The Crowned Couture story began in 1999 in Ochos Rios, Jamaica. While on her honeymoon, Shandra Blackwell was sporting her sorority t-shirt. Returning to the pool, she was stopped by a Jamaican woman. If you know Shandra, you know she's really outgoing, but if you just meet her and start talking crazy, she's going to think you are nuts. And this was the case here.  

This really sweet Jamaican woman asked her why she was wearing a 5 point crown on her shirt.  After explaining the crown was a sorority symbol and she couldn't just put 4 points on it, the woman piped up and told her she needed to take it off because that wasnt her *aura*.  Perplexed, Shandra - who is called Shea by her friends - was curious and asked what her *aura* was. 

The woman went on to tell Shea a 4 point crown was her calling because her *aura* spoke to her about 4 things that would eventually direct Shea to her calling of creativity. The woman explained that Shea had a sense about her that was about remembering the past and directing her future.  So the four points on her *true crown* would stand for * yesterday . today . tomorrow . forever *

Um. Ok. 

Fast forward to 2007. While on bedrest during her second pregnancy, Shea and her husband were celebrating their wedding anniversary remembering their time in Jamaica.  The next morning Shea started drawing clothes for her new little bundle who would be arriving soon.  A month after their little girl arrived, the first piece of *Crowned Couture Clothing* was made. A logo was designed featuring a 4 point crown and all of the crazy thoughts about her unusual conversation in Jamaica made total sense. 

And here we are today. One of the newest and brightest fashion designers for children, Shandra Blackwell, is a designing *diva* of sorts.  Shandra is a widely published interior designer, firm owner, and has been featured on HGTV's Generation Renovation for her design work in clients' private residences.  Shandra also has been on a speaking circuit and published in several coffee table books in three countries, focusing on her amazing creations for celebrity childrens' spaces. Coupled with a successful photography hobby, Shandra Blackwell is now being sought out to design clothing for parents who want fun, youthful and yet age appropriate clothing for their children. 

As her daughter grew older, and Shea's imagination went crazy, so did her friends.  Shandra started receiving calls with requests for her to make clothing like her daughter's or to create something special.  Shandra has always designed with multiple fabrics and is a believer in ruffles, lightweight materials for staple items, and comfort.  Another thing about Crowned Couture you will come to love, is the longevity of the items.  They are generously cut and suddenly dresses turn into tops when they become too small, long pants become capris, and when it gets hot? Forget about wearing a shirt under one of the tie top dresses - instant summer wardrobe. 

Irritated that most businesses farm out their sewing work overseas, Shandra sought out artisans around the country to help her complete a full line under her artistic direction.  Baby blankets and artistic bows from California, embroidery from a dad who started his own business in Tennessee, logo wear printing from a mom in Tennessee, swimwear coming in 2011 from a mom in Florida, etc.

There will be many more items to come. As Crowned Couture grows into a household name, the demand for the super cute creations coming from this amazing business structure who proudly claims Made in the U.S.A.