In July 2014 I bid on a baby doll in an auction.  On opening the box, I was startled by how realistic the doll looked and was overwhelmed by complex emotions.  As the doll was light in complexion, I decided to paint the doll so that it matched my own skin tone and re-rooted the hair.  By drawing on my long-forgotten artistic talents and with careful attention to detail, I realised I had created a beautiful baby doll in my own image.  The calm, comforting and nurturing feelings experienced by those holding my doll led to requests for dolls from other people, and my business Sincerely Sheila was born.