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

Gabrielle, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

Delta Designs is proud to have been selected to create the custom bandana for Paws for a Cure, an event benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The event featured a 2-mile pack walk, followed by raffle prizes, local vendors, activities for pets and their owners. Every registered dog received and wore a Delta Designs bandana during the walk—a detail that brings visibility not only to our brand but, more importantly, to this important cause. Collaborating with organizations that share our passion for community impact is at the heart of what we do, and we are honored to contribute to an event that raises awareness and support for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Gabrielle Sikora. I’m 31 years old and live in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I work full-time as a special education teacher, and on the side I run Delta Designs, my pet accessories business that has truly become a passion project.

Growing up, I was always involved in the animal rescue world, which shaped my love for animals and the people who care for them. That connection inspired me to create pet accessories—fun, stylish, and meaningful pieces that celebrate the unique personalities of our pets. I specialize in customized bandanas, often designing my own cotton prints and one-off creations so that each pet can have something truly special.

Part of the Delta Design mission is to help adoptable dogs and cats find their forever homes. We donate bandanas to local rescues in hopes of making adoptable pets more “eye-catching” and increasing their chances of adoption. Through this work, we love sharing their photos and profiles through our social media channels, helping advertise them.

What sets my work apart is that it’s personal and community-driven. Every piece is made with care, and the most rewarding part is seeing a pet proudly wearing something I created. At its heart, my brand is about creativity, connection, and giving back—celebrating the bond between people and their pets while also supporting the larger animal welfare community.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Growing up, I was always involved in the animal rescue world, so when I finally got a place of my own, I knew I wanted to adopt a dog. That’s when Delta came into my life—a pit bull mix I adopted from a shelter in Florida. I instantly fell in love with her. In fact, I canceled my flight home and drove 14 hours back to Pittsburgh just so we could start our new life together.

As I began taking her out and about, I quickly realized that many people were wary of her simply because of her breed. But I knew how sweet and gentle she was, and I wanted others to see that too. So I started sewing bandanas for her to wear—something fun and friendly to help break the ice. Almost immediately, I noticed a shift. People would stop to say hello, ask about her, and offer pets. The bandanas opened the door to conversations not only about Delta, but also about pit bulls in general and the importance of adopting rescue animals.

Two years later, I launched Delta Designs, a pet apparel business that focuses on giving back to animals in my community. My signature product is handmade, reversible, snap-on bandanas for dogs and cats. I now vendor at markets across the Pittsburgh area and bring Delta to as many events as possible so we can continue spreading awareness and love for rescue animals—especially pit bulls like her.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding part of being a creative is the community it’s connected me with. I’ve met so many amazing animal lovers in Pittsburgh and beyond, and I love getting to know people and their pets. But honestly, there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a pet proudly wearing something I’ve created—it’s such a special full-circle moment.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://deltadesignscompany.etsy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delta_designsco?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=eTg1ZW10NDBreGxk
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553724102536&ref=pro_upsell_xav_ig_profile_page_web