How Willy West and Windy Waves Began

From one small drawing to a big ocean dream

1965

The Beginning

When Virginia was little, she loved a tiny toy whale so much that it followed her everywhere—even into the bathtub. With her mom’s help, she discovered she loved drawing, and whales quickly became her favorite thing to draw and dream about.

1987

Learning to Draw

One special day, Virginia drew two whales and gave them names that popped right into her heart: Willy West and Windy Waves. From that moment on, The Whales had a story of their own.

1989

Protecting the Whales

Virginia knew her whales were special, so she made sure to protect them and keep them safe. She tucked them away until the right time came to share them.

1993

Learning How to Make Books

As she grew up, Virginia made crafts and even created her very own book. She learned that with patience and practice, she could bring ideas to life all by herself.

2020

Finding the Whales Again

Many years later, Virginia looked at her whale drawings again and felt a happy spark. She learned they were Beluga whales who live near icy waters and snowy mountains—just like in her pictures.

2021

Writing the Whales’ Story

Virginia began writing "The Adventures of Willy West and Windy Waves" and learning everything she could to make their story real. She made a big plan and took small, brave steps to follow her dream.

Sharing the Whales with the World

Virginia plans to make more Whale products in the future and eventually publish her story, "The Adventures of Willy West and Windy Waves."

"Willy West and Windy Waves have been my companions for decades—first as imagination, then as drawings, and now as a living, growing story. Even when they existed only in my mind, they were always with me. I am excited to share my Whales with the world."

- Virginia