In the world of fashion and empowerment, Shaylia Thomas, a creative force and cancer survivor, stands out as the founder of SabotageMe. Facing a life crisis led Shaylia to discover her passion for fashion and self-expression, ultimately inspiring her to create a brand that embodies courage, strength, and individuality.
Shaylia’s journey took a pivotal turn when diagnosed with stage three cancer in 2014 during her final year of college. Despite the urgency of her situation, she successfully underwent chemotherapy and graduated in 2015. Unfortunately, a relapse in October of the same year led her to a stem cell transplant and intensive treatment. This challenging period became a catalyst for self-discovery, prompting Shaylia to explore her love for fashion and makeup, transitioning from a self-described tomboy to a fashion entrepreneur.
In 2018, Shaylia officially launched SabotageMe, a brand initially focused on lingerie. The name, she explains, is an oxymoron representing chaos, rebellion, fierceness, and empowerment. It reflects overcoming self-sabotage and embracing one’s strength in the face of adversity. Shaylia’s commitment to body positivity led the brand to pivot to body suits, aiming to desexualize and accentuate the beauty of diverse body types.
Shaylia’s foray into the fashion world began with sharing her style and opinions on YouTube in 2018. Positive responses and messages inspired her to delve into entrepreneurship, creating tutorials and advertisements for various brands. Recognizing her potential, she redirected her focus to her personal brand, culminating in the establishment of SabotageMe.
A graduate of Cazenovia College in upstate New York, Shaylia faced challenges in a predominantly women-focused and less diverse environment. Despite her struggles, she excelled in academics and sports, playing volleyball at the collegiate level. Diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma during this time, Shaylia’s determination to complete her education remained unwavering, shaping her career path in human services.
Shaylia, now a cancer survivor and successful entrepreneur, aims to shift her focus to the backend of her brand. She aspires to enhance media exposure for her brand, embellish her website, and build a collaborative team. Embracing the collaborative spirit, Shaylia seeks to work with new creatives in the days of social media where genuine collaborations are a rarity.
Art remains a core aspect of Shaylia’s journey. Recently showcased in a Chinatown art gallery, her brand fuses fine arts with fashion. Through art exhibitions and live events, Shaylia creates spaces that encourage self-expression, attracting bold and outgoing individuals who resonate with her philosophy.
Shaylia Thomas, the resilient creative, has transformed her adversity into a platform for empowerment and self-expression through SabotageMe. As she takes a step back to focus on the strategic growth of her brand, Shaylia’s journey continues to inspire and empower individuals to embrace their uniqueness in the world of fashion and beyond.
