Liz Sheppard is a woman of Timeless Triumph. The 77-year-old entrepreneur serves as a fashion icon and Classic Woman Universe champion, and she spoke about her latest endeavors.
Eleanor Roosevelt once said: “A woman is like a tea bag – you can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.” This quote applies to Liz Sheppard.
What motivates you each day?
The love and passion for what I do. Helping my customers, from first-generation to third-generation, achieve their fashion dreams is my passion because my customers become like my family.
What are some of your latest projects or ventures that you are working on?
I am a constant mover and shaker; today, I did a photoshoot with my best friend Stephanie and our dogs for an event at Mar-a-Lago: Wine Women & Shoes in association with Big Dog & Small Ranch Rescue. This Sunday, I am hosting StarStruck pageantry at the store with their sixteen queens to dress them for a photoshoot.
I have just dressed the World Imperial Beauties queens for their winning cruise. Then, I have the Winter Park Sidewalk Sale, which will feature our items on the sidewalk at a discounted price for the community. Lastly, I am finalizing my business for Shan & Co Derby Hats, which is dedicated to my children; they are custom, eclectic, and perfect for upcoming derbies.
What do your plans for the future include?
I have been in business for forty-five years with a children’s store and a ladies’ store in the same building; two months ago, the building was sold to a huge development company. My future with brick and mortar is in their hands. Because of who I am, I will never cease to pursue my dreams, one of which is launching my Derby Hat Company: Shan & Co.
Were there any moments in your life or career that have helped define you?
When I first started Bebe’s & Liz’s, I applied for many business loans. The bank managers told me “No” and “I would never make it” because I had no background in retail. I told them to “Watch me!” Because of my determination and passion, I have been in business for forty-five years, and getting to do what I love every day has defined me.
In July of 2024, I was crowned with the title of Classic Woman Universe; I was the oldest in the category at the age of seventy seven. I also won the people’s choice award not knowing a soul in Las Vegas. My pageant platform is women empowering women and that was such an empowering moment.
What are some of your proudest accomplishments?
The fact that I am still standing at seventy-eight years old and proved everyone who did not believe in me wrong. That is why I never say no to any church, school, or charity that needed my support through these forty-five years because the word no is not in my vocabulary.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
From my mom and dad: Work hard and never give up!
How do you cope with living with loss?
This is a very, very hard question for me; I lost my first husband and father of my children at 56 to brain and lung cancer. It hit hard…I still had two children to raise and a business to carry on, to feed and support us. Seven years later, I lost my nineteen-year-old son in a car accident that was no fault of his own.
That same week, I lost 15 years’ worth of savings from working at the store in a court case that I could not attend because I could not lift my head off my soaked pillow. Seven years ago, my beautiful daughter passed away from breast cancer at 39.
Coping with loss is coping moment by moment; it never leaves you. Every day, you are reminded of what was lost, but my love for God helps me to persevere every day.
What does the word success mean to you? Success to me has many different meanings & titles; I am a successful Wife, Mom, Sister, Aunt, Friend & God-fearing woman. I do not let others define my success; I know that I succeed because I try with all my heart to be the best version of myself that I can be.
