THE BEGINNING
Pretty Sick Designs was launched in Spring 2018 by Heather Burgess in Calgary, Alberta.
Heather first got sick with chronic illness when she was 13-years-old. It has since been 14 years.
Her eardrum burst on New Year’s Eve 2003 and her health never recovered. Diagnosed with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and POTS, she was incredibly sick. She barely made it through high school, having to take an extra year. But somehow she was accepted into a prestigious journalism program at Carleton University, in Ottawa.
After graduating from her undergraduate degree, Heather started graduate school studying political science. However, after a work term, she quickly discovered that she would not be able to work. Moving back home to Calgary, Heather knew she needed to put her health first. For over three years, she rested, learned health management tools, and committed to pacing her activities.
Being at home so much, Heather would wear her pyjamas day after day after day. Finally, she decided to invest in some “rest-day” clothes that were comfortable but also cute. Then an idea struck her: a line of clothing made especially for people just like her.
CH-CH-CHANGES
In November 2017, she took a leap of faith and decided to start pursuing her wild dream seriously.
The goal of Pretty Sick Designs isn’t just cute and comfy clothes for people dealing with health problems. The heart of this project is to encourage and give hope and support to the countless men and women suffering day in, day out with a chronic illness. An illness that is invisible and so often misunderstood, leading to so much isolation and despair. This is a deeply personal endeavour because the people behind the clothing know just what each and every customer is going experiencing.
OUR MISSION
This isn’t just a business. It’s a ministry that aims to build up and encourage every single person that stumbles across our website. Especially for those who buy our clothing. That’s why Pretty Sick Designs sends a special gift to each customer. Every customer is of the utmost importance. We want to be part of a vibrant community that supports and lifts each other up. So let’s do our best to help each other!
PrettySickDesigns is taking a short break
Reviews
-
Annabelle on Apr 16, 2026
5 out of 5 starsExactly as shown, really useful to keep track of symptoms
-
Shannon on Mar 2, 2026
5 out of 5 starsAbsolutely amazing, very detailed, helps put in perspective both mental health and physical
-
Briana on Feb 23, 2026
5 out of 5 starsThis simple book changed my life! I was recently diagnosed with lupus & suffered a severe flare up. I was told to start writing everything I’m feeling down immediately but, on top of what my body was going through, it was incredibly overwhelming. This helped ease my mind. I’m able to keep track in detail & find things so easily. There’s also so much added space to write freely. This new journey won’t be easy but I know this notebook is a HUGE help. I’m so glad I found it!
-
Britt on Jan 14, 2026
5 out of 5 starsI really like the design of this health journal and am really looking forward to using it. Hoping it will help me and my doctors with tracking my autoimmune disease symptoms and treatments.
-
-
Kayla on Aug 13, 2025
5 out of 5 starsItem was as described and the seller was able to successfully help me with an issue with my order, which I appreciated!
-
-
Barbara on Jan 10, 2025
5 out of 5 starsThis item is beautiful, but it came in a package that the necklace had fallen out of the little silk packet and become totally nodded. This is the second time that I’ve ordered and had this happen. I’m so sad.
-
-
About PrettySickDesigns
Etsy automatically translates most text on the site to your preferred language.
See in original language
-
We know what it's like first-hand to be sick. -
All clothing made in Canada. Socially conscious. -
10% of all proceeds support those living with chronic illness & finding a cure. -
Raising awareness for fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, EDS, POTS & other chronic illnesses.
Production partners
-
An independent book print shop
San Francisco, CA
I design the journals and my production partner prints the finished product at the highest quality standards.
-
A print shop
Saskatoon, SK
This is a local printing company that professionally prints the greeting cards that I designed.
-
A print shop
Vancouver, BC
This is a professional printing company that prints high-quality, environmentally friendly paper products like these journals.
-
Canadian clothing manufacturer
Toronto, ON
Make socially conscious, environmentally friendly clothing in Canada.
-
A print shop
Calgary, AB
A printing company
-
A print shop
Charlotte, NC
Print shop fulfills orders once they have been placed, on as ordered basis.
Shop policies
Shipping
Customs and import taxes
Payment options
Returns & exchanges
Cancellations
Cancellations: not accepted
Please contact the seller if you have any problems with your order.
More information
Frequently asked questions
What do I do if my package is lost?
Please contact me right away if your purchase doesn't arrive after the estimated delivery times.
I am so sorry if you experience this problem and will do my best to correct it immediately.
After waiting 3 business days to ensure if there hasn't been a delay in delivery and your item has been lost you will be presented with the option of receiving a new item to be mailed out immediately or receiving a refund of your purchase.
Please be patient as delivery services can run behind, especially around busy shopping times such as Black Friday, Christmas and Boxing Day.
How do you ship jewelry within Canada?
I ship jewelry through Canada Post letter mail so there will be NO tracking number will be provided.
Letter mail is often faster than parcel mail.
- 2 business days for local mail
- 2 business days for within province
- 4 business days for national mail
However these time frames are not guaranteed, as weather and mail volume can affect delivery.
How do you ship sweatshirts to the United States?
I ship sweatshirts to the United States through Canada Post Small Packet - US Air. This means there will be NO tracking number provided.
Estimated delivery times will be between 5-8 business days. However this time frame is not guaranteed, as weather and mail volume can affect delivery.
You must upgrade for a tracking number.
How do you ship jewelry to the United States?
I ship jewelry to everywhere else through Canada Post regular mail. This means there will be NO tracking number provided.
Estimated delivery times will be between 4-6 business days. However this time frame is not guaranteed, as weather and mail volume can affect delivery.
You must upgrade for a tracking number.
How do you ship sweatshirts to Europe and everywhere else?
*IMPORTANT*
I ship sweatshirts to everywhere else through Canada Post Small Packet - International Surface.
This means that your items will be shipped by boat as this is the most cost effective shipping method. However this means that delivery times are long and there will be NO tracking number provided.
Estimated delivery times will be between 4-12 weeks.
You must upgrade for faster delivery and a tracking number.
I apologize for this inconvenience.
How do you ship jewelry to Europe and everywhere else?
I ship jewelry to everywhere else through Canada Post regular mail. This means there will be NO tracking number provided.
Estimated delivery times will be between 4-7 business days. However this time frame is not guaranteed, as weather and mail volume can affect delivery.
You must upgrade for a tracking number.
The reason why these upgrades are so expensive is because they are shipped by airmail and not surface mail (by boat). Airmail is much faster but a lot less cost effective.
I am very sorry about this inconvenience.