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

Dakri, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

In a time where people often hide their struggles behind busy lives, Shielded Hearts Clothing Co. rose with a mission that was deeply personal. Founded by an individual with strong ties to law enforcement, the military, and epilepsy awareness, the brand wasn’t just about clothing—it was about honoring resilience and building community.

The founder had seen firsthand what it meant to face battles in silence. From the strength of those in uniform to the challenges faced by individuals living with epilepsy, they knew that everyone carried their own invisible shield. And so, Shielded Hearts Clothing Co. was born, with each design crafted to empower the wearer, to shield their heart while boldly expressing their truth.

Inspired by the courage of those who serve and protect, the brand’s mission extended beyond just fashion. It aimed to raise awareness for epilepsy, a cause close to the founder’s heart, and support the mental well-being of individuals facing both visible and invisible challenges. A portion of every sale was donated to epilepsy awareness and mental health organizations, ensuring that the brand gave back to those who needed it most.

Shielded Hearts Clothing Co. was more than just apparel—it was a symbol of strength, unity, and the understanding that, while everyone may be shielded in some way, no one was ever alone. Each piece carried a story of hope, courage, and the determination to overcome, reflecting the founder’s journey and the community they were passionate about building.

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

I am the owner of Shielded Hearts Clothing Co. . I am a woman driven by faith, family, and a deep sense of purpose. As a devoted Christ follower, I believe in the power of compassion and community, values that serve as the foundation for my brand. My journey is shaped by my roles as a law enforcement mother, a military mother, and the mother of an epilepsy warrior. These experiences have not only influenced my personal life but also the mission of my business.

As a law enforcement mother, I understand the sacrifices made by those who serve and protect. I have witnessed the strength it takes to face danger every day, to carry the weight of responsibility, and to remain steadfast in the face of adversity. My role as a military mother further deepened my respect for service and dedication, as I watch my child step up to protect the nation with courage and resolve.

But perhaps the most personal and profound of my experiences is being the mother of an epilepsy warrior. This journey has taught me about a different kind of strength—one of resilience in the face of a lifelong condition that affects not just my child but the entire family. My fight for epilepsy awareness is deeply personal, and through Shielded Hearts Clothing Co., I seek to raise awareness and support for others navigating similar challenges.

My faith guides my every step, and Shielded Hearts Clothing Co. reflects that belief in spreading love, hope, and strength to others. Through my brand, I aim to build a community that shields one another with empathy and celebrates the courage that comes from overcoming life’s battles, both seen and unseen.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

There was a time when I believed silence was the safest place to hide. It was a lesson I learned early, in moments when words seemed to bring more harm than good, when speaking out only fueled the fire instead of extinguishing it. Silence, I thought, was protection—a shield that could keep me safe from the sting of hurtful words, the weight of judgment, and the pain of rejection. I believed that if I stayed quiet, I could disappear from the chaos, and maybe, just maybe, I wouldn’t be hurt again.

But what I didn’t realize then was that this silence, though meant to shield me, was slowly suffocating me. I learned to mute my voice, to shrink myself into the smallest version of who I was meant to be. I accepted the belief that my feelings didn’t matter, that my needs weren’t important, and that staying quiet was the only way to survive.

It wasn’t until much later that I began to unlearn this lesson. It happened slowly, like peeling away layers of old skin. With each step toward healing, I realized that silence wasn’t my protector—it was my prison. I began to understand that my voice mattered. That I mattered. I didn’t have to hide in the shadows of someone else’s control or fear anymore.

The turning point came when I realized that silence wasn’t keeping me safe; it was keeping me from freedom. I found that speaking up for myself, even in the smallest of ways, was a form of liberation. It was the key to unlocking the chains that had bound me for so long. I didn’t need to disappear to be safe—I needed to stand in my truth, even when it shook me to my core.

Unlearning the lesson of silence took time. I had to remind myself, over and over again, that my voice deserved to be heard, that I had the right to take up space, and that my worth was not dependent on anyone else’s opinion. Slowly, I reclaimed the parts of me that had been lost to years of quiet suffering. And as I found my voice, I realized that it wasn’t weak or broken. It was strong, steady, and powerful.

In the end, I learned that true safety doesn’t come from silence. It comes from knowing your worth, speaking your truth, and surrounding yourself with people who honor that truth. It’s not about hiding from the pain, but about finding the courage to rise above it, stronger than before.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Rebranding from DL Designs to Shielded Hearts Clothing Co. was a transformative journey that reflected both personal growth and a deeper sense of purpose. DL Designs had been a passion project—a creative outlet where designs were crafted with care and attention to detail. But as time passed, it became clear that the brand needed to evolve, to better align with a mission that had grown from life’s experiences.

The shift to Shielded Hearts Clothing Co. wasn’t just a change in name; it was a reflection of a much bigger story. The name itself, “Shielded Hearts,” symbolized protection, resilience, and the idea that strength could be worn, not just in spirit but in everyday life. It represented the belief that while life’s battles might leave scars, they also forge strength—and that strength is something to be celebrated, not hidden.

This rebrand came from a place of personal growth and connection to a deeper cause. The new name embodied the owner’s ties to law enforcement, the military, and epilepsy awareness. It also carried a message of faith, hope, and a sense of community for those walking through their own challenges. The rebrand was a way to channel those experiences into a brand that could touch lives and make a difference.

Shielded Hearts Clothing Co. became more than just a fashion line—it became a movement. Each piece of clothing was now designed with the intention of empowering others, spreading awareness, and fostering a sense of belonging. The rebrand allowed the company to focus not only on creating clothing but on creating conversations and connections that could inspire healing, strength, and support.

It was no longer just about the clothes; it was about the mission. Shielded Hearts Clothing Co. was a declaration that no matter the battle, there is always hope, and through that hope, people can rise with hearts that are shielded and strong.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shieldedheartsclothingco.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shieldedheartsclothingco/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShieldedHeartsClothingCo