Mrs. Shelia Hail shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Shelia, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day is waking up to my kiddos jumping on our bed, me rolling out to get a cup of coffee. From then taking them to school, I will go on my walk or run, come back read my Bible. Then get ready for the day and get to work!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Shelia Olivia Hail, the founder and designer behind Olivia Hail Designs. For the past seven years, I’ve specialized in residential interiors, but my true passion lies in storytelling—translating a brand’s identity into physical space. I’ve recently shifted my focus toward hospitality and retail design, where I get to combine branding, theming, and immersive design experiences.
Currently, I’m designing two exciting coffee shops in the South Houston area, both set to open in fall/winter 2025 (You will see both of those coffee shop exteriors in this article). At Olivia Hail Designs, every project is rooted in story—whether it’s a cozy café or a bold flagship space, we aim to create places that feel deeply connected to the people behind them and the communities they serve.
We are interested in partnering with developers, hotel owners, and small businesses to create a destination their customers will forever remember!
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Misunderstanding, and not being willing to listen I believe can break bonds between people. Pride is at the route of these both, but humility and listening I believe helps to take steps to restoration.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering, and failing has taught me how to keep getting back up. Owning my business for the past 7 years has thrown me through the school of hard knocks and has taught me so much about how to overcome my mistakes, and to turn problems into solutions. I would never take these heart aches back, because you truly learn so much from your mistakes.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
Within the Interior Design Industry I think the biggest lies it tells us is that you have to be “big, great, and have a team.” A lot of the Residential space is about the brand of the designer. This is another reason I am wanting to shift into Hospitality, to move away from a “designer focussed,” to “design focussed.” Only if your’e really into design you ask the question – “I wonder who designed this hotel or restaurant, etc?” But normally no ones knows the designers of that space, they just get to enjoy it. Hospitality and commercial is about the design and leaves the image behind, and I love that.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I am reading my Bible in silence and listening to the Holy spirit speak and encouraging me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.oliviahaildesigns.com
- Instagram: oliviahaildesigns
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheliahail/
- Facebook: oliviahaildesigns
Image Credits
Brooke Flanagan Photography -( Bathroom Photos)
https://www.instagram.com/brookeflanaganphotography/
