Today we’d like to introduce you to Sheila Sanon
Hi Sheila, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
So Atlanuh really just started as a passion project—a passing idea that a friend and I shared over a lunch break. I moved to Atlanta for work and was drawn to the way people here build, create, and push culture forward. I love language and the way it evolves, how a simple shift in pronunciation or spelling can turn into something meaningful. That’s why I stuck with Atlanuh—it felt like an authentic reflection of how we really say it.
I also wanted to legitimize the reality instead of marginalizing it (hope that makes sense). So much of what makes Atlanta special—the culture, the slang, the style—gets overlooked or repackaged in a way that strips it of its roots. Instead of trying to fit into some polished, commercial version of the city, I wanted to create something that embraced it as how I saw it. At first, I thought the brand would be strictly Atlanta-themed, but the more I designed, the more I realized I could be more authentic to myself by introducing pieces that reflected my own style and perspective. I’ve always loved colorblock patterns—they give me a lot of space to play with composition and contrast in a way that feels fresh every time. Leaning into what naturally inspires me instead of what I think people expect has made the process feel more real—and in the end, that’s what I want Atlanuh to be about.
Seeing people connect with the brand—whether it’s because of the name, the style, or just the energy behind it—has been humbling. I just hope to keep creating pieces that feel honest, that reflect the culture instead of diluting it.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been a rough road in the traditional sense, but the hardest part has definitely been staying inspired. Coming up with original designs that feel fresh and meaningful can be tough, especially with how much is already out there. It’s a balance between making things that feel personal to me and hoping they resonate with others. Atlanuh started as a passion project, and I want to keep it that way. As long as I stay true to what I like, I know I’m on the right path.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
So by day, I co-run a design and data studio called SanonStudio where I help small businesses get noticed online. We do a mix of SEO, data visualizations, and branding. What I love most is figuring out how to make small companies look and feel bigger than they are. I love the challenge of taking something scrappy and turning it into something polished.. I’m a really private person who prefers the backstage work to being in the spotlight, which is probably why I gravitate toward this kind of work. There’s something really rewarding about helping someone else’s vision come to life.
I think outside the box, pull different pieces together, and help brands show up in a way that makes the entrepreneur behind them proud. What keeps me going is seeing people connect with what I make. Whether it’s helping a business grow or seeing someone wear a design I made, that feeling never gets old.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
If you’re a small business looking for help with design or data, you can reach out via SanonStudio.com. I love working with people who are passionate about what they do and want to take their brand to the next level.
For Atlanuh, the best way to support is simple—if you see something you like, grab it! 🙂 It’s all love. Can always contact me at atlanuhco@gmail.com.
Thank you!!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://atlanuh.etsy.com
