Business Spotlight: 'Sheryl's Place' Gift Creation

Sheryl Fox wanted to to create a one-stop shop in Upper Dublin for those searching for gifts for loved ones or friends. So she founded Sheryl's Place, and now has 15 successful years of making one-of-a-kind creations as a testament to her idea.

“I customize gift packages for anybody. I have everything from Asher’s Pretzel chocolates, gourmet pastas, salsa, fresh baked goods, all sorts of different kinds of candy, hand cream, oils, teas and all different kinds of mustards,” said Fox. “It’s a gift for every occasion. If you need something for sympathy, I do it. New home, new business, great referrals, I do it.”

Sheryl’s Place used to have a store front on Limekiln Pike until recently, when Fox moved her business into her home.

Fox says she started her business out of necessity.

“I was a single mom and I needed to go back to work. Creating my business gave me the opportunity to still be a mom and to provide income for my children,” said Fox.

She says that she began her gift making career by making baby name bracelets. Then she expanded.

“People would ask me ‘oh can you do this, Sheryl’ and I said [absolutely]. That’s how I started growing,” said Fox.

Sheryl’s Place is a family business, and Fox says her parents and children have helped to keep the operation running smoothly.

“My son helps me with UPS shipping at Christmas time, my daughter helps me. Everyone helps me,” said Fox.

Fox’s son and daughter both graduated from Upper Dublin.

“I always say my packages are my palate,” said Fox.

Fox creates each package from scratch; creating what best suits the customer and the recipient of the gift.

“Each package is made to order,” said Fox. “I like to listen to who the package is going to and make each package special for that person so when they receive it, the recipient knows there was thought going into it.”

Fox says she considers every aspect, from the treats and goodies she selects, down to the basket they are delivered in.

“I like to use unique containers, so that at the end of every package they are left with a gift they are able to use again,” said Fox.

Fox takes special care in putting together each package, and makes sure she sets aside enough time to carefully consider every project.

“Each package is different. The time that goes into it is me deciding what is the best tray to use or what is the best product to use,” said Fox. “I have to go buy what people want to spend. It takes me time to figure out what ribbons I want to use. I’m sitting here looking at all the hundreds of different kinds of ribbons I like to use and the flowers I put on the package. I just can't give a time.”

Fox does not set standard prices for her packages.

“In today’s economy I do not set prices. I never have. I believe that people should spend what they can afford to spend. Say someone only wants to spend 25 dollars, I try to look for items that are bigger in size to give it a fuller appearance,” said Fox. “I do packages for a realtor who wants send a little small thing to say thank you for putting a sign on their lawn and it’s only 12 dollars.”

Sheryl recently began putting her creations in in Lower Moreland. Here people can purchase pre-made gifts for those on the go.

 “I just love creating packages,” said Fox.

For more information on Sheryl’s Place visit her facebook at www.facebook.com/sherylsplace or her website www.creationsbysheryl.com.