Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shy Schettini Johnson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Shy, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?

The legacy I hope to build is one rooted in purpose, resilience, and impact. I want to be remembered as someone who dared to pursue a vision—someone who didn’t wait for the “perfect time” but created opportunities with what was available. My hope is that people will say I inspired others to believe in their ability to build something meaningful, to live more intentionally, and to prioritize what truly matters—family, community, and freedom.

I want to be remembered not just for what I built, but for how I lived—open-hearted, grounded, and driven by a desire to uplift others. If my journey encourages even one person to follow their own path with courage and clarity, then I will feel that I’ve left something truly valuable behind for those I’ve encountered, as well as for my children.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m a multi-passionate creative entrepreneur, digital designer, and the proud owner of Tailormade Memories—a brand built on personalization, purpose, and passion. My journey into this industry began unexpectedly. What started as a quick hobby and creative outlet soon became an escape from what I later realized was depression. Creating gave me a sense of peace, joy, and purpose during a time when I felt lost. That small spark eventually grew into something much bigger—a business rooted in meaning and connection.

Through Tailormade Memories, I offer a wide range of custom and pre-designed products, including personalized apparel, acrylic keepsakes (such as keychains, stroller tags, earrings, and nameplates), memorial stakes, party/event displays, tote bags, mugs, tumblers, and seasonal items like Elf on the Shelf signs. Every piece is crafted with intention—to celebrate life’s moments, honor loved ones, or simply brighten someone’s day.

I also offer creative business consultations, particularly for women who want to present themselves confidently and consistently online. My sessions help entrepreneurs with everything from content calendars and social media strategies to branding and free tools to grow their business. Whether you’re starting out or needing a refresh, I offer tailored support to help you build with clarity and heart.

What sets me apart is not just the variety of products and services I provide—it’s the connection I strive to build with every customer. In a world that often feels transactional, I believe sincere relationships with customers are a lost art, and I truly enjoy building that trust and authenticity with every person I serve. My clients aren’t just buyers—they become part of the Tailormade Memories family.

I’m most proud of how this brand has allowed me to create a life that feels aligned and fulfilling, while also showing my daughters what resilience, creativity, and faith look like in action. As a single mother, I’ve built this business through life’s challenges, and it’s a testament to what’s possible when you lead with purpose.

For those just discovering me, know this: Tailormade Memories is more than a business—it’s a space of connection, creativity, and care. Whether you’re celebrating something big or simply want to feel seen and valued, I’m here to help you create something that truly reflects you.

Do you sell on your site, or do you use a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc?

Yes, I sell on multiple platforms to meet my customers where they are. I currently offer my products on my own website as well as Etsy, and occasionally through pop-up events and social media DMs for custom or local orders.

Etsy was the first platform I used because it’s beginner-friendly and provides built-in traffic, especially for handmade and custom products. It helped me gain visibility, build reviews, and reach customers who were already searching for personalized gifts and custom items. One downside, though, is the increasing fees—listing, transaction, and even advertising fees can eat into your profits. Plus, you’re always at the mercy of Etsy’s algorithm and policy changes.

That’s why I also created my own website—to take control of my brand experience. On my site, I can design the layout, offer exclusive bundles or seasonal items, collect emails for future marketing, and provide a more personalized customer journey. The downside is that I have to drive my own traffic, which means more work on the marketing and visibility side. But the long-term benefits are worth it because I own my customer relationships and have full creative freedom.

I’m also currently working on adding my products to Amazon. While it functions similarly to Etsy in terms of visibility and searchability, the monthly overhead on Amazon is significantly higher. That said, I believe it will help my business reach audiences all over the world—places I couldn’t have imagined reaching before. It’s a bigger investment, but one I see as a strategic step to expand my brand’s global presence.

Using a combination of platforms has worked well for me—Etsy helps me gain exposure, my website builds brand loyalty and customer retention, and Amazon is my next move for growth and scale. Each one has its role, and I’ve learned to use them all with intention.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

When I first started Tailormade Memories, there wasn’t a big loan, investor, or grant behind it. I put the business together with what I had—small savings, a lot of resourcefulness, and faith. I started with just a few tools and supplies, often reinvesting every dollar I made back into the business. At the time, I wasn’t even thinking of it as a full-scale business. It was a creative escape and something that brought me joy during a difficult season in my life.

As things grew, so did the responsibilities—and so did the need for more capital. Like many small business owners, I’m still funding my business today. I’m constantly looking for ways to improve—whether it’s updating my equipment, trying new materials, offering better packaging, or expanding to new platforms like Amazon. All of that requires ongoing investment, even when sales aren’t where I’d like them to be. Unlike major name-brand stores or large corporations, we don’t always have the cushion to fall back on—we build as we go.

There’s a misconception sometimes that small businesses should “just figure it out” or absorb every cost—from custom orders to rushed shipping to unexpected changes. I see it all the time. But the reality is, we carry a lot of the financial responsibility on our own. Still, I do it because I believe in the value of what I offer and the relationships I’ve built through this brand.

My business has grown because of grit, grace, and the belief that small beginnings can still create big impact. And I’m committed to continuing the journey—even if it means wearing all the hats and carrying most of the weight—because every order, every milestone, and every repeat customer makes it worth it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.AllThingsTailormade.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tailormade.memories
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyCreationRm
• Other: https://beacons.ai/tailormade.memories

  https://www.etsy.com/shop/TailormadeMemories?

  https://www.alignable.com/alexandria-va/tailormade-memories

Image Credits

Tailormade.Memories