Erika Kotite

Erika Kotite is a home and lifestyle expert, author, and entrepreneur recognized for her expertise in the she shed movement, a trend focused on women creating personal backyard retreats. With a background in magazine editorial, Kotite has served as an editor for Romantic Homes, Victorian Homes, and Entrepreneur magazine. She later became a partner in a book packaging company, producing books in the arts, textile, and crafting sectors, including titles such as "Blogging for Bliss," "Crowns & Tiaras," "Natural Soapmaking and Natural Candlemaking," "Photo Album Quilts," "Felt Fashion," and "The Daily Book of Photography."

Kotite gained national attention with the publication of her book "She Sheds: A Room of Your Own," which explores the cultural significance of women's personal space and creative sanctuaries. As an authority on she sheds and backyard outbuildings, Kotite addresses the importance of privacy and personal time for women. The book received a Best of Houzz Design Award and was followed by "She Sheds Style: Make Your Space Your Own," offering ideas, projects, and decorating tips from she shed owners. The she sheds books have sold nearly 50,000 copies.

Kotite is the co-founder of She Shed Living, a company that supports women interested in backyard living spaces, and She Shades, a line of chalk-based exterior paints. She Shed Living, founded by Kotite and Sabrina Contreras in Laguna Hills, California, collaborates with builders in California to design, build, and install she sheds, and provides interior design, site consulting, and building resources nationwide.

Kotite has appeared on the "Today Show," PBS, and Citytv, and her work has been featured in Architectural Digest, USA Today HOME, O, The Oprah Magazine, Orange County Register, Press Democrat, and other regional newspapers. As a keynote speaker, Kotite addresses topics such as the importance of private spaces for women's mental well-being and personal fulfillment, as well as workplace design inspired by she sheds, sharing her knowledge in design, lifestyle, and women's empowerment with audiences across the country.