I became interested in art at a very young age, and my artwork was featured in an exhibition at age 8. I owe this all to my mom, who introduced me to many crafts and mediums—painting, scrapbooking, drawing, and card making—when I was 5. Throughout my childhood and early adulthood, I was constantly working on creative projects for my family and friends. I even started a jewelry business with my friend in high school. I carried this passion for both art and business into adulthood and became a graphic design major at the University of Georgia in Athens, GA.

During the COVID-19 lockdown, I finally did what I had always dreamed of doing—starting my own business (SydShoStudio), but this time centered around my art and design work. I started out selling resin earrings on Etsy, but quickly began incorporating my whimsical illustrative posters into my inventory. Business took off, and I sold my work in 26 states. When I returned to college post-COVID, I was being reached out to by local stores to be a pop-up vendor. I participated in about 10 pop-ups around Athens. I graduated from UGA in 2021, and soon after, I was contacted by the Classic Center in Athens to exhibit six of my pieces for six months. Around the same time, a local store, Athens Art & Frame, wanted to partner with me to sell my prints in their shop. At this point, I had almost completely transitioned my business to print-related products.

Soon after, I moved to New York City. I started out in NYC working as a personal assistant, then house manager, and finally as a nanny, while also working on my business and other freelance projects. However, I found that these full-time jobs weren’t fulfilling my creative hunger, and I ventured into the world of marketing. I began my current position as Marketing Director for Challenge Island Global, which sparked new creative ideas outside of my 9-5. I started a magazine with a close friend, began partnering with local stores to sell my artwork, and illustrated a children’s book for State of the A. That project inspired me to write and illustrate my own children’s book, combining my experience working with children, my design skills, and my creative ideas. It’s my baby! My children’s book, ABC Daydreams, was published in November 2024 on Amazon and has been sold in many states.

In the future, I’d love to work with more local stores and businesses to sell my artwork, write and illustrate more books, take on more freelance projects, and maybe even teach an art class or two. I’m looking forward to what’s to come!

Pictured: Me in 2008 at the Tapestry Art Exhibit showcase.