Extraordinary West Coast Women - Introducing Shayla Click to View

Introducing Shayla

I interviewed and photographed Shayla, Owner/Operator of Leave Her Wild Container Design, in late July 2023. It was such a pleasure to catch Shayla and her family at work, and play, in their greenhouse on an early Sunday morning.

I discovered Shayla's greenhouse in spring of 2022 when a friend had mentioned it to me. I began to follow her business Facebook page and then quickly knew that I needed to pop out to her greenhouse for a visit. Shayla's greenhouse is located just outside of the city limits, less than 5 minutes from the Orange Bridge and well worth the short trek. At the time of my first greenhouse visit I was an avid floral photographer, in search of more flowers to capture. After sharing this with Shayla she welcomed me to bring my camera into her greenhouse and take photos any time I wished. Shayla was so kind and welcoming every time my daughter, Angel, and I stopped out for a visit or a chance for me to photograph more of her lovely florals.

Over the past year I began taking photography classes through Click Love Grow Photography Institute and my photography genre veered towards me doing portraits of children and families, etc. When Shayla learnt this she generously offered up her greenhouse as a set for me to use during the off hours. I have had so much fun taking portraits of dancers in her greenhouse and on her acreage. Shayla even created a small forest photography set for us to use with a dancer.

Shayla is a true builder of people. I have watched her build up other businesses again and again. She often creates markets on her acreage and invites other small businesses to attend and sell their wares to customers. She is a true community builder and a friend to so many. I truly admire Shayla and am so very grateful to her for her kindness.

I invite you to scroll below to read Shayla's interview with me.

xoxo love Cheryl

Cheryl: Can you name your top three role models and tell us what you admire about them?

Shayla: (1) My previous bosses, Mr. & Mrs. G. They have worked hard every day for over 25 years, building up their Nursery, Arrowsmith Greenhouses. (2) My husband Ryan. He works super long hours, entertains our two kids to no end and always seems to keep it all together. (3) Irene Densmore. Irene has raised her children, was a full time teacher (she taught my grade 8 gym class), started a flower farm and a B & B and maintains a five acre property all by herself! She amazes me every day. Irene gave me that extra push to start my business and even helped me come up with the name....I'll never forget that.

Cheryl: Can you tell us how you combine your career and your family life?

Shayla: Since the Greenhouse is located on our property I'm actually never separated from my family. The kids can play in the yard while I get work done. They have helped, on occasions, unloading plants. Bella loves the markets and participates in those. My husband helps out with the water issues and anything that involves using the tall ladder. But also, sometimes it's hard to put work down. There is always something more to do.

Cheryl: As a woman, wife, mother, and business owner, I have learned that taking time to fill my own heart with happiness is the most important thing I can do for me and my family. For that is where the energy to do it all comes from. What makes your heart feel it's absolute happiest?

Shayla: What brings me happiness is seeing the joy in people's eyes when you make their day with a stunning planter or display. Driving by local businesses that are proud to hang the baskets and set out the planters that I've worked to make just right for their location. The fact that I can work and keep a good balance with homelife is important also. The kids enjoy all the events I put on and love to join in.

Cheryl: Extraordinary women welcome challenges and find inspiration within those challenges. Have you faced any challenges that have led you to become the great woman that you are today?

Shayla: Losing my dad to suicide when I was just 20 was definitely one of those.

Cheryl: What is your favorite part of owning a business?

Shayla: Being able to break up my day and accommodate my children's school schedule. I could work 5 minutes or I could work 16 hours.

Cheryl: Can you tell us a bit about your Alberni Valley based business and the services you offer? Is there something that you offer that no one else does?

Shayla: In most of my business reviews I've found environment, quality and customer services to be the top hits. I myself would not change the environment for the world. Even though I am not located in a highly travelled location, I think that is part of the nostalgia of this space I've created. One of my best sellers is my seasonally created planters, year round. I take direction from clients and can make them to their expectations in most circumstances. We have an abundance of returning customers, sometimes weekly, so I hope this is a good sign for the future.