23/08/2022
When I found out that I would be included in Fast Company’s Most Creative People in Business 2022 and was to be interviewed, I was fully prepared to do the “good corporate girl” dance of focusing on my day job’s wins and casually mentioning this little travel brand I built called Parlour if it came up. Because this was about my “professional” life right? Wrong. It turns out my interviewer knew all about Parlour and we spent a good 10 minutes discussing how producing high caliber travel experiences and life as a creative exec were similar, how being an employeed entrepreneur helps navigate business challenges, etc. Sadly he cut that part out for time, but for that moment it felt good to be seen in full. Many ppl wonder “how” or “why” I would choose to build up a small business while having a pretty successful full time career and the best answer is—it make me happy. I get the same rush of happy watching our guests have a good time as I do when I see a commercial I wrote on TV. Building a trip and building a production are so similar, only one comes with a bikini and a margarita. If you are contemplating starting something on the side while being a full-time maven and are worried that you can’t do both, trust me…you can! Don’t let “be your own boss IG” tell you any different. And don’t hide it (like I did for years), your small biz is a direct reflection of your talent, it’s not “just a little thing you do on the side.” Trust the process, lead with passion, grow at your own pace, and stay true to your instincts. And when you need a break, Travel Well, with us! XO -Shann 📸 2022
