Wydel Shields grew up in the Central South Dakota area and lived in Pukwana all his life until he moved with his wife Jackie to Chamberlain around 2015.
Jackie is originally from Menno, another small town in South Dakota. Her mom and dad moved to Chamberlain when she was starting 7th grade, and she’s been here ever since.
Growing up, Wydel worked at Shields Body Shop with his father, then took the business over. Wydel also raced stock cars; he drove a Super Stock and had many sponsors.
The inspiration for Shields Embroidery began when Wydel and Jackie were at the races one night and noticed all the caps, jackets, t-shirts, and other custom merchandise were popular item among locals. Wydel had the idea to start an embroidery and screen printing business. Chamberlain didn’t have a shop, so that's all it took!
The two visited an embroidery shop in Fort Pierre, and the owner showed them her machines. After that, Jackie and Wydel started the business in their home with a one-head embroidery machine. They grew quickly and have moved several times because they keep outgrowing the buildings! They now have multiple devices.
They love working with the public and business community in Chamberlain, Oacoma, Fort Thompson, Lower Brule, and the surrounding area. They love what they do and enjoy seeing their work in many places!
“It’s so rewarding,” said Jackie. “We can't thank everyone enough for their patronage over the years. We look forward to doing business with new and existing clients for years.”
Jackie and Wydel have been a super husband and wife team since September 2004. They love going camping every summer and living with their daughter Hannah.