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.

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

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

While pregnant with our third child in 2019 and the joy of our engagement intertwined, we received news our son would have Down Syndrome. We knew then I needed to reimagine my business — not just to grow it professionally, but to create something sustainable that would allow me to care for our new baby and his needs while taken some of the financial burden off my fiancé. I leaned hard into wholesale, investing in  professional-grade gear that could help me streamline production without sacrificing heart. I also wanted quality products, not just a hobby production. I wanted shirts to feel comfy with largely known brands like Bella & Canvas and Comfort Colors. Not brands you ran to hobby stores to collect. I wanted out-grown shirts to be handed down, still in vibrant, good condition. I wanted a brand.

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. We had so many early miscarriages before that, I shut down not knowing if I would ever recover. I was forever changed. 

I stepped back, heartbroken. The business slowed. I struggled to find my footing. More early miscarriages. And then, just as I began to stand a little again — the world shut down. COVID hit. Our wedding was paused. 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. 

And honestly? I didn’t feel like I had anyone to lean on.

My mom — my person — passed away in 2011. She would’ve been the one I turned to during all of this. The one who would’ve reminded me to keep going, even when I felt like I couldn’t. Her absence made the weight of everything that much heavier.

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. 

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. 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. 

Today, I run The Twisted Hippo from my garage workshop, armed with a direct-to-garment printer, an industrial Thunderlaser, heat presses, 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.
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.