We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Darrieya Sha a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Darrieya thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I taught myself majority of my sewing skills. I did simple trial and error and I knew that I wanted great quality items. My granny passed away in 2006 and all her sewing items were passed down to me. I started by teaching myself how to hand sew with all the thread and fabric I had. I also repurposed old clothes or hand me downs. Stuff that was too big or ugly. Lol I made it new and different. From distressing to stitching my name on denim shorts and making bows for my hair. I always loved something being in my hair. Since I’m so plain with my hair colors, the bows and headbands spruce it up and stand out! I didn’t start sewing on a machine until college in 2015. I only had two classes though so I picked at two of my teachers brains about what I was making outside of class. After that, trial and error again. Looking up videos and tutorials and switching them up to make it. I also asked people to give me different projects so I can practice. From outfits to bedazzled shoes and chain purses. I did it.

To speed up my learning, I could’ve started sewing on the machine much earlier. I always said “when I’m college this and that” but I didn’t have to wait that long. My mom bought my first machine long before college. I was just scared.

The most essential skills are the basics of fabric knowledge (knits and wovens, what fabrics work well/wash well together), thread types, wash instructions (follow the fabric roll when you buy it), and the basics of patterns/manipulating patterns or making them. Everything can pretty much be googled nowadays but if you’re not that good at that. Get someone to teach you the basics and keep doing it until you’re satisfied, it looks good and holds up well. If it’s falling a part, you didn’t do something right or you missed a step.

Finances definitely stood in the way of me learning more or doing more. Also, just listening to other people. Feeling discouraged by people who didn’t even do what I did/do. It took years for me to not listen to other people insecurities/fears but listen to my own intuition and take a chance on me.

Darrieya, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Darrieya Sha! I am a creative seamstress of hair accessories. I specialize in luxury bonnets, durags, hair bows, and headbands. I make other accessories too like bucket hats and purses. I create outfits when my talent and time is appreciated.

My gift of sewing was passed down from my Granny, Hazel. I use to create things with her when I was a kid and she always said I would be a designer. She was right! I had an eye for creativity and being the boss. When she passed away in 2006, all of her items were passed down to me. I didn’t have a fair recollection of me making Barbie clothes out of her scraps while she was sewing but that’s what everyone said I did. It made sense. I taught myself the basics and kept creating through trial and error. I started sewing by machine in college in 2015. I majored in Fashion Merchandising and received my Bachelor’s. I only had two sewing classes and immediately after my first one, I started sewing at home. Hands down, my favorite class from college. Most people couldn’t stand it but it was the happiest place for me. Most things I sewed was ugly as hell but it was a creation. Lol it was cute at the time and I got A’s so that’s what mattered.

The problem I solve for my clients is basic cost per wear. It’s going to seem pricey right now but my bonnets are guaranteed to last minimum a year with proper care and wash, it stays on all night and it comes with a warranty band replacement. The quality is top notch and no matter how similar another bonnet is, it’s not exactly like mine. My scrap Bonnets are one of my core projects because it promotes sustainability. Sustainability was one of the first things I learned about in college about how many textiles we put into landfills every year. We’re also in a fast fashion era with throwaway, synthetic fiber clothes. So now? The clothes are in landfills and cannot break down into the soil. To make scrap bonnets is to utilize the fabric scraps I have leftover and create a one of a kind creation/new piece of fabric. It’s amazing. I’m most proud of that.

I’m also proud of continuing to find clients in a new state. Making my mark and continuing to prosper. My business isn’t where I want it to be but I’m still pushing to make it there and keep going beyond. I’m proud of myself for continuing to push. My target market: those who appreciate luxury, quality and longevity of products and will fund the expenses up front versus continuing to buy the lesser brand multiple times, hurting their pockets and the environment.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I am striving to have repetitive clientele. For people to know my name and logo when they see it. And to be successful as I define it. Continuous orders and innovation with growth in my business and the world. I don’t need/want to be famous, I want my work to speak for itself.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

In 2020, I had a car accident in the middle of the night. Some girls found me on the side of the road and helped me get out of my car, grab my things and call my parents to come find me. It was raining super bad (hateee the rain) and I walked out with barely a scratch on me. It wasn’t a deathly car crash the front was smashed and the airbags imploded. It definitely could’ve been. It was a wake up call for the crazy situations I put myself in around the time. It was all a signal of who did I have? I felt so alone that day but I’m forever grateful that those ladies helped me. Regardless of what their intentions were. I was safe enough. That day made me feel like everything came crashing down. I had my new car, less than 6 months but financially, I was doing very well. I had a new car in a couple weeks. That’s how I knew it was a wake up call and a lesson. It wasn’t meant to set me back financially, it was to show me that I was bigger than everything I was doing. And to keep betting on me because when it all boils down. I have me. I have to trust myself. That gave me the ultimate boost to change my circle and change my views of a lot. It took time but it was progression.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/fourmoons_sdph?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FourMoonsCustoms?mibextid=ZbWKwL

Image Credits
All pictures taken by Darrieya Sha!