Meet Hannah Dilday | Owner, Traditions Silhouette Co.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hannah Dilday and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hannah, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I have always had a love and appreciation for silhouettes but it wasn’t until shortly after college that my first silhouette was born. I needed artwork to furnish the walls of my new home and a silhouette painting of my dog was the perfect fit. The piece quickly became my favorite in the house. It was timeless and classic yet personal and meaningful. Friends would always ask about it when they came over so I started making them for gifts here and there.

My obsession for silhouettes grew even deeper after I started having kids. I have three young girls and at any moment in time at least one of them was being carried on my hip. I would stare at their faces as I held them and have gotten to know their every look and emotion from their profile view.

It wasn’t until a few Christmases ago that Traditions Silhouette Co. became official. What started as a few friends ordering ornaments has grown into selling out within a few hours of restocking. I have had the best time capturing so many special sentimental memories and moments. No matter how many silhouettes I create, each one becomes personal to me.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
One of the hardest things going into this profession was self doubt. I remember when I just got started I wouldn’t even give myself credit for being an artist. One of my biggest inhibiters of initial success was being my own harshest critic. There always seemed to be the thought of someone else doing the same thing as me, or being more successful than me. I’ve learned along the way that those things may be true but there will only always be one me. I am the only one who looks at things the way I do and am able to create the way I do. As long as I stay true to myself and my style, there is no comparison to the artist the I am!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
This is such a fun question! I am from here so I love to look at Raleigh through the eyes of a visitor. We’d definitely spend the mornings eating Michael’s English Muffins (my mouth is watering just thinking about it). Then we’d venture around outside- maybe the art museum, Shelly Lake, or our local state park, Umstead. Lunch would be outside, too. Sola is our go to on a nice day but there are so many great local places! Zest is another go to for eating and shopping. We’d definitely stop by my favorite, Monkee’s of Raleigh at least once, too!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I started this business while I was a stay at home mom to a 2, 3, and 4 year old. When they say “it takes a village”, I mean…it takes a village and then some!

I am so lucky to have the best support system there ever was. There is absolutely no way I could do any of this without them! My husband is an absolute saint and my biggest cheer leader. His patience and willingness to always do what is needed has been vital in my success.

My parents and in laws have also been such a huge part of where I am today. They have watched kids, helped package, done supply runs, and everything in between. I have the most amazing friends, too! They don’t miss an opportunity to shout me out on social media, come help whenever is needed, and constantly cheer me on.

And of course, my girlies! Nothing makes me more appreciative than seeing how proud they are of me. I want them to know they can accomplish anything they put the time, effort, and passion into.

More so than anything though, I am a woman of faith and know none of this would be possible in the slightest without it! During the 16+ hour days for weeks at a time or the steepness nights of my busiest season, that is what keeps my heart and head focused, driven, and gracious. For all of this is possible through Him.

Website: traditionssilhouetteco.com

Instagram: @traditionssilhouetteco

Image Credits
Danielle Pressley Photography