Edmee CR Hasler
Contributing writer
For Hannah Butcher, art started as a passion in high school and has since transformed into a growing business. The Salem artist is the owner and CEO of All About You by Hannah B. Designs, specializing in custom hand-painted shoes.
“So I started doing art in high school. I was doing really good in my art class, and I absolutely loved it,” Butcher said. “I did one painting that made it into an art show.” That piece was later purchased by her school principal, a moment that fueled her artistic journey.
Her business idea came from a conversation with her mother. “She said, ‘Why don’t you paint on shoes? Because you love shoes and you love to paint,’” Butcher recalled. “At first, it was kids’ shoes, and then I started doing adult shoes. And I kept going and practicing.”
Launched around 2021, Butcher’s website byhannahbdesigns.com and her Facebook page allow customers to place orders. Each pair is uniquely designed, with clients getting a preview of their options before Butcher brings them to life.
“I make two sketches digitally on my computer, so they can pick one or the other,” she explained. “And if they don’t like them, I can just make a new one. If they want a certain thing on one side of the shoe, I can adjust the design.”
Her artistic inspiration often comes from nature and fantasy. “I love mermaids. I love nature scenes. So anything with nature, I like. But I like mystical things,” she said.
In addition to hand-painting, Butcher incorporates airbrushing into her designs. “It just saves me a lot of time when I airbrush it,” she noted. Pricing varies based on the cost of the shoe, a customization fee, and shipping, with most designs ranging around $100 to $150.
While her business continues to grow, Butcher is also planning for her future. “Right now, I’m hoping to get into an OTA program at Virginia Western,” Butcher said.
Her work has gained recognition beyond individual orders. “I got permission to do Roanoke College shoes,” she said. “That was a big thing. They’re even in the Roanoke College campus store.”
With talent running in the family -both her parents are artistic- Butcher continues to refine her craft. “It’s All About You by Hannah B. Designs,” she said, emphasizing the personal touch that makes each pair of shoes special.
For those interested in a unique, hand-painted design, Butcher’s work is just a click away.
