Check Out Suzie Willyerd’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Suzie Willyerd.

Hi Suzie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My story starts with heartbreak I never saw coming. One ordinary evening while cooking dinner, I got a text that shattered my world: my older brother Boyd, a Marine, had taken his life. In that moment, everything I thought I knew turned upside down.

The days that followed were filled with confusion, sadness, denial, and then a deeper sadness as we said goodbye with a 21-gun salute. As I learned more about what he had faced—the pain, the trauma, the failed support he sought from the VA…I began to understand, but the emptiness never went away. Boyd was strong, he was my only brother, and he was gone too soon.

Through grief, I searched for purpose. I couldn’t change what happened to Boyd, but I could do something in his honor. That’s how Suzie Sews Sunshine was born. I teach sewing and cookie classes and sew aprons, smocks, and handmade gifts as a way to spread light in the middle of so much darkness. Every item I make comes with a hand written tag as a reminder of goodness: the date it was finished and something positive that happened in the world that day.

Most importantly, 100% of proceeds are donated to suicide prevention, specifically Stop Soldier Suicide, because twenty-two veterans die by suicide every single day. My work is about honoring Boyd, supporting other unseen soldiers, and sowing light where it’s needed most.

That is my story. From loss to purpose, from sorrow to sewing sunshine.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has been mostly smooth, but has definitely had a sharp learning curve. Starting a business meant diving into things I had never done before such as licensing, tax requirements, and now the transition and application process for non profit status. Sales have been slower than I had hoped, so I am learning to put myself out there more through social media and by signing up for markets and fairs where I can connect with people face to face.

The sewing itself has been very therapeutic for me, giving me space for reflection and thought. What makes it even more meaningful is that my mom and sisters who live nearby have joined in to help with sewing, product photos, tagging, and fabric cutting. Their support keeps me grounded and reminds me that I really can do this, even when it feels overwhelming.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I pour my heart into creating aprons, smocks, and handmade textiles that are both beautiful and deeply meaningful. What I am most known for is combining thoughtful craftsmanship with a sense of purpose. Many of my aprons feature wide crisscross backs for comfort and I include matching parent and child sets. I provide durable utility styles with leather accents, kids art smocks, and even egg collecting aprons for backyard chicken keepers. I also create upcycled pieces from shower curtains and drapes, giving new life to fabric in ways that are practical and charming.

What sets me apart is the deeper story behind every item. Each piece is finished with the good news tag I mentioned earlier. Sharing positivity and good news helps me sow goodness. I also find the search for good news to be enjoyable and stress releasing.

Sewing is therapeutic for me personally, but it has also become a way to honor my brother. To honor him, all proceeds are donated to suicide prevention, specifically Stop Soldier Suicide. It is this mission, bringing light and hope in the middle of darkness, and helping other families avoid our pain if loss that drives my work and gives it meaning.

I am most proud of how this journey has connected my creativity with my family and my purpose. Because my mom and sisters often join me, the work feels like a shared effort. At the same time, I have learned to step outside my comfort zone by putting myself out there more on social media and at markets, so I can share these creations and the story behind them face to face.

At the heart of it all, my work is about stitching sunshine into everyday life. Whether it is a child painting in an art smock, a parent and child twinning in matching aprons, or someone gifting an upcycled piece with a story, I hope every creation spreads joy while also supporting a cause that matters deeply.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I am a religious person, so a lot of my inspiration and grounding comes from scripture study and listening to uplifting podcasts. That practice helps me center my thoughts and keep perspective as I go about my week.

I also enjoy reading books that teach me new things and challenge me to grow. Two recent favorites have been The 5am Club and Think Faster Talk Smarter. I love learning practical tools that help me improve both personally and professionally.

More than anything, I try to live in a way that reflects my values. I focus on looking at the bright side of things, choosing kindness, and reminding myself daily to judge less and let go of the things I cannot control. These practices also help me in my most important role as a wife and as a mom to four boys, where patience, perspective, and positivity make all the difference.

Pricing:

• Sewing, Quilting, and Royal Frosting Sugar Cookie Classes $40-$125
• Aprons $25-$50
• Children’s Art Smocks $30
• Kitchen Items $10-20
• Holliday Gift Packages $40-$100

Contact Info:

• Website: https://suziesewssunshine.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suziesewssunshine/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577609447598

Image Credits
Photo of Me was taken by Andria May Photography