We recently connected with Sheila Gray and have shared our conversation below.
Sheila , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
Sheila Gray, founder, designer & owner of Sheila Gray Collection (SC) is best known in fashion circles for her handcrafted one-of-a-kind accessories and the eye-catching SC “Gray-Girl” tees, each of
which is adorned with one of her fabulously diverse fashion figures that she continuously creates with a
goal of artistically representing as many types of woman as she can.
Started as a simple means of self-care via art therapy during the racially tense quarantine, Sheila wanted her
t-shirts to celebrate our differences. the very differences which so often seem to divide us. This idea resinated viscerally with her Instagram followers who immediately began issuing request upon request to purchase them.
Sheila’s fascination by the healing properties of making art and her genuine compassion for people
inspired her to create a t-shirt making kit she named “Styled By You” so Kids, who may or may not
consider themselves creative, could make a wearable work of art and experience the empowering and
restorative effects she experiences when making her wonderful products.
While teaching children self esteem, motor skills, sharing, friendship and creativity.
A Graduate of The Fashion Institute of Technology with I5 years experience in the fashion industry,
Sheila has worked with designers Byron Lars and Tracey Reese, and has dressed A-list celebrities, Carrie
Underwood, Angela Bassett, Jill Scott, Meagan Good, Tichina Arnold, Lisa Arrindell, Aria Brooks ‘Libby’
of Disney Plus'”Better Nate Than Ever” and Geffri Maya “Simone” on CW’s “All American
Homecoming”,. (SCC) has also been featured in Vogue Italia, Essence Magazine, Flaunt and Stay
Magazine and more
Sheila , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Sheila Gray, founder, designer & owner of Sheila Gray Collection (SGC) is best known in fashion circles for her handcrafted one-of-a-kind accessories beautiful necklaces, statement necklaces, bracelets, cuffs, totes, scarves and the eye-catching SGC “Gray-Girl” tees. Each tee of is adorned with one of her fabulously diverse fashion figures that she continuously creates with a goal of artistically representing as many types of woman as she can. Started as a simple means of self- care via art therapy during the racially tense quarantine, Sheila wanted her t-shirts to celebrate our differences. the very differences which so often seem to divide us.
This idea resinated viscerally with her Instagram followers who immediately began issuing request upon request to purchase them. Sheila’s fascination by the healing properties of making art and her genuine compassion for people inspired her to create a t-shirt making kit she named “Styled By You” geared toward children 5-15, who may or may not consider themselves creative, could make a wearable work of art and experience the empowering and restorative effects she experiences when making her wonderful products. While teaching
them self esteem, sharing, friendship, motor skills and bringing out there creativity, while giving their parents
a little free time.
My journey all started as a child wanting to design and make people look and feel beautiful. So, I learned to sew by hand and make my family members clothing for events and special projects. That led me to work and eventually to FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) graduating with a degree in Fashion design. As well as Interning and working and learning in the Industry.
It was actually through a health challenge that Sheila Gray Collections first began. I Thank God that through that
challenge and a time of rest I started making scarves and it took off and led me to the road of accessories and now tees. I am also Co-Founder of In Earnest with Byron Lars where I design clothing. All of these things I am proud to say inspire me to inspire others to see the beauty within themselves. When you look good you feel good, which empowers us all.
I provide custom made tees and I am just getting ready to launch “Styled By You”. I think what I am most proud of
is giving back and I have just joined Dorill which helps young people grow and strive. It takes a village to help our children grow and achieve and that is exactly what DORILL does.
Through donations and support at https://dorill.org/becomeadoer/#donation
I am also proud of my products being featured on such shows as:
All American Homecoming on the CW network, The Neighborhood on CBS & Kingdom Business on BET
as well as on such celebrities as Angela Bassett, Jill Scott, Sharon Leal , Carrie Underwood, Meagan Good and
Tasha Smith, Anika Noni Rose, Gabrielle Union, Tichina Arnold, Amirah Vann, Kim Director, Cassandra Freeman, Kim Fields, Taylor Swift and more.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
As a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology graduating Magna Cum Laude, Gray first caught the attention of designer Tracy Reese in New York as an intern. She then brought her design and practical experience to renowned designer Byron Lars where she served as public relations manager, design coordinator and multi-media communications specialist of his Beauty Mark label. Working side by side with Byron and Byron Lars Beauty Mark for 14 years. Establishing Public Relations, social media networks and content. As well as helping Byron and the team to further launch the brand as brand manager into new frontiers. While now partnering with Byron as Co-Founder and Vice President of In Earnest launched in 2020.
Sheila was also creating and establishing her brand the The Sheila Gray Collection. A Unique high quality, handmade and hand crafted “Outfit Maker” accessories, t-shirt & tote bag collection.
The Sheila Gray accessories collection was fabricated through a personal health challenge that I faced in 2012 and again in 2017, which fortunately resulted in not only my now good health, but also this labor of love coming forth.
In the time span from 2008 to 2017, I was diagnosed with Cancer. Thank God I was healed of that and directly after diagnosed with Endometriosis.
I had to have several procedures and ultimately surgery was performed on me as I had masses of (tumors) that had gone to several places in my body causing health challenges.
I endured changes in my life that would influence me in ways I did not expect. Regardless of this news, and the unexpected alterations in my life, I kept faith that God would heal me and I would be healthy and well again.
During this time, I was faced with the dilemma of recovery. While it was easy to be discouraged, this time reignited a greater passion and love of fashion. The Sheila Gray Collection began with hand crocheted scarves that were bright, vibrant and always one of a kind.
Created from my heart and soul, they were well received and I learned that many people connected with them and wanted more! This brought about the present collection made from beautiful fabrics and my joy for life. After that came about an idea for another product jewelry, then t-shirts and tote bags ones that would be handmade, American-made, and completely unique.
Standing on the principle that everything has a purpose, I discovered that I could recycle the bits and pieces of lavish fabrics I see everyday and turn them into whimsical and even transformational scarves and t-shirts.
The Sheila Gray Collection (SGC) is about promoting a positive relationship between the wearer/user and the skin they’re in, since when we feel good about ourselves, we project a positivity that attracts positivity, which in turn builds on itself and amplifies goodness in the world. And a confident strong and beautiful person.
“I would like for the wearer or user of my products to see in each of them a reflection of their best self, whether it be in a T-shirt ,scarf or jewelry.
A staunch believer of self-love and self-worth being essential to fostering a love and value for humanity that is so often lacking in modern culture, with an abundance of positive affirmations that create an atmosphere charged with empowering good vibes that nurture the mind, body and spirit.
Each scarves, t-shirts and totes are handmade are made with love out of the most luxurious fabrics, arranging from cozy sweater knits to the finest brocades and plush faux furs, which come together to create a tactile landscape with a sumptuous terrain-each bears a kind of otherworldlines unto itself.
Each neckpiece, necklace, cuff and t-shirt is handmade with a mixture of beads, pearls and fabrics to make a one of a kind wonder.
Each piece has a unique exotic and classic elegance to it, making it a staple piece for any one’s wardrobe. With my passionate love of fashion and a belief that uniqueness appeals to everyone, I work to make sure each wearer feels special and confident a place where we all look and feel our very best!
What makes this collection even more special is the fact that through it I can give back. Building up other organizations that help anti-bullying, cancer and domestic violence.
Sheila has also styled many celebrities In the Sheila Gray Collection such as : Angela Bassett, Anika Noni Rose, Jill Scott, Lisa Arrindell, Amirah Vann, Gabrielle Union, Meagan Good, Cicely Tyson, Tichina Arnold, Tasha Smith, Cassandra Freeman (Fresh Prince of Bel-Air), EnVogue, Kim Fields, Erica Cobb, Yandy Smith, The Clark Sisters, Taylen Biggs, ARIA of Disney Channel and more.
Sheila has also won awards and been featured in:
Nets for Malaria for her design (Best Design)
Featured in Vogue Talia Magazine, Featured in NVMagazine “NV Mover & Shaker”
2016: Charity Bazaar to help Cancer
2017: Featured on NY News 1
2018: Dressed and styled Envogue
2019: Sheila Gray Accessories Worn by Carrie Underwood for her Concert Appearances
2022: Sheila Gray Collection Necklaces and t-shirt on CW11 All American
Homecoming
2023: Sheila Gray Collection T-shirt and Tote on CBS The Neighborhood
2023: Upcoming on Kingdom Business 2 show
2023: Featured with In Earnest in the NAACP Image Award Fashion show
This February
In all the health challenges and life challenges, which Covid brought us all in the middle of
that resilience was a must. When Byron Lars Beauty Mark came to and end and we had to
re-vamp and in the middle of a pandemic with God’s unfailing help re-group and partner together
to be Co-founder’s of In Earnest. Along with keeping and grouping my brand.
Sheila Gray Collection DBA Sheila Gray Collections. It has all been a blessing that has taught
me endurance, patience, tenacity and determination that we may not know until pushed we
that we by the grace and gift of God have in us.
I believe we are all blessed to be a blessing and that is what makes resilience and what
I strive to do in my life and my businesses.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
I started out always wanting to design strictly evening wear from a teenager. I practiced and my speciality in school was you guessed it “Evening Wear”.
Well when I started interning the one rule I learned and would give anyone starting out in any area make yourself invaluable. So, I started interning to learn and from that I met Byron Lars. I started there sourcing fabric in a sportswear border line couture company.
Then saw what the company needed and God Blessed me to learn Public Relations, marketing and designing
and building valuable relationships, which helped me to launch my brand Sheila Gray Collection.
I pivoted from these skills into running both Sheila Gray Collection and Co- Running In Earnest.
I don’t think you ever stop pivoting. We have to constantly re-invent ourselves as we evolve but
never forget love and caring and kindness for one another.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sheilagraycollections.com
- Instagram: @sheilagraycollection
- Facebook: @sheilagraycollection
- Youtube: Sheila Gray
Image Credits
Please Credit Photographer Philippe Rohdewald And Red dress and black jacket and pants are In Earnest