I chose the subject for today's InHERview to help anyone local that might be stuck for some Christmas items and want something a little more special for a friend or loved one. My friend Sheila, of Simply Sheila Designs, makes beautiful handmade goods. She just so happens to have some available for purchase, so read ahead to get to know Sheila and see what she has for purchase, below.
I have known Sheila for at least seven years – my first memory is of us talking about getting married in the same year at one of our now-husbands’ company Christmas parties (they work for the same company). Sheila’s kind smile, warm heart and beautiful one-of-a-kind manicures (that she does herself!) always stand out to me. Since those early Christmas party days, she has also become a mom and has started her own business making beautiful hand-made, personalized home décor items. I wanted to put the spotlight on Simply Sheila Designs because not only am I a happy customer of hers and I want to share her beautiful items with all of you, but I am also privileged to call her my friend.
The Interview
Tell us about who Sheila is – what makes you happy and inspires you to do what you do?
Hi I’m Sheila! I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and Geography and have always loved learning. I enjoyed a career downtown before becoming a mom, and I do struggle a lot between wanting to go back to that world and wanting to be home with my kids. Being in nature is definitely my happy place, whether it be going for a walk, kayaking, sitting at the beach or going for a snowshoe! Inspiration comes in waves for me lately, but I really enjoy when a customer comes to me with an idea and I get to bring that idea to life for them.
For those that don’t know, share a bit about your family.
My family is my world, we are very close and enjoy going on adventures as well as just cuddling on the couch to watch a movie together. I met my husband Matt 11 years ago (wow) and we have been married for 7 years now. We have two kids, our daughter is four and our son is two, while they are quite different seeing the two of them play and cuddle melts my heart – and makes up for all the times they don’t get along.
The Happy Howard Family (2019)
Give us a quick look into your background being crafty.
I have been crafty for as long as I can remember, my dad passed on his love of art to me at a very young age. I used to sketch, sew and paint more in my youth and then I got into doing my nails! It was a fun way for me to be creative and I have nice nails at the same time! After having the littles I really got into doing party décor and my husband encouraged me to start my own business. It has now grown to home décor, accessories and more!
What is your favourite thing to do, just for yourself?
I still enjoy doing my nails - when I can dedicate a night to doing them! I also really love getting out the pencil crayons and colouring.
What is your favourite thing to do on the weekends, with your family?
Our weekends are usually busy between visiting grandparents and great grandparents, family birthdays or getting work done around the house but when time allows we love to go on adventures or just for a walk. We always enjoy having a special breakfast on the weekends - usually “mommy pancakes” or “daddy waffles” – can you tell who makes what?! 🙂
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I used to write a lot of poems when I was younger and was published in two Young Poets books.
Do you have any habits or routines that you like to do when you’re getting ready to work?
Right now my workspace is our kitchen table (good thing it's extra big) but I like to have it cleared off so I have lots of room to work. Good up-beat playlist or having my favourite movie on in the background is a go-to for me as well!
Name one item on your bucket list.
Visit Europe!
My favourite childhood memory is baking with my mom, we would bake A LOT of different goodies! I can smell them just thinking about it!
- Sheila
InHERview Rapid Fire This or That:
Coffee or Tea: Tea
Summer or Winter: Both!
Sunrise or Sunset: Sunset
Sweet or Savoury: Sweet
Book or Movie: Movie
Lake or Ocean: Ocean
Travel or Stay Home: Travel
Night In or Night Out: Night out
Cook or Order In: Cook
Now that we've gotten to know Sheila a bit better, I wanted to share a look at the work that she does! I have purchased a few things from Sheila, including this sign that she made for our home, a growth chart ruler for Maverick and Christmas ornaments, including this one, below. (I also have Easter and Halloween items that are tucked away in a box somewhere right now.)
Sheila has shared a couple of pictures of some items that she has pre-made and are available for purchase. Feel free to let me know if you're interested in any of her items, or email her at SimplySheilaDesigns@outlook.com. I will be seeing her next Saturday, December 14, so we can arrange exchange of the items and pick up from me, or you can pick up from Sheila directly.
I hope that you've enjoyed getting to know Sheila and Simply Sheila Designs. It is so inspiring that she took a passion for making party decorations for loved ones and turned it into a small business. She is an amazing woman and she should be so proud! Her cut off for personalized items in time for Christmas has passed, but please get ahold of her if you have anything custom in mind. She said above, she loves being able to bring customer's ideas to life.
On that note, I can't wait to see the finished products that she's working on for me as we speak. December is a big birthday month in our family, as a hint. 🙂
If you're interested in reading my other InHERviews, you can find them here: Aubri Black and Kelly Brunt. I am excited to keep these going in the new year and have some strong women with exciting stories lined up for you!
InHERview,
Anya