53 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com /CharlestonWomen there. “Company always asks to see it when they visit,” she said. They exclaim at the amenities including a cozy couch, mini-fridge, AC unit, dehumidifier and heater. “I’ve always dreamt of working in an outdoor space where I’m working half inside, half outside. My whole life is in there,” she said as she mused about her plans to decorate the exterior with flower boxes and other details. Russo thought of everything when designing her she-shed. From start to finish, it took about three months to make this dream structure a reality. A $10,000plus investment, Russo’s she-shed has it all — minus plumbing. She makes a 20foot journey home for running water and bathroom breaks. Because Russo’s she-shed was under a specific size, it didn’t require permitting. Yet, many homeowners’ associations and Lowcountry neighborhoods have strict rules around she-sheds and similar modular buildings. Keith Kirwin, owner of Cool Sheds Lowcountry and Cool Sheds Upstate, has worked with many families hoping to add detached structures to their backyards. “We have over 500 HOAs in the area. Many of them have size limits, maximum roof heights, as well as exterior color and siding requirements for such structures,” said Kirwin. At Cool Sheds, Kirwin and his team have met with countless women hoping to make their she-shed dreams come true. Kirwin thinks she-sheds are a great way to expand a home’s square footage and create specialized spaces like guest cottages that double as reading nooks, yoga studios, art studios and more. Kirwin and his team use 3D design software to design and custom-build she-sheds. With options like cathedral ceilings and more, Cool Shed’s structures withstand 160 mph winds, far surpassing local requirements. Once delivered, Cool Shed’s structures can be outfitted to suit the she-shed owner’s goals and preferences. “Customization can be built-in from the design phase,” said Kirwin. “Then our contractor can customize the interior and exterior as desired or required by the owner’s HOA.” Plumbing is one of the only significant limitations she-shed owners experience. Because water and sewer add a layer of risk, they may require more involved dwelling permits, prompting most proud she-shed owners to skip the water and hassle. The she-shed is a cultural phenomenon that shows no signs of stopping. With more women working from home, participating in social gatherings and prioritizing self-care, Sheryl’s she-she-er-she-shed is just beginning to enjoy its heyday. Charleston Women in Business The interior of a Cools Sheds she-shed.
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