Hi, I'm Sheira Said, who happily answers to the name of ‘mum’ in the Said household - wherever that may be around the world when not in Sydney! I share Jonathan’s passion for embracing the best lifestyle that you can and enjoying what this world has to offer - and I am excited to be able to share whatever I learn on the way with you here at jonathansaid.com, our latest labour of love.

I have 13 years experience as an interior designer and a further 5 years in the fashion business - and an adult lifetime gallivanting around the world with a husband who has a bad case of wanderlust! This is all in contrast to my very sensible background as a Doctor’s daughter growing up in the 70s and 80s in Sydney. But even though I have spread my wings in so many ways since then, my own childhood prepared me well for the joys - and rough and tumble - of family life.

As cook, counselor and chauffeur I have a very important role, especially as the person our kids bounce their jokes off. There is a lot of love and laughter in our house, something we always take with us on the road. And even though my eldest boy Josh has temporarily flown the nest to try his first major holiday on his own as a young adult, I’ll be campaigning to get him back soon!

My love of fashion is a gracenote to my everyday life. I feel strongly that the way you present yourself to the world is integral to your personality, and I guess mine is saying, ‘don’t hold back till you get it right.’ I have always cared about the way that I look, putting passion and effort into what I wear. I love the whole process of discovery and choosing wisely, adding pieces that will integrate well with my existing wardrobe - or take it somewhere unexpected, but always done with speed and little fuss.

Shopping can be a treasure hunt and I have always enjoyed unearthing unique finds on my travels. For me global experiences can go beyond the amazing history that you learn, or sights you see, to include something local to take away or give as a gift. It’s all part of my holiday.

I am always browsing through shops finding hidden or not-so-hidden treasures. I love keeping on top of what is happening in the world of fashion: discovering new stores and who is on the scene in Sydney or on visits to Europe, Africa and the Americas.

This ties in with my other visual focus: interiors. I take an equal interest in conjuring up the human warmth and personality that make a home, choosing tiles, fabrics and furnishings. My own house is full of artwork and objects found on the move around the world. My interior design business began organically, out of my genuine passion and hobby, which is a great way to start a business. I designed houses, restaurants and all sorts of interesting projects (including a string of three houses together). It is an amazingly creative outlet and makes work more like fun. That’s all I could ever wish for my kids: do what you love.

The space that probably defines me the most is my desk - where I spread out all my favourite objects that create my own unique, artistic 3m x 1.5 m world: favourite photos on a cork board, old diaries, magazines that are inspiring me, mismatched pencils, lipsticks, scarves stuffed in a cane basket. Messy but organized, private but happily on display to all those that walk past…

My Dad says that I have a ‘black box’ where no-one gets in. It’s true that I am self-contained and happy in my own company - although I love other people’s as well. I consider myself on call 24/7 to my family (a mum’s lot in life) but I do love those moments at my desk, with the boats of Sydney Harbour rocking back and forth and the water lapping up on the rocks outside; that’s my happy place. That and whatever new, niche boutique or shopping district in the world I am in love with this week. Either way, you’ll hear all about it!

TESTIMONIALS

DANIELLE

THE FIRST THING THAT ANYONE NOTICES ABOUT SHEIRA IS HER SENSE OF STYLE - from her wonderful taste in clothes to the way she always entertains beautifully.

Her great love of fashion and design has always been a part of who she is and just comes naturally. She is bold and adventurous, putting things together with confidence to create a very eclectic and interesting look that effortlessly goes from trendy casual to classic or ethnic - each has a place in her life. Sheira can blend sequins with fur and get away with it - on her it looks chic and fantastic, and she’ll wear it to go shopping! Sheira experiments and wear what she likes with no excuses.

BUT THERE’S SO MUCH MORE TO HER THAN THE GLAMOROUS OUTSIDE It would be remiss not to say something about Sheira the person because she is so rare. We are very close and I am constantly amazed by her intelligence, humour, generosity, engaging personality and understanding of others.

SHEIRA AND JONATHAN TOGETHER love to share their life with warmth and hospitality; it clearly gives them joy to have their friends around. This flows into Sheira’s ability to keep an open mind and be the great travel buddy that Jonathan needs. She is quite adventurous, always letting Johnny take her on a journey - as willing to try something new or do something different in her travels as she is in her personal style.

CAROLE

SHEIRA’S A NATURAL and always effortlessly looks good. She could wear a black garbage bag and still look stylish, right down to the accessories. The wardrobe is obviously to die for. It’s all about quality and originality with Sheira - you’ll see her wearing pieces that not many people could carry off. People will stop her and ask, where did you get that amazing dress? Sheira is an extraordinary shopper so everything’s fabulous - but it’s not just her clothes. She has the aura of someone who wears her stuff well: It’s inborn.

THE SAIDS LIVE IN THE NOW and want to share their love of life with their friends. Jonathan and Sheira are outstanding hosts: their hospitality is unrivalled. From casual teas to dinner parties the whole environment will be thought out and honed, from the delicious food to Sheira’s outfit and Johnny’s music. They are so good at sharing their amazing lifestyle – how exciting that now it’s going worldwide online!

CHRISTINA

SHEIRA IS AN AMAZING MOTHER, WIFE AND FRIEND who touches people’s lives. She is a real family person who is close to all her children. Her daughter, Zoe is ‘mini-Sheira’ and my daughter’s closest friend. I have known her intimately for over five years and am still struck by her warmth and generosity.

SHEIRA PAYS ATTENTION TO THE DETAILS. Everything is in place when you walk into Sheira’s home; it always looks beautiful and all the elements come together. Her perfectionist attitude is reflected not only in her decor but her attentive manner to everyone. Even when Sheira is traveling on the other side of the world she stays in touch.

Sheira is one of the most resourceful, stylish, elegant women I have ever come across. She’s my gym buddy and even there she looks incredible! We have had a few shopping experiences and it’s an experience and a half - her expert advice helped me zone in on what I’m doing right and wrong straight away. And as a couple, Johnny and Sheira complement each other and make a fantastic team, who include their kids in all their travels. I’d do anything for the Saids…