Meet Rebeca Sheehan Sheehan

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rebeca Sheehan Sheehan a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Rebeca Sheehan , thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.

My optimism is deeply rooted in the example set by my parents. My father was an entrepreneur who worked tirelessly to build something meaningful, and my mother decided to pursue college later in life—a testament to her resilience and commitment to growth. They came to this country, leaving their families behind, and embraced a new life with joy, courage, and an unwavering belief in helping others. Their attitude was always one of service, and they instilled in me the value of giving back and finding happiness in supporting others.

Life has certainly thrown me its share of curveballs, but every day I wake up with gratitude. That gratitude fills my heart and spills over into everything I do, allowing me to see the world through a lens of possibility. Whether the cup is half full or overflowing, I choose to see it as full of opportunity, lessons, and hope.

My parents’ resilience, faith, and joy are the foundation of my perspective. They taught me that even in the face of challenges, kindness, perseverance, and gratitude can lead us to something better. It’s a lesson I carry into my work, my relationships, and every part of my life.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’ve been an entrepreneur for over 20 years, and my journey has been nothing short of adventurous. Back in 2007, I started a hair salon, and within just 16 months, I opened a second location, growing our team to over 27 employees. We were innovative from the start, offering services like eyelash extensions and airbrush makeup application that were ahead of their time.

In the salon business, I always prioritized marketing and education, with a strong focus on elevating our stylists. I organized workshops to improve skills in areas like color correction, eyelash extensions, makeup application, and airbrush techniques. For me, it wasn’t just about providing the latest services—it was about helping our team grow and succeed. I believed in teaching others to “fish,” ensuring they not only mastered their craft but also understood the business side of being a stylist. Empowering them with knowledge and tools to build their careers was as fulfilling as running the business itself.

From there, my love for cooking and hospitality led me into the restaurant business, which naturally evolved into catering and event planning. Each step of my journey has been fueled by curiosity, creativity, and the desire to explore new opportunities. Whether it was perfecting a new menu item, designing unforgettable events, or pioneering services in the beauty industry, I’ve always been driven to innovate and embrace new challenges.

At Verde Design Group, I’ve carried that same passion for education and empowerment by starting the Visionary Verde Internship Program. This initiative is designed to provide aspiring landscape architects with meaningful, hands-on training and the preparation they need to take the California Landscape Architect Exam. Mentorship is something I value deeply, and I’m committed to helping others build a strong foundation for their careers.

Beyond my professional role, I’m deeply committed to community engagement. I currently serve as the Grants Chair on the board of the National Latina Business Women Association (NLBWA) San Diego chapter, where I use my platform to empower others and encourage action. Throughout my career, I’ve been involved in numerous nonprofit initiatives, including organizing simple yet impactful events like community service drives to collect dental and hygiene items at local businesses. It’s always been important to me to find creative ways to help those in need.

Of course, along the way, I’ve made mistakes—some big, some small—but every one of them has been a lesson. These experiences have shaped who I am today and have driven me to help others avoid the same pitfalls. I’ve learned that success isn’t just about getting it right the first time; it’s about resilience, learning, and sharing those lessons to lift others up.

Today, as the CEO and President of Verde Design Group, I channel that same energy into designing functional, sustainable, and inspiring spaces that bring communities together. At Verde, we are proud to be a certified Woman-Owned and Minority Business Enterprise. Recently, we’ve expanded our focus into public-sector and government work, where we are working diligently to procure meaningful projects that make a lasting impact on communities.

This new chapter is exciting and challenging, requiring persistence, creativity, and a commitment to excellence. I’m passionate about what Verde represents—not just in terms of design, but as an example of what women- and minority-owned businesses can achieve in traditionally competitive industries.

Through all these ventures, my focus has remained on creating opportunities—not just for myself, but for others as well. Whether through leading a team, mentoring others, or engaging with nonprofits, I’ve always aimed to be a driving force for positive change and growth.

My journey is far from over, and I’m excited to see where the next adventure takes me as I continue to innovate, create, and inspire in both my professional and personal endeavors.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, I’d say the three things that have had the biggest impact on my journey are resilience, adaptability, and a love for learning.

Resilience: Life and business are full of ups and downs, and resilience has been the anchor that’s kept me steady. There were times when things didn’t go as planned, but instead of giving up, I used those moments to reflect, adjust, and move forward. For anyone starting out, I’d say: don’t be too hard on yourself when things get tough. Lean on people who support you, take time to regroup, and remember that every challenge is an opportunity to grow stronger.

Adaptability: If there’s one constant, it’s that things will change. From running a salon to opening a restaurant and now leading a design firm, being open to change has helped me find success in unexpected places. My advice? Stay curious and flexible. Sometimes the best opportunities come when you least expect them, so don’t be afraid to pivot or try something new.

A Love for Learning: I’ve always believed that you can never stop growing. Whether it’s learning about marketing, new technology, or navigating public-sector work, staying open to new knowledge has been a game-changer. For those just starting out, embrace learning—take workshops, ask questions, and seek out mentors who can guide you. Every skill you develop adds to your toolbox for success.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to take risks or make mistakes. Some of my biggest lessons have come from things that didn’t go perfectly. What matters is how you use those experiences to move forward. Be kind to yourself, stay patient, and enjoy the journey—it’s as much about the process as it is the destination.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

When I feel overwhelmed, the first thing I do is turn inward by seeking silence so I can hear myself think. I take a moment to step back, quiet the noise, and focus on finding clarity. At night, I make it a point to think about the issue that’s making me feel unsettled and how I might solve it. Often, by the morning, I wake up with an answer or at least an idea to try. Rest and sleep, especially when you’re overwhelmed, are worth more than gold. They allow your mind and body to reset, and for me, they are often the key to finding solutions.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned over the years is to focus on what I can control and let go of what I cannot. I remind myself that my actions and thoughts are within my power, but everything else is not. It helps me stay grounded and move forward without getting stuck in worry or frustration.

Another strategy that has served me well is letting go of concern about what others think of me. Years ago, I realized that my journey is my own, and I don’t need to compete with anyone else. I stay focused on my goals and trust in the process, knowing that my path is unique.

I’ve also learned to guard my plans and ideas. Not everything needs to be shared with everyone. If I can think it, I can create it, and I treat my thoughts as precious seeds of possibility. Protecting those ideas until they’re ready to take shape has been an invaluable piece of advice.

One perspective that has been empowering for me is seeing imitation as the greatest compliment. When someone copies what I’ve done, I take it as a gift—it’s a sign that what I’m doing is worth replicating. Instead of feeling frustrated, I remind myself that this is validation of my creativity and impact.

For anyone feeling overwhelmed, I’d say this: trust yourself, create space for reflection, and make rest a priority. Sleep and rest are essential—they allow you to approach challenges with renewed energy and clarity. Be kind to yourself, trust your journey, and take it one step at a time.

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