Sheila Smith recently spoke at Hay Plains Landcare’s Women of the Riverina Forum, as one of Hay’s own women leading the way forward. The event was organised to mark 2024 NSW Women’s Week

In the conference program Sheila was described as an esteemed interior designer, who had returned to her hometown during the COVID-19 lockdown, and I wasn’t sure how this translated to ‘leading the way’ – surely that was a common occurrence during that uncertain time in all our lives?

With this mindset I was keen to hear more and I was not disappointed.

Sheila’s story is one of career pursuit highlights, her own exploration of the creative realm and journeys across the globe, that ultimately returned her to restoring a historic home in Lachlan Street.

“NSW Women’s Week is a moment for us to recognise the invaluable contributions of women who weave the fabric of our tight community.” I was hooked from her opening statement.

Sheil grew up in Hay on a farm with her parents, two older brothers and what she describes as a menagerie of pets. She was educated at St Mary’s and Hay War Memorial High School, as a Claughton House kid, before finishing her secondary schooling and university years in Victoria.

“From a young age we were entrenched in community,” Sheila shared. “Pony Cub, cricket, The Jockey Club, point score, Brownies and Scouts. We took music lessons, dancing, art and learned international languages – we did everything the town had to offer.

“When I went off to boarding school I remember being confused and asking my mother why the people in Chael Street and the CBD didn’t smile and wave and wish me a great day – like the did in Hay. I was quite perplexed.”

On the recommendation Sheila studied a new course at university – visual marketing where she immersed herself in learning the skills of the ‘silent salesperson’ and how to present products in such a way that buyers lapped them up.

Once qualified she took on a managerial role in retail, but didn’t quite feel she’d found her niche, so she undertook study in graphic design.

“Some would call it ‘being a professional student’,” she told the audience. “But I like to look at it as ‘embracing the spirit of continuous learning’.”

Falling in love with interior design, Sheila studied remotely all whilst working as a cook and cleaner on mine sites in Western Australia.

“During my weeks off, I would take work experience in fabric houses in Melbourne,” she recalled. “It was a stark contrast – the remote iron ore mines of the wheatbelt and the Pilbara to the wonderful world of high-end Melbourne interiors. I loved it all.”

Once her studies came to an end Sheila followed the allure of travel as a cook on a superyacht, sailing the Caribbean, the Mediterranean and French and Italian Rivieras.

“I think my upbringing in Hay, travel and my unique blend of study and work encounters has shaped me into the rather versatile and resilient person I am today,” she said.

After returning to Australia Sheila spent a decade working in the interior design industry in Sydney and Melbourne, before launching her own brand Missmith Interiors.

In 2020 Sheila and husband Grant Volz purchased the 1891 bank building, they continued a Smith Family legacy of ownership that dates back to 1972. Their son Oscar is the fourth generation to call the former Bank of London home.

“We recognised a gap in Hay’s accommodation market,” Sheila said.

Fuelled by a lack of luxury options for visitors to the region, the couple undertook a challenging but rewarding restoration of the historic building.

“The journey has taught me the power of identifying opportunities and turning them into something that benefits our family and our town but exceeds the expectations of our clientele.”

 During the week Sheila runs her business from the old banking chamber, which boasts grand double doors and beautiful leadlights, which she said is a motivating space to work. The studio is open by appointment only but Sheila did reveal she has plans for a pop-up store during the Christmas season.

“It has been a juggle to find the right balance for work and motherhood,” Sheila commented, and many in the room nodded their agreement.

She and Grant welcomed Oscar when he burst into the world at just 28 weeks gestation, following a rush to Griffith Hospital before being transferred to Canberra for specialist care. Baby Oscar had premature lung disease and required breathing support, and as the Omicron outbreak emerged, the new family bunkered down within the hospital.

“We had never been on the receiving end of charity before and were quite overwhelmed with the kindness, understanding and compassion we were shown, especially when we felt completely out of control and anxious.”

The pair decided to repay that kindness and organised a charity stand-up paddle board half-marathon along the Murrumbidgee River on Australia Day 2023. The effort raised in excess of $50,000.

The funds were used to purchase vital equipment for the Griffith and Canberra hospitals that had been so instrumental in Oscar’s recovery. The pair were also invited to speak at the Ronald McDonald House Canberra Charity Ball last year, where 1,200 guests heard their story and more than $700,000 was raised for the children’s charity.

Sheila may be diminutive in size but her drive, ambition and confidence speak for themselves in the incredible achievements she has worked so hard for, both in her career and family life.

Leading from the front indeed.

This article appeared in The Riverine Grazier, 20 March 2024.