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 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 reimagine 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. 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 continues to love and support me as we have learned the cancer is back. They don't stop ordering, they don't stop interacting; they wrap their arms around our family and our business.

I am part of a handful of other local small businesses that hold each other up, straighten each other crowns, even if we have similar businesses. That's support. 

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. 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