Susan Hayes has been involved with fabric and fiber since childhood, growing up in a multi-generational immigrant home that fostered a do-it-yourself attitude.  Following graduation from Ohio University with a bachelors of Fine Arts, she worked as an art educator in public and Waldorf schools. After completing a weaving apprenticeship in Chicago, Susan moved to the San Francisco area to participate in the burgeoning fiber arts scene in the early 1980's.  After three years working for Coty Fashion award winning Allen/Veness as a production weaver and cutting room assistant, she opened her atelier Susan Hayes Handwovens, selling womens clothing and accessories to international galleries and boutiques.   Susan designs all of her fabrics and clothing with various hand dying techniques and many  kinds of fibers: silk, chenille, organic cotton and local wool.  In 1993 she opened a retail store in Point Reyes Station to showcase her line as well as other local American artisans.

Susan is currently engaged in projects that reflect her commitment to community, sustainability, the environment and her craft: helping wool growers turn their fiber into product, mentoring fiber artists,  participating in local economic development and promoting slow clothing.