Today we’d like to introduce you to Sheila Gray

Hi Sheila , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?

I am Sheila Gray fashion designer, toy inventor and writer as well as the Founder and CEO of Sheila Gray Collection™ (SGC), a fashion brand centered on celebrating the unique beauty of every woman. Known for its eye-catching accessories and SGC tees, adorned with custom fashion figures and embellished with textured fabrics, SGC was launched in 2012. Sheila leveraged her deep fashion industry expertise, unique and sophisticated style and eye for creating and driving trends to secure awareness and engagement with the burgeoning brand. Since launch, SGC has grown into a successful fashion line donned by women and girls of all ages and seen on tastemakers, influencers and celebrities alike.

I started designing when I was about 14 years old. I couldn’t even afford a sewing machine so I learned to sew very well by hand. Then in my senior year I took a trade course that was offered to seniors in high school in Culpepper Va. where I lived as a child, I began to experiment with changing designs and patterns and starting soaring ahead of my class which made my instructor crazy. I had big dreams of being a fashion designer in New York and God allowed an open door for me to come to NYC.

I sold a design to then LaFace Records for one of there new artists. That led me to a contact who then introduced me to Richard Pelzer. Who gave me an intern job at his company. He booked stylist, makeup artists and children for commercials, album covers, videos and more. I met with him and got a chance at a two week job that has turned into many successful years in nyc. I actually booked a job while everyone was out of the office one day for the children’s division. Then I was offered a job which I did for a little while but fashion was in my heart and soul and still is. So, I went to FIT and applied and got in. I graduated Magna Cum Laude and specialized in evening wear. I then went to intern briefly for designer Tracy Reese, where I met acclaimed designer Byron Lars. What was supposed to be a two week job turned into years of knowledge at Byron Lars Beauty Mark from design assistant to PR and Social media manager to a now partnership of the company In Earnest.

Which then led me to develop Sheila Gray Collection which was launched on the heels of a devastating and life-changing diagnosis. Following nearly four years of battling a cancer diagnosis and endometriosis, Sheila’s faith, focus, fellowship and determination enabled her to overcome these illnesses and inspired her to ensure each endeavor could serve as a means to give back. A portion of the proceeds from SGC are donated to a number of charitable organizations.

Initially developed as a means of self-care and expression while quarantined during the global COVID-19 pandemic, in 2020, Sheila also launched Sheila Gray Collection Tees and You Styled It ™. In line with her mission of empowering and celebrating differences, You Styled It is a hugely popular fashion design kit which enables customers to experience the restorative feeling of art by making their own wearable pieces whether on t-shirts, backpacks, jackets, pillows and so much more.

Over the course of her nearly two decades long career, Sheila has styled A-list celebrities, including: Carrie Underwood, Angela Bassett, Jill Scott, Meagan Good, Tichina Arnold, Lisa Arrindell, Aria Brooks, Geffri Maya, [Anika Noni Rose, Amirah Vann, Tasha Smith, Tichina Arnold, Kim Director, Cassandra Freeman, EnVogue] and others. SGC has been featured on the Crown Act Site on IG, Fox Kansas, Cheddar TV, CT Live, Black Star news, The Network Journal, News Break, Woman’s Work, In Touch Weekly, Vogue Italia, Essence Magazine, Flaunt, Stay Magazine [rollingout.com, NY News 1, NV Magazine ] and more. Awards Include: nomination for WIT (Women In Toys), Awarded Winner Best Designer Nets for Malaria,
To learn more about Sheila Gray, visit [www.sheilagraycollections.com]

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

Though fashion is a rewarding road and a passion. I have learned nothing worthwhile is an easy road.
Don’t get me wrong we celebrate our victories but there are a lot of bumps along the way.

For me there were some struggles like dealing with some health challenges with endometriosis and being diagnosed with cancer that I thank God I am healed from it all now. Then the struggle of having to fund everything myself as loan and funding are few and far between for women of color.

To Covid coming along and my job ending and the company dismantling and having to pivot and re-create
not one but two businesses. Then there was the challenge of being in the background and having to step out into the foreground. All of which led to victories and I am blessed to have survived and thrived and learned many life lessons and forging ahead with God’s blessings through it all.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

I am a creative in every sense of the word. I am a Fashion Designer, T-shirt artist, Jewelry designer, toy inventor and writer of a screen play.

So I think I can safely say an artist and creative all the way. I love designing clothing and my one of a kind Sheila Gray Collection t-shirts. Which show the beauty in us all, to making one of a kind jewelry pieces and enhancing children’s self esteem with my You Styled It toy inventions a screen free way to bring out the creativity in every child.

What I am most proud of is my determination and what the You Styled It brand has the potential to bring to children. What sets me apart from others is my God given designs and creations. The t-shirts SGC & You Styled it game celebrate the unique beauty of every woman and child. I also think what sets me apart is I am inspired by the passion I have for creating and helping others recognize their beauty and self-worth. This passion is not just a fleeting interest but a deep form of self-love and artistic therapy for me. Through my work, I aim to give back to others by empowering them to feel good about themselves and to exude confidence. It brings me great joy to see the positive impact my creations have on individuals, helping them embrace their uniqueness and feel proud of who they are. My work is a reflection of my belief in the power of self-love and the transformative nature of art in boosting confidence and self-esteem. With that said I am proud to announce that a version of my t-shirts will be coming out soon in Ashley Stewart. I will be posting the release date on my IG page which is @sheilagraycollection

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?

I feel that my determination and never giving up as well as my genuine care and love for others.
I always want to be as I said blessed to be a blessing, that is what is most important to my success.
Never give up on your passion or your dreams and know the best things come in time.
With that time know you do learn valuable lessons along the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sheilagraycollections.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheilagraycollection
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sheilagraycollection

Image Credits

Philippe Rohdewald