Today we’d like to introduce you to Sheila Lovekamp.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
We didn’t start with a building—we started with a mission. Before there were rocking chairs on the porch or candle-lit breakfasts in the dining room, there was Whole Hearts—a simple, ministry-inspired vision to help couples strengthen their connection, rediscover their value, and deepen their relationship in a world always rushing ahead. From early online forums, webinars and relationship-coaching sessions, our goal was to serve each couple with authenticity and care.
As that online ministry gained momentum, we recognized a deeper need: a physical space where couples could disconnect from the demands of society and reconnect—with one another, in an atmosphere of calm, restoration and presence. So in 2018, we opened the doors of Whole Hearts Bed & Breakfast in Wellford, South Carolina—turning our ministry of encouragement into a home where guests could slow down, be seen, and breathe.
From day one, we set the table the way we live: warm welcomes, thoughtful touches, and breakfasts made with love. The house itself—an elegant, late-19th-century beauty—does half the talking. Its period details, wraparound porch and story-book charm invite guests to sit a little longer, linger over coffee, and watch the day unspool at an easier pace.
We chose Wellford for a reason. Tucked between Spartanburg and Greenville, our place sits at 695 Main Street—close to small-town parks, winding country drives, and quick hops to regional attractions—yet far enough from the bustle to feel like a true escape.
As our guest book filled, so did our hearts. Couples came to celebrate anniversaries, reconnect after busy seasons, or simply step outside the daily grind. Friends gathered for tea parties, small events, and themed get-togethers. Business travelers found a restful landing spot that still felt personal. And over and over, guests told us the same thing: it felt like stepping back in time without giving up the comforts that matter. We took that as our cue—keep the heritage, elevate the care—and focus on helping people rediscover each other.
Recognition followed—not because we chased it, but because our community spoke up. In 2024, Whole Hearts was honored as a Regional Winner (Upstate) in the Best of South Carolina awards. The next year, readers and editors lifted us again—this time as a statewide “Best of South Carolina” winner in Hotels & Resorts. For a little white house with a big heart, it felt like the whole state cheering on small, intentional hospitality.
Today, Whole Hearts is still exactly what we hoped it would be: a peaceful, welcoming place where people feel seen, rested, and celebrated. We keep breakfast generous and the pace unhurried. We preserve the history and polish the details. And every check-in is another chance to do what we set out to do from the start—help couples disconnect from the demands of the world, reconnect with one another, and serve with our whole hearts, from our home to yours.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
From the very beginning, Whole Hearts Bed & Breakfast has been a true labor of love. We’ve bootstrapped everything ourselves — from hand-picking décor and restoring antique pieces to managing marketing, bookings, and guest experiences. Every inch of progress has been built by our own hands and hearts, with no outside investors or large support networks. Just faith, hard work, and a shared commitment to creating a place where people can disconnect from the noise of life and reconnect with what matters most.
Then came the tests that shaped our character. When COVID-19 struck, we faced the same heartbreak so many in hospitality did — temporary closures, social-distancing restrictions, and uncertainty about the future. But even through the stillness, we held to our purpose. We used that time to refine, restore, and prepare for the day when couples and travelers would once again need a space to rest, heal, and reconnect.
And just as we began to rebuild our rhythm, Hurricane Helene hit in 2024, leaving devastation across our property. We lost 11 trees, sustained damage to three building roofs, and spent nearly a full year working to clean up the aftermath. The sight of toppled oaks and broken shingles was disheartening — yet it also became another chapter in our story of perseverance. Piece by piece, we cleared the debris, repaired what was broken, and found gratitude in every step of restoration.
Today, we still face the everyday realities that come with running a small, family-operated business — including ongoing supply-chain delays and the challenge of getting simple things like linens, décor, and breakfast essentials when we need them. But if these years have taught us anything, it’s resilience. We’ve learned to adapt, to stay creative, and to serve our guests with grace no matter what obstacles come our way.
Whole Hearts was never built for perfection — it was built on purpose. And through every challenge, we continue to do what we’ve always done: serve with love, faith, and our whole hearts.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Whole Hearts Bed and Breakfast, LLC?
At Whole Hearts Bed & Breakfast, everything we do flows from one simple belief — that real hospitality is about connection. Nestled in the heart of Wellford, South Carolina, we’ve created more than just a place to stay; we’ve built a sanctuary where people can slow down, breathe deeply, and rediscover the joy of being fully present with one another.
What began as an online ministry focused on helping couples strengthen their relationships has grown into an award-winning destination that blends rest, romance, and restoration. Every detail — from the décor to the warm welcome at the door — has been personally designed and built by us. We’ve bootstrapped everything, doing it all by hand and heart, without outside investors or corporate backing. That personal touch, authenticity, and care for every guest are what truly set Whole Hearts apart.
We’re honored to have been recognized across multiple platforms for that dedication. Whole Hearts has been named both a Regional Winner (Upstate) and a Statewide Winner in the Best of South Carolina Awards for 2024 and 2025, and we’re also proud to be recognized by Google as a Top-Rated, Veteran-Led Business — a reflection of the integrity, resilience, and service values we live by. In addition, our commitment to hospitality excellence has been acknowledged with HotelSocial.com’s Certificate of Excellence.
Our co-founder, Sheila Lovekamp, has also been recognized nationally for her leadership and professional impact through her inclusion in both Marquis Who’s Who and Continental Who’s Who as a Pinnacle Professional Member — honors that celebrate her dedication to serving others through coaching, ministry, and hospitality.
Today, Whole Hearts is known for its signature blend of charm, creativity, and warmth. Beyond our cozy guest rooms and delicious breakfasts, we host a wide range of special experiences — from elegant tea parties, bridal and baby showers, and intimate weddings to masquerade balls, themed parties, and even an immersive escape-room-style adventure house. Each event is intentionally designed to help people celebrate life’s meaningful moments and build lasting memories together.
Our ministry and coaching branch, H.I.S Sanctuary, extends that same heart for connection through faith-based coaching for couples and individuals, centered on the principles of Health, Intimacy, and Spirituality. Through retreats, private sessions, and workshops, we help people rebuild relationships, deepen faith, and heal emotionally and spiritually — carrying the same spirit of hospitality beyond our walls.
What we’re most proud of — brand-wise and personally — is that we’ve built all of this ourselves, guided by faith, resilience, and love. From surviving hurricanes and pandemics to growing through every challenge, Whole Hearts continues to stand as a living testimony that true hospitality begins not with business — but with heart.
At Whole Hearts, guests don’t just visit — they reconnect, recharge, and rediscover love. That’s not just what we do.
That’s who we are.
What were you like growing up?
Sheila grew up in Georgia in a single-parent household, surrounded by love, faith, and the unshakable belief that hard work and perseverance could overcome any obstacle. Her mother instilled in her a deep sense of independence — to never give up, never depend on anyone else for success, and always lead with integrity. Even as a child, Sheila was artistic, imaginative, and expressive, finding beauty and meaning in everyday moments. That creative spirit has stayed with her through every season of life, from her early passion for writing and art to her work today as a published author, life coach, and hospitality entrepreneur. Sheila loved people then just as much as she does now — always the encourager, the listener, and the one who makes others feel seen and cared for.
James:
James grew up in Texas in a separated household, spending weekends traveling back and forth between parents. Those early years taught him resilience, adaptability, and the importance of staying grounded no matter where life took him. From a young age, he learned the value of hard work — whether it was fixing things, helping around the house, or finding creative ways to make the most of what he had. Naturally quiet, shy, and reserved, James often preferred to observe and learn before speaking. Yet even then, he had a unique gift: a quiet warmth that could light up a room and make people feel comfortable just by being around him. Those qualities — humility, steadiness, and heart — still define him today, both in life and in leadership.
Together, those early experiences shaped who we are now — two people who learned the power of perseverance, faith, and compassion from very different beginnings, and who now pour those same values into everything we build with Whole Hearts and H.I.S Sanctuary.
Pricing:
- Whole Hearts Room Stays begin at $149 / night with optional add ons available
- Tea Parties begin at $24.99 per person, fully customizable
- Weddings begin at $650 depending on party size, customization and needs
- Our coaching services start at $85 / hr with various packages available in package offerings
- Events begin at $150 for a 2 hour block of time which includes the space. Additional items can be requested or added as needed for a surcharge. Fully customizable
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wholeheartsbnb.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wholeheartsbandb
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wholeheartsbnb
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/whole-hearts
- Twitter: https://www.x.com/whole_b
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/whole-hearts-bed-and-breakfast-wellford-2
