Shawna Lee has spent the past few years turning simple T-shirt ideas into gifts for friends and family, a hobby that started during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now she is in her artist era and growing into a small business that she says “can make the whole place shimmer.”

Lee, who operates Lee Lee’s Creations, is starting to sell her designs on a wider scale through Hidden Gems, a local art shop that recently expanded and has helped local artists in the Tri-Lakes area reach new people. Lee’s items are set to debut at the shop’s new location starting Feb. 21, with hopes to expand to the original store in Monument when the opportunity is available.

A familiar face in the community, Lee said she has worked in the Monument area for almost 18 years and feels drawn to the Tri-Lakes small-town culture.

“It’s the kind of town where you’re always running into someone you know,” Lee said.

She said she hopes her products can bring that same friendly connection, the kind of item someone sees and thinks, “oh, my friend would love this, I’ll get it for her the next time I see her!”

Many of her designs lean into pop-culture themes, including shirts inspired by Taylor Swift. Her work currently includes shirts and stickers, and she is also exploring personalized 3D-printed gifts and custom items.

For Lee, the draw of creating is the collaboration and the reactions she gets from her customers.

“I like to see people enjoy things that I helped create,” she said. “I feel like we created something together. We started from nothing and created something that everyone enjoys”

Looking ahead, Lee said she wants to broaden her product line beyond shirts and stickers.

“I want to start making more decorations,” Lee said. “Sentimental decorations and personalized home decor.”

Lee said she does not currently have plans to sell online or place items in additional stores. Though she does take custom orders and can be reached at LeeLeescreations@yahoo.com.

And for other artists considering making the leap, her advice is simple,

“DO IT, JUMP! Take the moment and taste it,” she said. “You’ve got no reason to be afraid!”