Childhood Memories

I am originally from Upper Darby, Pennsylvania (outside Philadelphia), where in my younger years I attended Catholic School. I dreamed of being a ballerina wearing gorgeous costumes.

I never imagined I would become a fashion designer, especially with my lace of fashion sense, wearing the same uniform daily. I would express my creativity by drawing ball gowns on notebook paper. Looking at the sketches now I noticed a Victorian theme, that is present in my design style today.

I like most young girls, butchered my Barbie's beautiful blonde hair trying to create cool look with crayola markers. I would also make outfits out of toilet paper and tape. But who was I kidding, I wasn't Channel.

In 1997 my family and I moved from Upper Darby to Central Pennsylvania (2 hours away). Back then we didn't have cell phones, laptops, etc at our disposal to keep in contact. I remember in 1998 we got our first computer which was in the family room, where we could be monitored. My siblings and I would fight over the dial-up connection so that we can talk with friends on AOL Instant Messenger. Unfortunately I lost touch with most of my classmates.

I take a big gulp ... uttering this next sentence. Nearly 20 yrs later ( TWO DECADES!) I have reconnected with my childhood friends through the power of Face Book. Where would we all be without social media? My childhood best friend Kim-Loan reached out with an amazing request after I informed her ... What I do!





We took her wedding dress and created a new design for her daughter Juliana's First Holy Communion.

I was so thrilled to be apart of this special project. It meant a lot to me, because Kim-Loan and I received our First Holy Communion together. Through this process we reminisced about the past. I was reminded of the fun, silly innocence of our youth. True friendship without drama.

I am happy that we reconnected, happy for social media to make it possible. I hope that Juliana passes this dress on to her future daughter and so on.

Thank You Kim-Loan and Juliana for allowing me to be apart of your special day. xo Sheila

*Special thanks to Nicole (Alterations Specialist w/ Sheila Frank) for your help on this project. 

There are enough hours in the day. I love my team!