April 18, 2025

156. Sheila Davisson : A Fashionista with a Heart for Social Justice

54 minutes

In today’s episode we speak with Sheila Davisson , a seasoned entrepreneur and fashion enthusiast with a heart of gold. Sheila’s story is as inspiring and bold, as is her advocacy for social justice and reproductive rights for all. Sheila shares her journey of building her vintage clothing business in a way that feels authentic to her and contributes to a more just and sustainable future.

Today we discuss:

Sheila’s early upbringing in a close knit family in a small rural Iowa town. And the influence of entrepreneurial parents who taught her to take risks. She describes herself as the “good girl” who traded in a plan for pharmacy school for a dream to study fashion in New York City.

Sheila’s experience studying at the Fashion Institute learning fashion design and business in a tiny NYC apartment. Her decision to turn down the dream fashion job and instead take a PR job with a company where she worked in the glamours side of fashion with celebrities and fashion shows.

Sheila shares her early knowing that she didn’t fit or excel inside the corporate culture box. How her experiences in retail in NYC and the Hamptons set her up to build her own business “Revival” in downtown Iowa City 22 years ago.

How her decision to leave NYC out of a desire to plant roots and someday have a family, led to living in her parent’s basement and falling in love.

How she was on the cutting edge of thrifting with the birth of her store “Revival” and how it was inspired by her time in New York.

The meaning of the name “Revival” – giving something new life again and how it still resonates 22 years later.

Her feminine business model that has built a community providing connection for women of all ages. How her leadership style has evolved over time to focus on empowering her staff.

Her realization that her job was not to control her business but to allow it in order for it to reach its highest potential.

Sheila’s passion for social justice and how it is woven into her business model and her life. The risk of being vocal on social justice issues and how the fear of rejection did not outweigh her desire for authenticity.

Sheila shining her bright light and the brilliant way that her business has authentically empowered others to give and support women’s reproductive health care rights.

Bio: Sheila Davisson is a local business owner and lifelong fashion enthusiast based in Iowa City. A native of the area, Sheila pursued her love for fashion at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City, where she honed her expertise in merchandising, buying, fashion marketing and retail. After gaining valuable experience in the fashion industry throughout the early 2000s, she returned to her hometown to launch Revival Clothing Storein 2003.

For over two decades, Sheila has curated a retail destination for resale and vintage clothing, bringing unique and sustainable fashion choices to her community. As the owner and operator of Revival, she is deeply involved in every aspect of the business, from sourcing timeless & sustainable pieces to creating an inviting shopping experience. She is also committed to giving back to her community, regularly supporting local initiatives, small businesses, and charitable causes.

Beyond her work in fashion, Sheila is a devoted mother of two and a strong advocate for social justice. She is particularly passionate about reproductive rights for all, using her platform to support and uplift causes that promote access, inclusivity, and empowerment. She loves discovering hidden vintage gems, fostering creativity in her community, and working toward a more sustainable and just future.

Learn More: Revival: Woman-owned | New, Used, Vintage | Sustainable

Past Episodes You Might Like With Entrepreneurs:

Episode 101: Amanda Litman: Run for Something

Episode 77: Barbie: Getting Out of the Box

Episode 75: Alyx Coble-Frakes: A Renegade Entrepreneur Educating the World About Menstruation

Episode 67: Wild Like No One Else: An Interview in Costa Rica with Kimberly Jaeger Arjes

Episode 49: Marlen Mendoza: A Visionary Force

Episode 35: On A Mission: Scientist, Inventor and Activist Dasia Taylor

Today’s Episode sponsored by:

Kate Moreland Coaching

Dr Yoga Momma

Heartland Yoga

For more information about the Tend Her 4.0 HOPE program visit here: https://dryogamomma.com/tend-her-4-0-hope/

To join us at the day long Hope Summit at Little Lights on the Lane in West Branch, IA on April 25 visit here: https://dryogamomma.com/hope-summit/

Want to Meet Betsy & Kate in Person on Retreat?

Join us on a feminine reclamation journey to Paros, Greece in the Fall of 2025. There are just a few spots left. All the details here!

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By Dr. Betsy Rippentrop and Kate Moreland

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