embodiment of connection, joy, and living a life full of zest.

Drawing inspiration from fauna, flora and funga found throughout Appalachia and other wild places, I create nature-inspired artwork, and thoughtfully designed pieces and products with responsible action to minimize environmental impacts as possible.

By giving attention to local plants, fungi and wildlife, we celebrate curiosity, adventure, gratitude, stoke, knowledge, creativity, color, and connection – to oneself, to one another, and to the natural world. Thank you for being a part of this.

For the authentic soul in each of us that believes in the magic and zest of days spent in the wild, this is for you.

WILD DAYZ is 100%

  • Artwork created by me. 
  • Inspired by nature, and connection to place, memories, oneself and one another.
  • Committed to creating sustainable and ethical products you can feel fabulously confident in, backed by a business model you can believe in.
    • Hand assembled in small batches in southern Appalachia.
    • Responsibly made using conscious, sustainable materials such as recycled, local Western North Carolina wood, ethically grown wood, and the highest quality non-hypoallergenic stainless steel.
  • Proud to be an Asian Woman-founded small biz!

We Do Dat

Mission

To create environmentally responsible art inspired by the natural world, sparking curiosity, connection, and joy.

Vision

To cultivate a deeper relationship between people and the natural world by encouraging curiosity, exploration, and gratitude for the ecosystems that sustain us.

Let us notice nature more closely, remember the adventures that connect us to place or being, and carry a sense of wonder, respect, responsibility and action for the Earth into our everyday lives.

Pictured: Abundant spring trilliums in Georgia along the Appalachian Trail, taken during my thru-hike.

Values

Creativity

Original artwork inspired by real ecosystems, natural observation, and connection to place, memories, oneself and one another.

Sustainability

Creating thoughtfully and responsibly with intentional care to mitigate environmental impact in all creative and production processes.

Curiosity

Encouraging people to notice, question, and learn from the natural world.

Community

Celebrating shared outdoor interests, passions, experiences, and meaningful human connection.

Stewardship

Respecting and caring for the ecosystems that inspire the work by modeling and promoting environmentally responsible action.

Adventure

Honoring the spirit of exploration, wild experiences, and the joy of days spent outdoors just being.

Gratitude

Recognizing the natural world and our relation with others as sources of beauty, learning, and life itself, and approaching them with appreciation and humility.

Pictured: Spring forest meadow of Phacelia purshii in North Carolina along the Appalachian Trail, taken during my thru-hike.

Pinky Promise High Quality Value

The products and production process are intentionally designed, centering quality, efficiency and minimizing environmental impact. My products center:

  • Natural materials, like wood and paper - not plastic. Wood is ethically grown / locally sourced.
  • Stainless steel - high quality, non-hypoallergenic and durable.
  • Hand painted artwork - non-toxic paint, primarily plant based. Zero-to-low VOC finish.
  • Sourcing - I aim to support local, small businesses whenever possible as financially viable.
  • Zero waste.
  • Shipping - recycled materials whenever possible.
Pictured: Hand painted Azure Bluet earring pieces looking so pretty, made from recycled local North Carolina scrap wood milled by my friends, planed to depth and sanded by me.