Sherri Hill was born Sherri Branum, one of five siblings of James and Roberta Branum and was born and raised in a small town in Oklahoma. Hill’s parents owned local general stores selling everything from fabric and clothing to shampoo, candy and school supplies; she was given the opportunity at age eight to join her older sisters in part-time work at the family store. The colorful fabric that was sold in the store sparked Hill's interest in fashion and eventually she was allowed to “dress” the four mannequins in the front windows by draping yards of fabric around each.