Cherokee County’s art scene is thriving, and Sierra Bray stands out as one of its most dynamic contributors. As the founder and designer of Patched Gal, Sierra channels her lifelong passion for fashion into a successful business that celebrates individuality, sustainability, and community.
Born and raised in Woodstock, Sierra has deep ties to her hometown. “I’m from here, grew up here, and never lived anywhere else but Woodstock. It’s the only place I know,” she says. Her fashion journey began at age eleven, when she traded sports for sewing. “I used to cheer, run track, play volleyball, and soccer, but I was drawn to sewing instead,” she recalls. Weekly sewing lessons through middle and high school helped her hone the skills that later shaped her brand. “I started with pillows and blankets, and that’s how I learned to make clothing.”
Aptitude Expanded
Her talent flourished at the Savannah College of Art and Design, where she earned a B.F.A. in fashion design with a minor in fashion marketing and management. Graduating in 2020 during the pandemic, Sierra experienced a bittersweet milestone when her runway show selection became a virtual event. “I couldn’t see my designs on the runway, but being part of it was still cool,” she says.
Sierra worked in retail throughout high school and college, gaining valuable experience at local boutiques before focusing full-time on Patched Gal in April 2024. “It’s been almost a year since I went all in,” she notes. “I was able to leave my nine-to-five, get a house, and build a community of people who love my clothing. It’s been an amazing journey.”
Novel Couture
Patched Gal is renowned for its “original maxi tees” and other unique designs. “Each piece is a focal point,” Sierra explains. “You don’t have to do much to style it—just leggings, jeans, or a skirt, and you’re ready to go.” Her process involves hours of sourcing materials from estate sales, vintage stores, and even global markets like India, where she finds colorful handmade blankets.
Founder and designer Sierra Bray of Patched Gal rocking her signature maxi-tee design, blending bohemian style with effortless flair. (Photo Credit: Jaye Grimes/Enjoy Cherokee Magazine)
Sierra’s creativity has gained widespread attention, especially on TikTok, where her videos have gone viral, amassing more than 60,000 followers. “It’s a good problem, but I wish I could make thousands of pieces at a time. Right now I do monthly drops and have someone helping me sew to keep up with demand.”
Her connection to the community is evident through her participation in local events such as Woodstock Arts Spring Art on the Green and its Juneteenth Celebration of Togetherness, Maker’s Mash at Reformation Brewery, and Ecologie Vintage vendor events. “Juneteenth was such a fun experience. I loved how they incorporated different artists and created a space for African Americans to come together,” she shares.
Looking ahead, Sierra dreams of seeing her designs in boutiques worldwide but remains committed to her Woodstock roots. “It’s not just a hobby; it’s a job and not going away. I love seeing my clothing come to life and knowing people connect with it.”
Through her work Sierra is redefining fashion as a form of community and self-expression, proving that dedication and creativity can turn dreams into reality.
Find the article in the March/April issue of Enjoy Cherokee Magazine here.
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