We’re looking forward to introducing you to Sheryl Coughlan. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Sheryl, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about your customers?
What’s surprised me most is how many of our customers come to us not just because they’re treasure-hunting or decorating a home, but because they’re going through major life changes; moving, downsizing, inheriting property, or needing to manage an estate. It shows me that our business isn’t just about selling antiques or collectibles: it’s about helping people manage transitions and treat their memories and belongings with care.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Our brand is built around a simple idea: every item has a story, and every family deserves support when it’s time to pass those stories on. We combine a love for history and craftsmanship with hands-on services. What I love most about what we do is the human side of it. Many of our customers come to us during emotional or overwhelming moments, downsizing, inheriting a home, or closing a chapter in their family history. Being able to step in with compassion, organization, and expertise is incredibly meaningful. Right now we’re continuing to grow our service offerings and deepen our relationships with the community, collectors, and families we serve. Whether someone walks through our doors looking for a one-of-a-kind treasure or needing help with an entire estate, we’re here to make the process feel supportive, respectful, and even inspiring.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
The person who saw me clearly before I could see myself was my son, Jason. He recognized my love for antiques and this business long before I ever imagined it could become something real. He believed in my ability to turn that passion into a thriving shop, and he didn’t just encourage me, he rolled up his sleeves and helped me build and expand the business in every way.
His confidence in me pushed me to take risks I wouldn’t have taken alone, and to this day he’s still an essential part of the business. We run it together, and I’m constantly reminded that he saw the potential in me, and in our shop before I ever fully saw it in myself.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Like any business owner, there have absolutely been moments when I’ve felt close to giving up. Running a business comes with challenges that can feel overwhelming, and there were times when I questioned whether all the hard work was worth it. But every time I hit that point, something would happen a supportive customer, a successful sale, or even just a moment of clarity that reminded me why I started in the first place.
Those moments pushed me to dig deeper and work even harder than before. Looking back, I realize that if I hadn’t pushed through those difficult times, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Sometimes you have to step back, take a breath, and reevaluate what’s in front of you. Doing that helped me regain perspective, refocus my energy, and keep moving forward
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Every version of me is the real me. I don’t put on different faces for public or private life. What you see is exactly who I am. I’m as raw and authentic as they come, whether I’m talking about antiques, helping a family through an estate sale, or greeting someone who walks through the doors of my shop. That’s me every single day.
My journey wasn’t polished or predictable. I found my way into this business after a life-changing accident, starting out by salvaging things other people had thrown away pieces from dumpsters, alleys, and forgotten estates, and giving them new life. Over time, that passion grew into something much bigger.
When I opened Antiques on Magnolia in 2015, I poured everything I had into it, both emotionally and financially. That same honesty and vulnerability still guide the way I run the business today. I treat every item with care and every family with respect, transparency, and heart.
So yes, the version of me you meet in the shop or when we work together is the same person you’d meet anywhere else. There’s no mask, no acting, no pretense. Just me. And that authenticity is what makes Antiques on Magnolia not just a business, but a true reflection of who I am.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What will you regret not doing?
I know I won’t regret risking every dime in the bank to open Antiques on Magnolia and pursuing a passion that has always been close to my heart. Building this business from the ground up has been some of the toughest work I’ve ever done; long hours, unexpected challenges, and countless obstacles along the way. But every bit of effort has been worth it, because I get to do what I love every day. There’s something incredibly rewarding about helping families preserve their history, uncovering treasures from forgotten estates, and turning my passion into a business that truly makes a difference. The journey hasn’t always been easy, but I enjoy it to the fullest and wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.antiquesonmagnolia.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antiquesonmagnolia/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/antiquesonmagnolia/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/antiques-on-magnolia-burbank
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@antiquesonmagnoliallc
