We recently connected with Sheila R. Wallace and have shared our conversation below.
Sheila R., so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I believe that every person is born with a purpose woven into their very DNA. As a child, I didn’t know what mine was, but I was always aware of the vividness of my thoughts, the vastness of my imagination, and the endless flow of creativity within me. I saw art everywhere—in a single leaf, the intricate branches of a tree, the mesmerizing way oil blended with water, or the gentle path of raindrops sliding down the car window. Every detail fascinated me, and I felt a deep connection to the beauty in the world around me.
As I grew older, my purpose was quietly taking shape, even though I didn’t yet understand where it would lead. I embraced being different—thinking outside the box, standing apart, and not fitting into the mold that others seemed to expect. I was simply Sheila: the hurdler, Rev. Bailey’s daughter. While this was my identity on the surface, deep down, I sensed that there was a whole world waiting for me, a place where I could fully step into who I was meant to be.
It wasn’t until my 8th or 9th grade year that I started to feel my purpose push its way to the surface. That’s when I fell in love with words and the world of storytelling. Reading became my escape and my passion, and To Kill a Mockingbird became my first true inspiration to write. Fueled by that spark, I wrote my first poem, A Girl Named Sonny, and my first short story, Alien From Outer Space. I even began creating my own greeting cards, pouring my thoughts and feelings into every detail. Without realizing it, my purpose was growing stronger with each word, poem, and story I created.
As the years went on, writing became more than just a creative outlet—it became my sanctuary. I wrote about everything: my personal journey, moments of joy, love, heartbreak, and sadness. Writing wasn’t just something I did; it became a way to process, to heal, and to understand myself better. It was my purpose, my therapy, and my way of connecting with the world.
Looking back, I see how everything I’ve written was preparing me for the path I walk today—a path guided by creativity, passion, and the unwavering belief that my purpose has always been within me, waiting to be fully realized.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My journey was always a planned travel to a decided destination for my life. Every person, every job, every experience would lead me to my purpose: Sheila B. Productions. In December 2018, I began working as an Activity Director at a retirement home—a role that felt like it was my calling my last job. I’d always had a deep passion for senior citizens. Even as a high school senior, I spent my summers volunteering at the nursing home my aunt managed. I loved reading to the residents, brushing their hair, taking them on walks, and simply being present with them. So, when I found this job, it felt like a true blessing.
The work was demanding, with long hours and a constant challenge of keeping the residents engaged. It required unending creativity, an abundance of patience, and ongoing energy. I loved every moment of it. I created activities and games that allowed the seniors to feel transported to different worlds without ever leaving the center. It was more than a job—it felt like my ministry.
In 2020, everything changed. When COVID-19 hit, the residents were confined to their rooms, and all activities were canceled. I was let go. I cried deeply – not because I’d lost the job, but because I would no longer see the residents I’d grown to love. Even so, in light of this loss, I trusted it was God’s next step for me.
One day, while sitting on our patio searching for jobs, I was captivated by the sound of the wind rustling through the trees. It was subtle yet constant and it stirred something within me. I set my tablet aside and began to watch the trees gracefully sway from side to side. The sound of the leaves as the wind moved through them inspired me. I’d always had a connection with trees, they spoke to me so I decided that I would write a story about a tree. Within an hour, I had written a short story. That moment sparked an idea: I should turn the story into a short film.
With the help of an incredible director of photography, my brother, a school colleague, my cousin, and a few friends, I brought my first film, The Tree to life. From this project, Sheila B. Productions was born. Seeing my words come alive on screen galvanized a passion for filmmaking that I hadn’t realized was within me. The Tree was released in 2021, and since then, I’ve completed three more short films: Shared, LuElla’s Quilt, and Home For Christmas.
Looking ahead to 2025, I’m thrilled to share an exciting lineup of new projects:
My Beautiful Day | Short Film
The Long Walk Back Home | Short Film
Private Cadence | Feature Film
Abbey’s Secret | Feature Film
The journey continues, and I’m beyond grateful, humbled for the opportunities to tell meaningful stories through film.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I owe everything I am and everything I ever hope to be to God. His blessings in my life have been immeasurable. He has surrounded me with an amazing and supportive husband, loving and nurturing parents, and an uplifting circle of family and friends. Each of these relationships has been a reflection of His grace and a constant reminder of His love.
My relationship with God has been a profound teacher. Through Him, I’ve learned the power of patience—the understanding that things don’t always happen on my timeline but unfold perfectly in His timing. This has been one of the hardest yet most rewarding lessons to embrace. It has shown me the beauty of consistency, the strength found in authenticity, and the importance of remaining genuine in all aspects of life.
Over time, I’ve come to realize that our journeys are uniquely crafted. Life is not a race to keep up with others but an individual path with its own pace and purpose. Comparing my progress to someone else’s only distracts me from the blessings and opportunities meant specifically for me. Instead, I’ve learned to focus on what’s ahead for me and to trust that God’s plan is always right on time.
Consistency has been a cornerstone of my journey—consistency in my efforts, in my faith, and in staying true to who I am. Remaining genuine to myself and others has not only deepened my connections but has also opened doors that I never could have imagined. I believe that authenticity is magnetic; it draws the right people, opportunities, and moments into your life.
Another lesson that has shaped me is the importance of reaching back to help others. I’ve found that helping someone else along their journey doesn’t take away from mine; rather, it enriches it. When we lift other up, we create a ripple effect of blessings that ultimately helps us move forward. It’s a cycle of giving and receiving that speaks to the abundance God has promised us.
At the core of my belief system is this unwavering truth: there is enough success for everyone. Life is not a competition but a shared experience where we can all thrive if we choose to support and celebrate one another. With God’s guidance, I strive to embody this belief in everything I do, trusting that His plans for each of us are as abundant as His love.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
My parents are truly the best! It wasn’t until I became an adult with children of my own that I fully appreciated the sacrifices they made for us. Growing up, we were financially challenged, but our household was always overflowing with love, and that made all the difference. My brother and I may not have had everything we wanted, but our parents ensured that we always had everything we needed. Through their example, they taught us to be thankful and humble in all things, instilling in us the understanding that no one in life “owes” us anything.
I started working at the age of 13. Yes, 13! Despite juggling a job, I managed to keep my grades up, participate in sports, and stay active in school activities. Entitlement wasn’t part of our upbringing. My parents believed—and taught us—that hard, honest work was a reflection of one’s character. They showed us that the way we carried ourselves would speak louder than any words ever could. That lesson has stayed with me throughout my life, shaping the way I approach everything I do.
Beyond their work ethic, my parents instilled in me an unwavering faith. From an early age, they taught me to trust in God and to believe that all things—no matter the challenges—come through Him. That foundation of faith has been my anchor, guiding me through life’s ups and downs with hope and resilience.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sheilabproductions.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheilabproductions
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sheilabproductions
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheila-baileywallace
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sheilabproductions
Image Credits
Carla M. Photography Christy Mansfield Made You Look Photo & Film
