The Shed Interiors is more than just a business for owner Emilia Land. It’s a labor of love that began more than a decade ago, sparked by little more than a dream and a desire to pursue her passions.
“My husband always had hobbies and things he enjoyed doing on the weekends and I needed something,” she recalls. “I’ve always been decently handy and we had just bought our first home, so I started making pieces for it and slowly renovating. It provided me something that I enjoyed and kept me busy on the weekends. While posting throughout the process on social media, people started asking me to make these types of items for their homes as well. I thought, ‘I could make this a business.’ I was a full-time hairstylist, so this became something I did when I had free time. We participated in our first craft show in September of 2013 and nearly sold out of our merchandise. I felt that was such a huge success and began doing it more and more.”
Today, Land has seen her vision come to life and The Shed is a hidden gem in rural Spencerville in northern Allen County. In a small workshop located in the back of the storefront, she creates beautiful décor for the entire house. From farmhouse-style signs that can be the focal point of a foyer or family room, to whimsical artwork for a nursery or child’s bedroom and everything in between, Land’s original designs are sentimental, inspirational and nostalgic. They’re symbolic of a simpler time, yet fit neatly in modern settings.
“From the start of the business it has always been about my family and what I like to surround myself with. Most of the inspiration for the original pieces is simply that — things I like to see in my own home. My favorite pieces to make are the quirky and colorful ones. The more color the better. Along with that, we get to create so many custom designs for clients that end up turning out so beautiful, we decide to stock them. It’s always rewarding to have clients with good taste and ideas. It gets me creating items I wouldn’t normally have on the docket to make.”
While the retail store is the perfect place to find art for your own home, it’s also a place to discover gifts and see examples of custom work.
“The retail storefront was never a part of our original plan,” Land explains. “We were really just in need of a larger workshop. When we purchased the farm, the building was perfect. It was already partitioned, there was a large sliding door creating two areas and we thought, ‘If we’re going to be here working, why wouldn’t we just have it open for retail as well?’ and then it grew.”
About two-thirds of The Shed’s business is online in an Etsy store, which allows Land to reach customers all across the country. There, shoppers can choose from a variety colors, wood frames and sizes, to ensure they get exactly what they’re looking for. It’s also the perfect place to order personalized décor that make popular bridal shower, wedding and anniversary gifts, as well as housewarming or new baby gifts.
Pieces from The Shed can also be found in other retail shops as well. The wholesale side of the business, found on Faire and on theshedinteriors.com, gets her products in front of other potential customers and, just as importantly, keeps her employees working during the summer months.
“Wholesale has been great for us because when our retail side is slower in July and August, it brings in large bulk orders to keep our team busy. Most retailers are stocking for the holidays at that time. It’s also just fun to see our pieces in stores across the country,” Land says with a smile.
Land and her family built their own home on the same property as the storefront and workshop, and they’ve also created a bit of a country oasis that they hope other families can enjoy.
“We have two horses and our dogs, two silky fainting goats, Dolly and Bones, and two miniature cows, plus chickens and ducks,” she says. “It’s always fun when we learn a family has driven quite a ways to see us. We have found it has become more of a destination stop with the grounds and the animals. I’d say it’s definitely more enjoyable for the parents when the kids get to run around, feed the animals and enjoy the space right along with them.”
At a time when it’s easy to buy from big box stores and online shops, Land hopes customers are drawn to The Shed’s idyllic setting and local roots.
“I’m really proud of what we’ve built,” says Land. “I definitely thought, ‘If we’re going to do it, we’re going to go all in.’ And that’s what we’ve done.”
