Life & Work with Shellyann Miller of Middleburg

I began researching herbs and flowers and their excellent benefits, and I fell in love. I did not know how amazing it is to allow the beautiful things of nature to heal and restore my mental, spiritual and emotional needs. My love and experience with nature’s healing remedies paved the way for me to create products that have healthy ingredients for everyone to use. I saw both internal and external results using herbal remedies. My hair texture was no longer feeling dry, and I was no longer experiencing acne. I started living a much healthier lifestyle and learning how to live with my challenges. Although my illness is not entirely cured, I have been in much better shape since I started this lifestyle change. As a Christian, I believe in the eight health laws: Nutrition, Exercise, Water, Sunlight, Temperance, Fresh Air, Rest, and Trust in God. My mom has two amazing herbal and flower medical books that I spend hours reading and working with in formulating and experimenting with various methods to achieve excellent results. I began infusing my oil with amazing flowers and herbs that will benefit hair and skin. My first product was Shea whipped body butter. I started with this product because my nephew had dry skin, so I formulated ingredients with unrefined raw Shea butter, Moroccan Argan butter, and my infused oils.

I did not place much thought on the business aspect. I was so excited that I created these amazing products and wanted others to experience the benefits of using Shea By SAM. Still, it took a little while before I realized that there are many aspects to starting my own business. Being a one-person team is one of the many challenges, but I know it’s only temporary. Challenges will always be there, but the reward of doing something I love outweighs the challenges I have experienced.

After I was diagnosed with my illness in 2017, I lost my job for 13years. In 2019 I went back to school and completed my Master’s degree because I always had the mindset that I would go back to the workforce, but due to some health challenges, I could not go back. I did not want to be bound by my health and not accomplish anything so I started working on products in my home during the pandemic and shared them with my friends and family. My friend’s daughter has eczema on her scalp and her face. I decided to work on healthy and safe products for her to use, the result was amazing, and I was motivated to create my hair-Line products and my Eczema Cream. All the ingredients I use will benefit anyone struggling with hair and scalp health or skin issues. Some of my ingredients are Calendula flower, Lavender, Chamomile, Wildcraft Pany flower, Sage, Rosemary, comfrey, etc. Shea By SAM products is Whipped Body Butter, Natural Facial Oil, Eczema Cream, Natural Hair oil, and Natural Hair Butter.

I am proud of my determination and strength to start a business during such a challenging time in my life. I am most proud of the overwhelming support I received from family and friends. My faith has always been my source of strength, and I truly believe God healed all sicknesses and diseases. Although my products only provide external support, all my herbal and flower ingredients can also give internal support if safely consumed with the guidance of a health care physician. My testimony and personal experience separate me from others. Still, I do not compare my products with others because everyone has a story about why they create the things they make. I am thankful that I have the opportunity to share my experience with others.

I would love to keep making great products, expanding my business, owning my store, and having my products in various department stores around the country. I have other ideas that I would love to add to my product line, but for now, I want to reach as many as I can and share what I have put so much love and time into.