We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sheila Burns-Owens a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Sheila, appreciate you joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

I am a retired educator who started a business making Handcrafted String Quilted Pillows with Back Pockets

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I am a retired educator who started a business making handcrafted string quilted pillow with back pockets. I am also writing a book about retirement, starting a business and traveling to all 50 states and Canada by rv, car, and airplane.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

I made a pillow for someone who owned African Heritage Fashions as a gift she displayed the pillow in her store and customers inquired about purchasing the pillow. The store owner suggested that I start making and selling these string quilted pillows with back pockets. My business launched on October 1st 2019 and started out strong for 2019 and 2020. Unfortunately 2021 and 2022 my business has slowed down and I am now working on outlets mostly social media to promote my business

We’d love to hear your thoughts about selling platforms like Amazon/Etsy vs selling on your own site.

I sell on Etsy, Google, Shopify and Pinterest. I post on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. I use Constant Contact to stay relevant with those on my email lists. I do not know how long that I can afford to continue to be on these platforms because 2022 has not been profitable.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @her2ndstitch
• Facebook: @her2ndstitch
• Twitter: @her2ndstitch
• Other: [email protected]