Daily Inspiration: Meet Sheena Whitlock

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sheena Whitlock.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Hafa Adai! That means hello where I’m from—Guam. Sewing first sparked my interest in 2012, when I saw other young ladies sewing at a craft night at church. That Christmas, after my parents bought me my first sewing machine, I taught myself to sew by watching youtube videos and joining Facebook groups. As I learned, I made clothes for my four kids and posted photos of them in their new outfits on social media. It wasn’t long before friends and family started suggesting that I start a business they could purchase my creations from; so that’s what I did.

When I thought about opening an Etsy shop, I wanted the name of it to deeply mean something to me. Cruz is my maiden name, and for me, it represents who I am: an island girl from Guam living away from her roots. The orchids in my logo are for my grandmother, who passed away while I was here, because she loved having orchids all around her house.

These days I don’t sew custom outfits as often since I have taken on several full-time jobs since 2020. However, you can find clothing that I do make in my free time at Tootsie Too’s Children Boutique and The Red Wing Artisan Collective. Sewing brings me joy and when my customers are happy, it makes my day!

Alongside owning a business, last October I founded the nonprofit Goods for Girls Red Wing to help women and girls affected by period poverty. During our first event, we put together over 800 period kits and raised $700 for Hope Coalition through a silent auction. We then donated the kits to Red Wing’s public schools and community pantries.

My goal is to help my community to the best of my ability. Small things we do can make a huge difference in the world!

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Learning to sew was a sharp learning curve, but it was worth it! If you are trying to achieve a new skill, challenge yourself each day to improve; don’t give up, but be persistent.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have a wonderful husband (Ron) that I met in 2004 while he was stationed in Guam while serving in the Navy. We have been married for 15 years this coming July and have four wonderful children together. My husband and kids are my biggest supporters and motivate me to keep following my dreams. Because I love to sew, not many know this but I went from being a stay at home mom/small business owner of Cruz to getting short term jobs doing factory work. I am proud that I was able to experience manufacturing Red Wing boots and Riedell skates. I will always try something at least once. Now, I am starting my new journey in insurance! Wish me luck. I just truly want to help people!

I am also a member of two wonderful nonprofits in town. Hope Coalition helps victims of domestic violence and abuse and ArtReach has a mission to promote creativity and provide quality visual arts opportunities to people of all ages and abilities.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I am always finding ways to support my community, whether it be shopping at small businesses or volunteering. Just getting out in the public or using social media to find others with the same passion as you can help you engage in networking.

Contact Info:

• Email: cruzbysw@gmail.com
• Website: www.cruzbysw.etsy.com
• Instagram: @cruzbysw
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/cruzbysheenawhitlock
• Other: www.goodsforgirlsrw.org