Meet Dakri Lukowski

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dakri Lukowski. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Dakri, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

Finding My Purpose Through Shielded Hearts Clothing Co.
Life has a way of shaping us through experiences, challenges, and the people we love. For me, my journey to finding my purpose wasn’t a straight path—it was carved through faith, resilience, and the roles that define me: a military mom, a law enforcement mom, an epilepsy mom, and above all, a Christ follower. Shielded Hearts Clothing Co. wasn’t just a business idea; it was a calling, one that came in the midst of life’s biggest transitions.

A Leap of Faith
After my divorce, I took what felt like the biggest leap of my life, moving to Tennessee and stepping into the unknown. It was terrifying and freeing all at once. But through it all, God reminded me that He had a plan. I wasn’t just starting over—I was stepping into something greater than myself. Shielded Hearts became more than just a clothing brand; it became a symbol of faith, strength, and unwavering love for those who serve, those who fight battles unseen, and those who need a reminder that they are never alone.

The Heart Behind the Brand
Being a military mom and law enforcement mom, I know firsthand the weight of sacrifice. The long nights, the prayers whispered into the quiet, the fear that tries to creep in—but also the immense pride. My children’s service to this country and their communities has shaped me into the woman I am today. They are my heroes, and I wanted to create something that reflected that deep respect for those who wear the uniform, whether in combat boots or a badge.

Then there’s the battle closer to home—being an epilepsy mom. Watching my child navigate life with epilepsy has taught me the meaning of true strength. It’s not just about the seizures, the doctor visits, or the constant worry. It’s about resilience, about standing firm in faith even when the storm rages. My child’s fight became my inspiration, pushing me to create something that speaks to warriors of all kinds.

Faith as My Foundation
Through all of this, my faith has been my anchor. I am a child of God before anything else, and Shielded Hearts Clothing Co. is a reflection of that truth. I wanted to build something that honors faith, family, and the courage to keep going even when the road is tough. Every design, every message, and every product carries a deeper meaning—one of protection, purpose, and unwavering belief that God’s plan is always greater than our fears.

More Than a Brand—A Mission
Shielded Hearts isn’t just clothing. It’s a message. It’s a reminder to those who serve, those who battle, and those who hold onto faith that they are not alone. It’s my way of honoring my journey, my family, and the purpose God placed on my heart.

Starting this brand wasn’t just about business. It was about finding my voice, my mission, and my purpose in a world that often feels chaotic. It’s about standing tall as a proud military mom, law enforcement mom, epilepsy mom, and most importantly, as a woman of faith.

I don’t know where this journey will take me, but I do know one thing: I’m walking it with God, and that’s all the certainty I need.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

At Shielded Hearts Clothing Co., I’m passionate about creating meaningful, stylish apparel that speaks to the heart. As the owner and designer, I pour my heart and soul into each piece, making sure it’s not just clothing, but a message of strength, faith, and resilience. Being a mother of both military and law enforcement children, as well as an epilepsy warrior mom, has shaped this brand in such a powerful way. Every design tells a story, whether it’s honoring the brave men and women who serve or lifting up those battling unseen challenges.

What excites me the most is seeing how the brand connects with people on a personal level. It’s not just about fashion—it’s about giving people something to wear that makes them feel strong and empowered. The idea that something as simple as a shirt or hoodie can become a reminder of their strength, faith, and resilience is incredibly special to me.

Right now, I’m thrilled to share that we’re expanding our product line! We’re launching some new designs that I’m super excited about, all inspired by faith, courage, and overcoming adversity. We’re also working on some upcoming collaborations with others in the community, so there’s a lot to look forward to in the coming months. We also some fun events happening on our social media pages, some are monthly and we even some weekly events.

I’d love for everyone to check out our new collections and feel the love and purpose that goes into every design. Thank you for supporting our journey at Shielded Hearts Clothing Co.!

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back on my journey with Shielded Hearts Clothing Co., I’d say the three most impactful qualities that have helped me along the way are resilience, creativity, and faith.

Resilience: The ability to keep pushing forward, especially through tough times, has been key. There have been challenges, personal obstacles, and moments where I doubted myself, but resilience allowed me to rise above and keep going. My advice for others starting out is to embrace failure as part of the process. Don’t let setbacks define you—use them as stepping stones to learn and grow.

Creativity: Having the creative vision to design and bring something new to life is at the heart of what I do. It’s not just about making pretty clothes; it’s about telling a story and connecting with people. If you’re early in your journey, nurture your creativity by experimenting and taking risks. Don’t be afraid to try new ideas, even if they feel outside your comfort zone—creativity thrives in the unknown.

Faith: For me, faith has been the foundation of everything. It’s my anchor, my motivation, and the lens through which I view the world and my business. It’s helped me trust in the process and not rush things. For anyone just starting out, I encourage you to find your own anchor, whether that’s faith, a personal mission, or a passion. It will keep you grounded when things get tough. Always remember to give yourself grace and get into community.

My advice for those early in their journey is simple: be patient with yourself, stay true to your vision, and never underestimate the power of learning from both your successes and failures. Keep moving forward, one step at a time.

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?

In the past 12 months, my biggest area of growth has been in taking control of my business and truly running it on my terms. Early on, I found myself working in the business, constantly reacting to the day-to-day tasks. But over time, I’ve shifted my focus to working on the business instead—leading with intention, strategy, and purpose.

This shift has been incredibly empowering. I’ve learned to create a schedule that works for me, set clear goals, and prioritize tasks that align with my vision for Shielded Hearts Clothing Co.. I’ve also embraced the importance of self-care and balance, recognizing that in order to keep running my business well, I need to ensure I’m staying energized, inspired, and healthy.

This newfound ability to take charge has helped me become more strategic in my decision-making and has brought a sense of clarity and focus to my journey. I’m no longer letting the business dictate my time and energy; instead, I’m in the driver’s seat, steering it toward growth and success on my own terms.

My advice to others would be to take control of the direction you want your business to go. Don’t get caught up in the day-to-day grind—set your vision, take action toward it, and make decisions that align with the life and business you want to create.

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