The Velvet Chaise
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I'm Erika Kotite, author of the original She Sheds books.
I ran She Shed Living with my partner Sabrina for seven years and in 2025 we decided to explore new paths. My new business is to celebrate the shed style aesthetic and to help women find and beautify their private spaces ... whether it's a she shed or somewhere in the house. There are many great ways to achieve the rustic serenity of a backyard space and to maintain a zone of privacy within any ro
26/03/2025
What’s better than a she shed for reading scripts? That’s what Marnie does, among many other creative pursuits. Find this story and more on my Substack page!
21/03/2025
Early Hollywood was a scary place for young women who came in from small towns to make it big. The story of this one refuge, the Hollywood Studio Club, underscores the importance of safe spaces everywhere. Hope you enjoy my new Substack “magazine” and please subscribe if you do! Link in bio
24/12/2024
She Shed Living's Advent calendar of Christmas Sheds, Day 24: We've arrived at the special day; this is the final shed in our calendar and yes, it's mine (Erika). I created it last year before moving and leaving the sweet shed behind. I love looking at it and hope you do, too. Merry Christmas, from our shed to yours. xo
24/12/2024
She Shed Living's Advent Calendar of Christmas sheds, Day 23: We are almost to the final day! Open up your little door and feast your eyes on 's sweet greenhouse filled with goodness and light. The vintage Santa, checkered floors, and quilt-patterned windows are gifts for us all!
22/12/2024
She Shed Living's Advent calendar of Christmas sheds, Day 22: Every year Courtney surprises and delights with her lavish Christmas decorating in the shed (and yes her home is fabulous, too). You can find her at and also in the pages of her newest book, French Country Christmas. This year's hydrangea-festooned tree is spectacular.
21/12/2024
She Shed Living's Advent calendar of Christmas sheds, Day 21: Stefanie lavishes care and creativity on her garden shed, just like she does with her cute vintage shop in Visalia, CA. We love the natural garland and the glowing lantern with candles.
21/12/2024
She Shed Living's Advent calendar of Christmas sheds, Day 21: From Atlantic to Pacific, gee these sheds are sure terrific. This sweet rustic shed belongs to Stefanie in Visalia, CA. You can tell she has a knack for all things vintage and unique--that's why her booth at Visalia Vintage and Antiques is so popular. Come on out to California and give her a visit.
21/12/2024
She Shed Living's Advent calendar of Christmas sheds, Day 20: There is not a bad angle on Kim's Pacific Northwest garden shed. Overlooking the Sound and surrounded by carefully tended flowers and greenery, it's an oasis and stunning focal point. Kim oversees a popular gardening blog but never too busy to capture the seasons. Merry Christmas, Kim! Your little shed puts us all in the spirit.
20/12/2024
She Shed Living's Advent calendar of Christmas sheds, Day 19: As we approach the holy day revered by Christians and others around the world, we remember the words of Psalm 46: "Be still and know that I am God." Martha's serene little shed is a beacon of repose and sanctuary to women everywhere.
19/12/2024
She Shed Living's Advent calendar of Christmas sheds, Day 18: Mary McCachern is the grand magician of Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, Halloween, and every other holiday on the calendar. Visiting her at homeiswheretheboatis blog will inspire and lift your spirits, without a doubt. Her shed was featured in our very first book and holds a forever place in our hearts.
She Shed Living
After Erika Kotite wrote the book on she shed living, the excitement began. Erika Kotite and Sabrina Contreras created She Shed Living, a community for women to embrace shed sheds and the transformation they bring to their lives. Women realize they need a place that’s private, stylish and comfortable. A she shed could be the answer! She Shed Living offers inspiration, information and the chance to connect with other women who share the love of outdoors, gardening, reading and relaxing. Join our Facebook Group, too!