Meet The Team
Truelove Designs was founded with family at the forefront. We’re on a mission to make each space more functional and more beautiful, because we know firsthand how good design can improve family time and nurture your most important relationships.
At the heart of your home, beautiful interior design should still function for your family. I believe in collaboration and getting to know how you live in and use your space every day. This is the key to a finished home that is both functional and inviting.
Shawnna Truelove
FOUNDER & PRINCIPAL DESIGNER
I’m Shawnna — a single mom myself, I know how hard you work to juggle all the pieces of your beautiful life. I also know how incredible it feels to walk through your door at the end of a wild day and take that first deep breath in a calm, welcoming space. That’s why I love what I do. I get a front-row seat in transforming spaces — transforming lives — for hard-working, extraordinary people like you.
After working in various industries in the design world —luxury kitchens, corporate event design, and custom furnishings— I decided to leverage my diverse industry knowledge to help busy people create their most beautiful version of home.
FUN FACT: I was a Division 1 athlete in both X-Country and Track. Now I channel that focus and stamina into juggling all the roles of a designer and business owner.
YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW: As my grandfather was First Nations Cherokee, I can proudly say my last name, Truelove, hails from the indigenous people of the Americas.
FAVOURITE SPLURGE: A wardrobe refresh from Artizia.
HOME IS: Where all the best memories are made.
SUE MARTIN
FINANCE & OPERATIONS MANAGER
I’m Sue — the “left-brainer” on the team. I take each creative concept and make them a reality — literally! I order all furniture and accessories and coordinate their deliveries, as well as keeping financial docs and spreadsheets in order.
My entire career has been in finance, most recently spending nine years in DC as the Budget Manager for the newsroom at the Washington Post. I love leveraging my organizational skills to keep projects running smoothly — so you get your dream home on-time and on-budget.
FUN FACT: I’m Shawnna’s mom!
YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW: Our family has a long history in the home and design world. Shawnna and I come from the W&J Sloane family, founders of a luxury furniture and rug store in New York City that catered to the prominent and wealthy. Clients include the Rockefeller, Whitney, and Vanderbilt families, and W&J Sloane products live in The White House and The Breakers mansion.
FAVOURITE SPLURGE: Anytime I spend money on a vacation with the grandkids! Their joy makes every penny worth it.
HOME IS: Where you find and create your own happy place, the space that magically keeps the family intertwined. It’s the place that says to all who enter, “This is me!”
MONIKA SHUGAN
SENIOR DESIGNER
I’m Monika — home styling expert, and obsessive furniture re-arranger. My love of design began young. Even as a child, I always appreciated my mom’s collection of vintage pottery more than the latest toy.
I’ve spent my career immersed in the luxury design world, from innovative appliances and lighting to a legacy furniture company here in Canada. Today, curating one-of-a-kind spaces is my jam. I love how it all starts with a single item — a swatch of fabric or an inspiration image. From there, we build layer upon layer, with furniture, vintage pieces, rich texture, and meaningful accessories that make a house your home.
FUN FACT: I am the proud aunt of 10 nieces and nephews, one third of whom are now adults and make me question where the last 20 years have gone!
YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW: I’m an early bird. From 5-8am, I’m the local Nonna, sitting on the front porch with my coffee, feeding the birds, and waving to neighbors as they start to emerge for their walks.
FAVOURITE SPLURGE: Most recently, my Peloton bike.
HOME IS: Best when it’s lovingly, eclectically curated.
RAGHDA FATAYRGI
JUNIOR DESIGNER
I’m Raghda — I’m passionate about all things home and design, and adding joy to other people’s lives. My artistic and creative passions started as a toddler when I drew all over my bedroom’s white walls with crayons; now those passions have grown into designing and decorating interiors! Right after high school I stepped into the interior design field and I haven’t looked back.
I strongly believe that a beautiful and functional home is the key to a person’s happiness, which is why it brings me the utmost joy to be a part of the Truelove Designs team and contribute to creating enlivening spaces.
FUN FACT: I have been travelling since I was only a month old — I’ve been to 16 countries so far and I intend to visit many more.
YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW: “Raghda” means pleasant/happy life, and I embody that by always having an optimistic outlook at everything.
FAVOURITE SPLURGE: I’m all about self-indulgence! So anything and everything that brings me happiness.
HOME IS: The place where one feels most at ease, serene, and content. And, to me, wherever my cat is.
MAGGIE CROWN
JUNIOR DESIGNER
I’m Maggie – I studied interior design at The Interior Design Institute. My love for interior design began when I was very young. I grew up sharing a room with my two sisters and loved to rearrange and style our room until I was happy with my new design.
As a member of the Truelove Designs team I’m excited to help transform your space into the home of your dreams.
FUN FACT: I’m a dog mom! I spend all my spare time with my golden retriever puppy Nala.
YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW: I own a rental property. I’m interested by everything about houses from design to real estate and investing!
FAVOURITE SPLURGE: Buying new shoes.
HOME IS: A place to let loose.
SAM TAYLOR
DESIGN INTERN
I’m Samantha, but I'm known to most around the office as Sam — I continually help Truelove Design with sourcing, creating 3D models, social media, and administration.
It brings me absolute pleasure to help bring designs to life while working alongside the incredible team and clientele at Truelove.
FUN FACT: The strangest food I’ve had is pig’s tongue—by accident.
YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW: I sang in a choir at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
FAVOURITE SPLURGE: Usually involves something techy.
HOME IS: An expression of yourself.
