HerStory

Sarah Collins Lawler comes from a family rich in creativity. Her dad is a home builder, and her mom works as an attorney during the day while pursuing her passion for writing at night. Sarah grew up surrounded by musicians, designers, and artists, which ignited her dream of becoming a fashion designer from a young age.

At just 8 years old, she begged her parents for a pair of blue crushed velvet bell bottoms. After some convincing, her parents gave in. When she wore those pants to school, her parents' phone rang off the hook with parents wanting to know where to get them.

Moving forward to high school, Sarah was already running two fashion lines by her senior year. Her talent led her to be admitted to The University of Alabama, where she pursued a degree in Apparel and Textile Design. Her plan was to move to New York City and work for a fashion designer, but life took a different turn.

After a serious boat accident following college graduation, it took two years for Sarah to fully recover. During her recovery, she worked at a multi-line showroom and later joined a well-known clothing brand in Atlanta. Although she eventually moved into a non-fashion role, she never let go of her passion for creativity. And then, in a moment of inspired determination, Tela Mercantile was born.

The Brand

In August 2021, Tela was proudly introduced to the world! Tela, a name derived from the Spanish word for 'fabric,' embodies the essence of this fashion line. The designer's passion revolves around blending unique textiles with the timeless allure of kaftan silhouettes. Tela's mission is crystal clear: to curate exceptional wardrobe additions for all sizes. The ultimate aspiration is for every individual to revel in the sheer delight of feeling and looking absolutely stunning!