Sheila Moon, owner and designer of Sheila Moon Designs, specializes in designing and manufacturing high-quality women's cycling apparel that is both functional and fashionable. As an avid cyclist, Sheila is passionate about her product and connected to the community she serves. Since Sheila began her line of cycling clothing in 2003, she has experienced a surging increase in sales every year. This year she expects a 30% growth in gross sales!
Before starting her cycling apparel business, Sheila gained experience in the industry as an employed designer.
After working as a freelance pattern designer and making a few of her own designs on the side, Sheila started a women's fashion line before deciding to go into cycling gear. Due to her continually increasing sales, Sheila now has 1 full time employee and 7 sales reps across the US and Canada. In fact, Sheila's business is so successful that she is looking to hire a VP of Operations to take the business to the next level and allow her to focus more on design. Sheila's designs can be found in over 400 stores and she is currently pursuing lucrative accounts with REI and Mountain Equipment Co-op. To accommodate her growing business Sheila recently moved into a new live work space in an upcoming are warehouse district in East Oakland.
Sheila is also at the cutting edge of the lifestyle apparel industry, catering to the growing number of people who are embracing bicycles and integrating them into their daily lives.
Sheila has been awarded grants through two of Renaissance's special programs; a $2,000 Boost grant, which she used for marketing, and a $500 grant and free internet access for one year through a COVAD. Sheila is a graduate of the Business Planning class and in her own words -- "just about every other class that Renaissance has offered!" "Renaissance is an organization that has made me business savvy when I knew nothing about running a business. I have learned so much about areas of business that are essential to success. It is mind blowing that a few of the classes came at a time when I needed exactly that help or information, such as the sales workshop. I feel total support through Renaissance!"
Renaissance was able to recognize Sheila for all her hard work and achievements in 2008 when she was named the Established Entrepreneur of the Year at the Annual Business Awards!
Sheila Moon
(510) 653-MOON