We had the good fortune of connecting with Sharon Robertson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sharon, other than deciding to work for yourself, what else do you think played a pivotal role in your story?
The question I always default to is “who was doing this before me and what can I learn from them?” I just started asking every question and wanting to know the answer to everything. Fortunately, everyone I introduced myself to was willing to share their knowledge. Don’t ever stop learning, and don’t ever think you’ve hit your peak, because there is always more to learn.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As they say, nothing worth having comes easy. Artists live between this constant pendulum of being authentic and having imposter syndrome. I’m constantly reevaluating, while trying not to get in my own way. My biggest challenge is willingly managing clients with modest budgets. While I understand that large budgets can create breathtaking interiors, I believe my clients can have peaceful, thoughtful and personal homes with limited budgets. I will always pride myself in managing expectations, but just because you don’t have a six-figure renovation budget doesn’t mean you can’t change the functionality or look of your space.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The beauty of Southern California is the tiny neighbourhood pockets of treasures. Little gems tucked in clusters of shops and restaurants, making for fun single-day treks. A single day in Los Angeles could start in Culver City at Cafe Vida for breakfast, then jet over to Berbere Imports for loads of outdoor inspiration. An afternoon up in Pasadena with a stop for brunch/lunch at Cos and Pi (what they can do with potatoes is ridiculous). I always stop at Hollis Fine Furnishings in San Marino; they can do antique reproductions that are dead-on, and all done onsite. A long stroll through Huntington Botanical Gardens, followed by a casual dinner at Guiseppe’s Pizzeria (their signature pizza is topped with homemade sliced meatballs).
And I love a full day in North Orange County, starting with breakfast at Rye Goods in Tustin (grab to-go goodies for the rest of the week). Then to Orange Circle Antique Mall, followed by Booktown USA for long hours of perusing. Dinner at Poppy & Seed never disappoints, and up to Fullerton for cocktails at Chapter 4 Whiskey Lounge (they make a great Last Word).

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have a good, long list of people taking chances on me. The first was Steve Pribyl of dbaArchitects, Inc who hired me straight out of college. I had a fine art degree and a love of architecture and that was enough to do loads of administrative work on large scale hospitality and residential jobs. I absorbed everything, annoyed everyone with my constant questions. Years later, Michael Smith took a similar chance on me, allowing me to assist on some of the most gorgeous interiors, nationwide.

Website: Siftcollection.com

Instagram: @sift_collection

Other: Info@siftcollection.com

Image Credits
Headshot (Ellie Koleen Photography) Interiors (Kristen Prieto Photography)

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.