About

Sugar and Shelby was created by Shelby, but the story began long before the jars of scrubs lined her kitchen counter. Years ago, Shelby started experiencing extreme, debilitating migraines — the kind that would leave her lying in a dark room for hours, unable to move, unable to be the mom she wanted to be. Day after day, the pain kept her from fully being a part of her kids’ lives. Frustrated and desperate for answers, she finally sought out a neurologist, hoping someone could explain what was happening inside her head.

Before her health struggles escalated, Shelby built a career she loved as a pharmacy technician at a hospital, working alongside pharmacists to help manage patient care. She thrived in that environment — busy, purposeful, and surrounded by people who depended on her. When it became clear she’d need a second surgery, Shelby made the difficult decision to transfer to a different location and step into a managerial role. It was a move meant to lighten the physical demands on her body, so she could focus on her health while still staying connected to the work she cared about.

During her second surgery, doctors faced a complex challenge. They had to remove the spinal fluid pump that was inserted during her first surgery and place a new one directly into her skull. However, the previous pump had created a pocket that became infected after removal. This infection was so severe that Shelby almost went into sepsis, a life-threatening condition. She underwent two additional surgeries to address the infection and help the area heal.

Though the pocket has since healed, the damage left behind severely limited Shelby’s physical abilities. Tasks that once came easily became monumental challenges, and she found herself having to redefine what “doing her best” looked like every day.

Through it all, Shelby held onto a heartfelt dream — to live in a close-knit family community, where everyone supports and helps each other. She envisioned a life filled with homemade gifts and comforts: butter, bread, candles, and sugar scrubs — simple treasures made with care and love.

When she found herself unable to return to work, Shelby saw a few videos about making sugar scrubs at home and decided to give it a try. The first attempts were confusing and challenging, as she struggled to find the right ratios and ingredients that would create the perfect texture and scent. But with patience and persistence, she began to find her rhythm, turning trial and error into small successes.

Encouraged by those small wins, Shelby started sharing her sugar scrubs with those closest to her — her family, friends, and former coworkers. Their support and enthusiasm gave her the confidence to keep growing her homemade gift business.

Recognizing the need to balance her health, passions, and family life, Shelby made the thoughtful decision to step down from her managerial role and transition into a remote position. This change allowed her more flexibility to focus on her recovery, spend quality time with her children, and nurture Sugar and Shelby as it slowly grew.

Looking ahead, Shelby dreams of taking Sugar and Shelby online, creating scents that resonate and delight everyone who tries them. She hopes to grow the business, make a name for herself, and share her homemade gifts with a wider community — building a future that’s as sweet and comforting as the scrubs she lovingly crafts.