From Dog Shows to Resin Art (With Some Epic Plot Twists Along the Way)

Ever meet someone whose life story sounds like they collected interesting chapters just to see what would happen next? That’s Dawn. At 55, she’s embracing her “cronehood” with the wisdom that comes from surviving cancer, conquering chronic pain, and figuring out that sometimes the most winding path leads exactly where you’re supposed to be.

A Childhood Built on Weekends and Dog Shows

Our story starts, AFTER the wildest terrible twos ever, in 1972 when her parents bought their first purebred Siberian Huskies. By age 8, while her sisters chose a cat and Smooth Fox Terriers, Dawn picked Dachshunds (because apparently even at 8, she knew she liked her dogs long and low). Weekends meant dog shows, which taught her early that perfection is in the details — a lesson that serves her well in business today.

Those dog show roots run deep: her sister Lennah now breeds whippets (hello, Smudge & Fuega!), while their mother continues as a preservation breeder of American Foxhounds. Sometimes family traditions evolve into exactly what you need.

The Plot Twist That Changed Everything

In 2010, Dawn met Sar and moved in within a month. (When you know, you know, right?) Then 2011 brought the kind of year nobody asks for: a cancer diagnosis discovered during a biopsy that literally cut a tumor in half. Lucky enough to skip chemo and radiation, but her body had other plans — chronic migraines and back pain that sidelined her for nearly 15 years.

But here’s the thing about Dawn: she doesn’t stay down.

From Resin Dreams to Business Reality

While healing, Dawn dove into resin work, hoping to create both functional blanks and standalone art. The art part? Well, let’s just say she sold exactly four pieces to non-family members in five years. (We’ve all been there.) But those blanks? Pure magic.

Now Dawn focuses her energy where it counts most: keeping Sarkanys Rising running like the well-oiled machine it is. She handles the books, updates the website, manages social media, and when the budget allows, creates those gorgeous resin blanks that Sar transforms into functional art.

The Heart Behind the Business

Dawn brings that dog show attention to detail to everything she touches — from managing customer communications to ensuring every online order gets the personal touch. Her background in executive assistance, retail, and even dog show photography (thanks, sister Lennah!) created the perfect skill set for running a handcrafted business.

She still doesn’t love people much (social anxiety is real), but she’s found her sweet spot: connecting with customers who appreciate authentic craftsmanship and the stories behind each piece.

Slowly But Surely, Living Life Again

These days, Dawn is migraine-free and pain-free for the first time in years. She’s rediscovering the joy of creating, managing, and being part of something beautiful. Every resin blank she pours becomes part of a one-of-a-kind piece, and every customer interaction helps build the Sarkanys Rising family.

Want to see what happens when Dawn’s resin artistry meets Sar’s woodworking magic?

Browse Our Hybrid Collection →

Because sometimes the most beautiful things come from the most unexpected collaborations.

Meet Dawn – The Office Witch Who Makes Everything Happen