Welcome to Shay Sweatt Designs—my creative corner of the internet! I’m Shayla Sweatt, and this blog marks the beginning of an exciting journey where I share who I am, what I do, and why I’m passionate about it.

For years, I was a creative spirit trapped in the corporate grind, working a steady 9-to-5. While I dabbled in various hobbies, none ever blossomed into a “side hustle.” They were simply joyful escapes. Then came 2021’s Great Resignation, and all my favorite colleagues left to pursue their passions full-time. Watching them step boldly into their dreams left me questioning my path. I knew I needed better work-life balance and professional fulfillment, but leaving the comfort of a steady paycheck was daunting.

As uncertainty set in, I turned to art. I began taking drawing and painting classes at my local library, and that creative outlet became transformative. Art grounded me, bringing clarity and purpose to my life. What started as a hobby ignited into a true passion. But could I turn that passion into a career? Would anyone want to buy my work?

One day, during a typical ADHD-fueled deep dive, I stumbled upon Spoonflower—a platform where artists can sell their patterns as fabric designs. That discovery sparked an idea: How could I contribute value to Spoonflower and the incredible creators who rely on it?

I revisited my roots in fashion design, where my very first lesson was that fabric is the foundation of a great garment, and a well-crafted pattern can elevate a design from good to extraordinary. Traditionally, skilled artisans designed these patterns by hand, but today’s technology allows for digital printing. The question became: Can digital fabric patterns be as thoughtful and inspiring as hand-designed ones?

The answer was a resounding yes. That’s why I created Shay Sweatt Designs. My mission is to blend current fashion and interior design trends with hand-painted and hand-drawn patterns. Through my designs, you’ll experience the artistry of handcrafted quality paired with the accessibility of print-on-demand.

This blog will be your window into my creative process, filled with tips and tricks to personalize my patterns and make them your own. I’ll also showcase other incredible artists, creators, and makers who use my designs to bring their projects to life.

I’m thrilled to share this journey with you—leaping from corporate life into building Shay Sweatt Designs, a small business focused on creating fabric, wallpaper, home décor, lifestyle products, and gifts. Thank you for joining me as I take this bold step toward a more fulfilling and creative life.

Let’s create something beautiful together! https://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/shaysweattdesigns