From heartbreak to hustle — the story behind The Twisted Hippo.

Hi, I’m Shannon — founder, maker, packer, printer, website developer, technical machine guru and all-around one-woman show behind The Twisted Hippo.

I have 2 boys who are so opposite of one another. A fire cracker redhead, who is almost 10 and my first born, my quiet introvert man child, who lives back in Tennessee making his own path. 

The journey for a business started back in 2015 with a  dream to take our family to Disney. What began as a creative outlet for extra vacation funds grew into something more —  popping up at local markets, and building a loyal community under the name TN Sweet Tee and TN Sweet Pea.

Weekends were filled with festivals and craft fairs, with one or both kids in tow, and a fiancé who worked those early hours helping me set up or handling the kids schedules.  

But like many stories worth telling, mine isn’t a straight line.

While pregnant with our third child in 2019 and still riding the high of our engagement, we received the life-changing news that our son would have Down Syndrome. In that moment, I knew I had to realighn everything—not just grow my little business, but build something sustainable and full of heart that could support our family and give me the flexibility to care for our new baby. That’s when The Twisted Hippo was born. The name? It was a family brainstorm that just stuck—quirky, memorable, and perfectly us.

I leaned into wholesale, invested in professional-grade equipment, and laid the foundation for what would become a joyful, purpose-driven brand rooted in community, creativity, and real-life hustle.

But we received a devasting diagnosis for our son and life as I knew it changed: cystic hygroma with hydrops. His life was in danger. My life was in danger. 

At five months pregnant, we lost our son. With a few many early miscarriages before this lost, I shut down. I was forever changed. 

I stepped back, heartbroken. The business slowed. I struggled to find my footing. Another early miscarriage. And then, just as I began to stand a little again — the world shut down. COVID hit. Our wedding was paused. Another miscarriage. My world literally stopped . . . again. Like many small businesses, mine nearly crumbled under the weight of grief, fear, and endless setbacks.

I cried. I panicked. I nearly quit. I nearly quit . . . life. 

It all felt so heavy. 

As a family, we needed a fresh start. We had family in Louisiana. My born and raised Chalmette fiancé moved this Tennessee born and breed southern girl to Louisiana. And something unexpected happened: I breathed. I healed. And slowly, I began again. The Twisted Hippo was reborn — this time with more resilience, more grit, and a deeper sense of purpose.

Then came another curveball: breast cancer DCIS Stage 0. Three lumpectomies and an upgrade to Stage 1.

We kept the diagnosis private until the day I rang that bell. May 7, 2024. Not because we didn’t need our family — but because I needed space to heal. To focus. I needed to walk this journey in strength and I needed to do it semi - alone with only those who were in my life daily. And I am so thankful for my fiancé's support on this decision. To wait until we had good news to share, instead of more heartbreak.

Five weeks of daily radiation could have stopped everything. But it didn’t. Because this business — and this community — carried me through. The support here in Louisiana is giving, nurturing, and full of heart. That’s what got me through the hard days. And that is what continues to get me through every check up, every physical therapy session and every recovery surgery after.

This community continued to love and support me as we learned was back in August 2025. The community wrapped their arms around our family and our business. They brought us food. They prayed for us. They were silent partners in my journey. 

I know it seems as though my story is sad and full of heartbreak, but heartbreak is what made me the person I am today. Determined. Resilient. Thankful. These twist and turns are part of the business journey.

Today, I run The Twisted Hippo from my garage workshop, armed with a direct-to-garment printer (no sublimation. No transfers), an industrial Thunderlaser, heat pressees, and a whole lot of love. About 90% of what you see is made by me — shirts, acrylics, toppers, gifts, earrings, and more. During the holidays, I also handpick curated pieces that match the style and spirit of the brand — a little extra sparkle to bring the season to life.

This business is personal. And my customers are part of The Twisted Hippo family.

It’s built from heartbreak, held together by resilience, and fueled by creativity, community, and sheer determination.

The brand was built in Tennessee, but it thrives in Louisiana.

Thank you, Louisiana, for welcoming me, supporting me, and making space for The Twisted Hippo in your heart. I’m so grateful to be here.

Love You All!

Shannon