Meet Sheri Surels | Owner, Bits and Wits

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sheri Surels and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sheri, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Nothing else made sense. All growing up, I wanted nothing more than to be an Astronaut; I was obsessed with space. Then college math hit and I learned real quick I wasn’t patient enough, with myself, to learn about imaginary numbers. Once I figured out I wasn’t ever going to be in a space shuttle, I still wanted the NASA shirt, so I entered into Concrete Industrial Management. That still wasn’t fueling my fire, so I switched my whole thought process to Interior Design and that is where I flourished. Everything just made sense and fell into place! Designing things made my heart happy and I felt fulfilled.

What should our readers know about your business?
My little family and I live in 3 year increments, as the Marine Corps plays a big factor when we try to plan things. It feels as if I’m always pivoting, always starting over, meeting new people, proving my self over and over and over again. After nearly 10 years traveling/moving with my Active Duty husband, I just learned to pivot….and often. I got used to change and having plan A, B, C and D for those “just in case moments”. I focused many years in getting into the Human Resources field, as I had to earn a significant income to pay off my student loans AND travel with my husband. I knew that HR was a field that would easily transfer state to state, country to country. For the past 8 years, HR has been a big part of my career and then COVID. COVID was hard and to mix that with a permanent change of station within the Marine Corps, it was a challenge. We moved to Texas from Indiana in 2020 and interview after interview, I wasn’t getting anywhere. My sons birthday is in December and 4 months after moving here I didn’t have any cookiers that could decorate cookies for his birthday. I dusted my creative hat off and gave it a go. They were laughable but delicious. My neighbors raved about them and on New Years Eve/Day, after a glass (or 4) of wine, Bits and Wits was created and I started decorating cookies. Bits and Wits celebrated it’s 2nd birthday and am proud of the progress I’ve made in such a short time. I’m a forever student, as there is always something to learn!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Being from Indiana, racing is a must! Texas Motorplex and Texas Motor Speedway would be in the mix. Fun thing to note: Our son has a junior dragster and we’re getting him ready for competitive racing this year! Taco’s and Brisket! All day, everyday!
Coyote Drive-In is on the list. I grew up going to a drive in theater, so the Coyote is awesome to me.
Every visitor must check out The Stockyards.
If there is a Margarita and Taco crawl, I’m there!
Fossil Rim Wildlife Center (outside of the city, but still amazing)

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
It takes a village and there are so many people to shoutout!! First and foremost, my husband. His acceptance for every adventure I bring to him is unwavering, and he helps navigate business math. A special shoutout to our son, who loves to cut out cookies, watch them bake and decorate with me. He tells me that my cookies are always pretty and when he sees Paw Patrol or Avengers designs, he gets so excited for the kiddos and wants to go to their parties. Shoutout to my family and friends, as they wear the Bits and Wits t-shirt all over town and share their support for me. My customers. Every single one of them are truly remarkable. Sharing their life events and putting it on a cookie is so fulfilling. They do become my friends and I couldn’t be happier.

Website: www.bitsandwitsdesigns.com

Instagram: @bits.and.wits

Facebook: www.facebook.com/bitsandwitsdesigns