Today we’d like to introduce you to Sheila Burns-Owens.

Hi Sheila, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I began this new venture that I call my 2nd stitch after retiring. My mother became ill and we were packing up her belongings in order to sell her house. My mother being a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority had many t-shirts from the various conventions that she attended. Since my daughter is also a member of that Sorority we gave her my mother’s Delta t-shirts and paraphernalia. In turn my daughter asked me to make her a quilt out of her grandmother’s t-shirts. I did not sew but I knew how special this was to my daughter so I learned how to quilt at the Teaneck Senior Center – Rodda Center. In addition to my daughter’s Delta quilt, I made quilts for other family members. My son requested a king size African prints quilt. My friend Gina who is the store owner of African Heritage Fashions in Teaneck started supplying me with scraps of African print fabrics for my son’s quilt. With the leftover scraps I took a class with Lisa Shepherd at Cultured Expressions in Rahway and I learned how to string quilt. I gifted my friend Gina with a pillow that she displayed in her store and customers started inquiring about the pillow and from there #Her2ndStitch was birthed.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
This road have had many bumps along the way. #Her2ndStitch was launched on October 1st 2019. Interests and sales were initially very good and then the pandemic hit. During the pandemic I can surprisingly say that people started ordering pillows, probably because they were cooped up in their homes and wanted to spruce up their home decor. But after the world opened back up my sales has declined and are now sporadic.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I create unique handcrafted string quilted pillows with what I call my signature back pockets. Every pillow is uniquely handcrafted by me. My pillows come in a variety of sizes, colors, and fabrics. The majority of my pillows are made from authentic African fabrics from Ghana and/or Mali. I also make theme, sports, sororities, inspirational, and baby pillows. The back pocket on the pillows are for your convenience, to hold your favorite magazine or book, as well as that television remote that we often misplace.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Much prayer and a friendly welcoming demeanor. I also make beautiful pillows that will enhance any environment.

Contact Info:

• Website: SRBONextChapter
• Instagram: @Her2ndStitch
• Facebook: @Her2ndStitch
• Twitter: @Her2ndStitch

Image Credits
Noir Photography