Gabby Sheppard is from Bel Air Maryland. She recently graduated from Harford Community College with an Associate’s Degree in Interior Design and is now in Morgantown working towards getting her Bachelors Degree in the same program.
Although Gabby isn’t from West Virginia, she says this place already feels like home and she can’t wait to see all that Morgantown has to offer her. Gabby has been able to use her artsy skills to make handmade scarves in all colors and sell them all over campus. These scarves don’t just look perfect on game day but they keep her customers extra warm on a chilly day!
She says she has always been crafty and artsy. One of her other artsy loves is to refinish furniture, which she has also turned into a small business. She uses chalk and clay based paints and specializes in the distressed and shabby chic look.
Q: What is the name of your business and how did you come up with this idea?
A: The name of my business is Simply Unique. I wanted to come up with a creative way to make money and support myself through college. Being my own “boss” allows me to work around my classes and homework. I think the name of the business represents my products, (since they are all handmade and unique), as well as my approach to making money.
Q: Can you tell me about your company?
A: It’s a small company! I am working on my LLC as we speak. Basically it’s just me knitting in my free time, but I somehow managed to get my boyfriend to learn to make some scarves too. I have to say it’s pretty funny watching a 6’2” manly guy knit scarves, but just know they are made with love.
Q: How can someone buy your handmade scarves?
A: Currently I only have an Etsy shop, but I am working on building a website. My Etsy shop name is: SimplyUniqueLLC. You can purchase a scarf there for $20, however I made a coupon code to save $5 with the code: WVUGIRL and your scarf will only be $15! (It’s good through November 20th).
Also, anyone can email me at GLS0001@mix.wvu.edu to place an order if they find it easier than Etsy, and I would be glad to meet you somewhere on campus.
Q: Do they come in multiple colors or are they all gold and blue?
A: The scarves do come in multiple colors. Anyone can order any color. As long as they make that color yarn, I can make it into a scarf! Popular colors are neutrals like tans, browns, grays, etc. Also, that vibrant burgundy-red color looks great as a scarf as well! Either way, you can order a scarf as a solid color, or a mix of two colors, like the gold and blue scarves, for example. NFL team colors are also a popular request.
Q: Why should people buy your scarves?
A: We all know how cold it gets up here, and it can be hard to stay warm, yet fashionable at the same time. These scarves are made with mega-bulky yarn, so they keep you super warm when you need them to. I get complements everywhere I go when I wear mine, so you’re bound to look great!
The scarves are infinity scarves that can either be doubled (wrapped around twice) to keep you warm, or you can wear it long (kind of like a necklace). I really like wearing neutral colored scarves long with a cute top and boots.
All scarves are handmade (with love), and not made by a factory or machine. Also, the scarves are of course locally made here in Morgantown, and by a fellow WVU student – yours truly.
With the holidays coming up, they make great gifts! They are perfect for moms, besties, Secret Santas, Big-Little gifts and many others.
Finally, the blue and gold scarves are such a great way to support WVU at football games! Fans need to stay warm while still repping their blue and gold, and my scarves are the perfect way to do so.
Q: How are the profits from your scarves being used?
A: I am a full time student and pay for school myself, thus profits will help repay those student loans that we all wish would just disappear. I also live off campus, so profits will help with paying my bills such as rent, utilities, etc.
Q: Do you have a website/facebook/twitter or instagram page for your company?
Instagram for the company: SimplyUniqueLLC
Facebook page for the furniture business: Gabby Sheppard Furniture Refinishing & Upcycling.