One of the great things about our member spotlight posts is the opportunity to learn really interesting things about the members we pass every day in the studio. Sheila is a delight to speak with and has such an interesting side that many people probably don’t know about! She not only has interesting stories to share about her family and life here, but you also may have seen her artwork somewhere local or in another state! If you have a chance, please take a few minutes to say hello and learn about just how cool Sheila is!

Tell us a little about yourself. Name, background, family, etc..

My name is Sheila Stoll. I’m originally from Cape, MA, and moved to Houston with my husband, Dale, in 2005. We lived in Midtown until 2007, then spent two years in West Texas, before moving back to the Houston area in 2009. We decided to move up to the Kingwood area in 2017 when our daughter Helen started kindergarten, because we liked the small-town feel and love our faith community here.

I’m an artist and educator with a Bachelor of Art in Studio Art, a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction and I hold a certification to teach art K-12 in Texas. I provide both private and group instruction for children and adults and offer professional development workshops. I founded Stoll Studio Art & Design, a Houston-based jewelry and art-making business, in 2005 and have sold my work at galleries and boutiques in multiple locations throughout the United States.

My recent mosaic work can be seen at Houston locations such as Smither Park and the Houston-Galveston Archdiocese’s Office of Vocations. I work in various mediums, including acrylic, printmaking, mixed media, fibers and glass, and I exhibit and compete in local art events with my Lake Houston Art Association colleagues throughout the year. I recently joined the board of LHAA and encourage anyone who enjoys exploring their creativity to join us for endless inspiration and opportunities to grow as artists.

I delight in being a wife and mother and love that my work allows me to enjoy both my family and my passion for creating and sharing beautiful works of art. I am truly blessed to have the best of both worlds as a mom and entrepreneur.

Here are some examples of my work!

What do you like to do in your free time?

I love to spend time with family and friends, volunteer at the church & school, meet with my prayer group gals, crochet, garden, read, collect rocks and sea glass at the beach, play games, and travel. Oh my gosh, so many things I like to do!

What’s your favorite ice cream flavor? 🙂

I love maple walnut and/or black raspberry ice cream. I’ve never found either around here, but I always get it when I go back home to the Cape and that makes it even more special.

Do you have an interesting fact you’d like to share?

I have an affinity for at-risk youth, having been “labeled” one myself, and have gotten to teach at inner-city and disciplinary schools and loved being given the chance to make a difference if I could.

What brought you to Vessel Pilates and how did it stand out to you?

I was in a lot of pain and losing strength and mobility and wasn’t sure what to do. I’ve never really enjoyed going to the gym and wasn’t sure even what to do when I did go there. My best friend in Dallas suggested find a Pilates studio to help me, because she was getting excellent results from her Pilates practice. I did some research, saw the Vessel website and decided to head over to check it out. When I walked in I felt the peaceful, encouraging energy of the space immediately. After talking with Yohanna at the front desk, I felt hopeful about the chance of getting stronger with the guidance of the instructors and not injuring myself because of a lack of guidance. I needed instruction and didn’t want to just be on my own in a large gym trying to figure out how to become fit.

How long have you been going to Vessel?

I joined Vessel in January of 2023 after receiving a membership as a gift from my husband and daughter for Christmas.

How often do you attend classes?

I try to come to at least two classes per week. Here’s another reason I’m so grateful for Vessel; I had two family emergencies right after I joined, that brought me to leaving for ICU’s in MA twice in succession. I was gone for weeks at a time in both January and February and then needed to leave again for a month in June to go home for my Mom’s funeral. Each time they worked with me so that I wouldn’t miss classes or be charged a cancellation fee when I had to cancel unexpectedly. There is a level of personal attention, understanding and support at Vessel that I am so grateful for. It’s just what I need.

If you were to describe our studio to someone who had never heard of it, what would you say?

It is a tranquil, yet challenging environment where you will be inspired to grow and become healthy in mind, body and spirit. You and your children will feel welcomed by everyone and want to come back.