Hi my name is Lyia and I am the owner and creator of Shy Chameleon Crafts. I’m in my early 30’s just trying to find my place in the world. I’ve been a crafter nearly all my life and it’s been my dream to own my own shop. The fear of failure held me back for the longest time, but I finally accomplished my dream.
I’ve always had a love of art, colors, clothing and fashion, but it probably all started with my first sewing machine. My grandma taught me how to sew and it’s just grown and evolved from there. My first serious project was a night gown where I had chosen this horrid pink velvet, striped material. Although the project was doomed due to my horrible fabric choice, I had picked up a skill with the machine and had fallen deeply in love with the limitless possibilities attached to creating something from scratch. My grandmother saw this and had purchased me my very own sewing machine for Christmas. My collection has now grown with the addition of a serger, embroidery machine, and a nifty machine with a variety of different seam options and the ability to do buttonholes. Man those buttonholes are a drag to do!
My grandmother isn’t the only one to thank though. My parents have always supported every dream I’ve ever dared to pursue. My mom was always pushing my siblings and I to do crafty things, it became a part of our everyday life. She’d get an idea and we were along for the adventure. She found a way to see art in everything. She saw my passion for jewelry and would take me to bead shows, bought me my first bead kit along with several booklets so I could learn common techniques and several beading tools. Eventually noticed my interest in knitting and crochet and did the same thing, getting me a kit and booklets. She really helped in expanding my knowledge and has always provided me with more ways to creatively express myself.
Then my there’s my father. I couldn’t be more grateful to have someone who knows so little about what goes into one of my projects, yet be so supportive. The number of times I’d walk up to my parents twirling around in a dress I’d spent all day on and without fail he’d compliment my work. That’s really saying something considering he is a man of few words. Speaking of, my dad and I have always connected on a more geeky level with an appreciation for superheros, anime, cons, Star Wars and D&D. It’s thanks to him that every so often you’ll see my inner geek slip out into my work…obviously it will be in a fashionable way.
Then their is my loving husband. Literally during our first date he encouraged me to start my own business and follow my passions. With his support I did just that. It started with Etsy selling handmade face masks…he and I met just before covid, face masks were a big thing! When that phase of the world finally passed, I expanded into handmade bags and accessories. Now I’m working towards designing my own patterns. It’s been quite a journey and I can’t see where we end up in the coming years.
None the less, I have so many people to thank for helping me arrive to the creative, quirky person I am today. My goal with my shop and blog, is to express my odd creations and maybe invoke creativity in others. Everyone starts somewhere, we all just have to take the leap.