A North Allegheny senior is putting her heart where her needle is.

Patricia Rae Shanahan of Franklin Park is the owner of Heart and Hem, a nonprofit that designs and sells clothes to raise money and awareness for survivors of domestic abuse, with proceeds directly benefiting the Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh.

The story begins when Shanahan, who always loved fashion and putting outfits together, took a fashion and design class at North Allegheny when she was a freshman and learned to sew and create apparel.

The class helped her realize that clothes can have much more meaning than just looking good.

“That experience showed me that fashion, like any art form, makes a statement. For me, it’s about blending different pieces into something cohesive and meaningful,” she said.

With that in mind, Shanahan thought she could start a business to help others.

Her mother, April, admitted her first thought was that her daughter was too busy for such a big endeavor and she told her so.

“I am so glad she didn’t listen,” she said. “Once she got started, she pushed through each obstacle right down to the day before she launched the site, when she realized there was a problem with her drop shipment provider. I am so proud of how committed she has been to making the site a reality,” she said.

It wasn’t always easy.

Shanahan, 18, had no prior experience in business, finance or website creation but taught herself along the way.

“It was difficult, but I grew tremendously through the process, and I am proud to have successfully launched this project after months of hard work,” she said.

It means a lot to her to help victims of domestic violence.

“Women’s issues have also always been close to my heart. Despite progress, women still face deep-rooted discrimination and hardship. Domestic abuse, in particular, is a serious issue I feel passionate about addressing,” she said.

By channeling her love of fashion into something purposeful, she chose to support the Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh through her sales.

“Their work to uplift and protect survivors deeply inspired me, and I knew they would be the right beneficiary for all proceeds from Heart and Hem,” she said.

Nicole Molinaro, president and CEO of the shelter, said they are deeply honored by Shanahan’s generosity and the heart behind her work with Heart and Hem.

“At Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh, we’ve walked alongside women, children and families who are working to rebuild their lives from the destruction of domestic violence with dignity and hope for over 50 years,” Molinaro said.

She said it’s inspiring to see a young person like Shanahan to not only recognize the importance of this issue but also take action in such a meaningful way.

“Her generosity with her time and talent reminds survivors that they are seen, valued and supported by their community. For many of those we serve, contributions like this help provide essential needs like safe shelter, counseling, legal advocacy or even something as simple but powerful as a gift card for basic necessities,” Molinaro said.

She noted the high school senior’s effort is a “message of solidarity and compassion” and “shows survivors that people of all ages care about their journey toward safety and healing and brings hope in a very real way.”

In addition to donating to the shelter, Shanahan is mindful when it comes to making clothes.

“Sustainability is also very important to me. Overproduction leads to waste and harms both people and the environment. To prevent this, I use a program called Printful, which produces and ships each design only when ordered. This ensures high-quality products without unnecessary waste,” she said.

Her designs feature items such as hats, hoodies, totebags and unisex pants and T-shirts, many marked with a torn heart being sewn together.

“I have always loved fashion — it has been my favorite form of self-expression, especially during the uncertainty of being a teenager. I enjoy shopping, planning outfits for the week and putting together unique looks that showcase colors and designs I admire,” she said

Looking ahead, Shanahan plans to study medicine and pursue a career as an obstetrician and gynecologist, with hopes of providing high-quality care, advancing the field and improving treatment options for women.

For details about her clothing company, visit heartandhem.com.

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