At desk chair workspace, we love getting to know the people who make up our community and the stories behind the work they do.
This week, we’re excited to feature Shelley Widhalm, founder of Shell’s Ink Services, whose career has been shaped by a lifelong passion for writing, editing, and creative storytelling.
A Career Rooted in Writing
Shelley earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Colorado State University and began working in journalism shortly after graduation. After spending time writing for the CSU newspaper and later working for well-known publications such as the Washington Times and the Reporter-Herald, she knew she wanted to continue building a career around writing and editing.
In January 2017, Shelley turned that passion into a freelance business and launched Shell’s Ink Services. What began as a way to continue doing the work she loved has since grown into a business that provides writing, editing, and consultation services. Shelley writes for newspapers and magazines, as well as crafts press releases, social media content and blogs. She edits fiction and nonfiction novels, providing developmental and copyediting, as well as proofreading.
The Story Behind the Name
When it came time to name her business, Shelley chose something personal and meaningful. Shell’s Ink Services combines her name with her love of seashells, while also clearly reflecting the kind of work she does.
Although she once thought she might pursue a PhD and become a professor, Shelley says writing has always been a part of her life. She has loved writing since childhood and continues to journal daily. It was during college, after taking journalism classes, that she realized just how much she wanted to pursue it professionally.
Why Coworking Works
Shelley chose coworking because working from home can make it difficult to stay focused, and local coffee shops don’t always offer the quiet, comfortable environment she needs to be productive. Having a dedicated workspace helps her stay disciplined and gives structure to her day.
She first learned about desk chair through a friend who had been a member years ago. After visiting the space several times, she officially joined in 2022.
What Shelley loves most about desk chair is the atmosphere. From the different places to sit to the meaningful relationships she builds each day, she appreciates how the space fosters both productivity and connection. She also values the member events, which provide even more opportunities to get to know others and strengthen the sense of community within the building.
Life Outside the Office
When she’s not writing or editing, Shelley enjoys staying active. She works out daily, running and lifting weights, and also likes to spend time hiking, walking, traveling, reading, painting, and drawing.
When asked about her favorite local businesses, Shelley shared that Feel Love Coffee is a regular stop for her several times a week. She loves the vibe of the space, along with the coffee and gluten-free menu. Henry’s and Pourhouse are also among her favorites for their great menus.
If Shelley could sit down for dinner or drinks with anyone in the world, she would choose Eminem. As a writer herself, she would love to learn more about his creative process and how he approaches writing songs. She finds his lyrics fascinating and would enjoy talking with him about the craft of writing.
Making an Impact
Shelley’s story is one of creativity, dedication, and following a passion over time. From her early love of writing to her work as a journalist and now as the founder of Shell’s Ink Services, she has built a career around the thing she loves most.
She also shared that she has been writing novels since 2001 and plans to self-publish her own novel, The Fire Painter, in either July or August of this year—a milestone that reflects both her talent and her persistence as a storyteller.
To learn more about Shell’s Ink Services, visit:
www.shellsinkservices.com or www.shelleywidhalm.com