As a second-semester senior, Lyla Beamer (‘25) is spending her well-earned free time testing the waters as a business owner. After getting accepted to Wake Forest University Early Decision in December, Lyla decided to turn a hobby into a business. “Sweatshirts by Lyla” stays true to its name as she makes custom college sweatshirts using fun patches and fabrics. These sweatshirts are not your typical college merchandise; they are unique and personalized.

Lyla first came up with the idea in September 2024, but because she was busy submitting college applications, it stayed on the back burner until she was accepted to Wake Forest. A content creator, Britt, started the trend of custom college sweatshirts, selling each one for up to $200 depending on the design. Lyla, on the other hand, sells her sweatshirts at $120 each. This is a steal, considering supplies cost around $65, and each one takes about three and a half to four hours to make. 

Lyla said getting paid makes the business fun, but that was not the original intent. Rather, Lyla’s endeavor in the sewing business stemmed from her love for creative hobbies growing up. Lyla said, “I’ve always had short fascinations with certain things, like making jewelry and bracelets.” 

Similarly, the sweatshirts were a fun side project until they attracted a lot of interest. Lyla created an Instagram account for “Sweatshirts by Lyla” and, soon after, requests for sweatshirts started flowing in. 

Many of Lyla’s friends expressed that their colleges did not have the cutest merchandise. This sparked Lyla’s creativity and desire to be the one who created cute college sweatshirts for her friends. 

With an idea in mind, Lyla then had to execute it. Though Lyla knew how to make a straight line stitch on a sewing machine — a skill she acquired from sewing pillows for the National Charity League — she needed to learn more. Then, one weekend, her grandmother stepped in. “She taught me how to do different stitches and what materials to use,” Lyla explained. With her newfound sewing knowledge, Lyla began her journey as an entrepreneur.

Here is Lyla’s four-step process for making a sweatshirt:

Step one: Check Instagram for messages from clients who would like a sweatshirt.

Step two: A trip to the fabric store — there are so many options! Lyla said choosing between Hobby Lobby or Joanne’s Fabrics is one of the hardest decisions in creating the sweatshirts. Smiling, Lyla said, “Hobby Lobby has better food around, but Joanne’s has better fabric. It’s a debate every single time.” 

Step three: Make the patches. Using different fabrics, Lyla has made various patches, such as her signature megaphone and stars. The patches take the most creativity, as they are custom to the person and their school. For example, Gabby Anderson (‘25), who committed to Northwestern University for soccer, got a soccer ball patch on her sweatshirt. Gabby said, “This patch was such a thoughtful and cute way to personalize my sweatshirt as I will not only be continuing my academic career but also my athletic career at Northwestern!” Lyla said that this part takes her the longest, so she watches shows and listens to audiobooks to pass the time. At the moment, You and Suits are top of her watchlists.

Step four: The vision comes to life! Lyla sews and irons the patches onto the sweatshirt. The placement of patches is key to making a cohesive and fashionable design.

Lyla’s finished products are worn by Bishop’s students and even east-coasters. After seeing her sweatshirts on Instagram, one girl from Maryland and one from New York placed orders. Still, most of Lyla’s clients are friends from Bishop’s, as Sweatshirt by Lyla is a fairly new business. She has also been making her sweatshirts as a fun birthday present for friends. Carmen Morera (‘25) said, “I actually didn’t buy this sweatshirt; it was a birthday gift from Lyla, which was very nice. I love it. It is probably my most worn sweatshirt.”

Lyla hopes to make more sweatshirts with her time before she graduates. Even if you are not going to college, she is also interested in making Bishop’s sweatshirts for those looking for an original design by Lyla.

Committed to college and a fresh business owner, Lyla is going places. Sweatshirts by Lyla goes beyond just a business, but has graced Bishop’s with personalized and unique sweatshirts. Without a doubt, this year’s college sweatshirt day — a Bishop’s tradition when seniors display where they are going to college — will be one of the best ones yet, thanks to Lyla!