My first real adventure in life was as a senior in college. I backpacked across Europe and then enjoyed a semester studying abroad in England. Always the type to be different and do things my own way, I guess postcards and keychains weren't enough for me. I wound up choosing the best and most unexpected souvenir. A husband! Less than a year after meeting, Marc moved to the states and we were married. We have 5 children, 3 dogs and have been married for 30 years! I'm passionate about my God, my family, scuba diving and helping other women believe in their value and succeed in reaching their goals.
It's funny how much we can change over the years. As a child I hated tomatoes. Every time we had them with a meal, my Dad would ask, "Shan, want a tomato? They're good Jersey ones!" and I'd reply, "Dad! I HATE tomatoes!" Now, as an adult, I love them. I also never wanted pet dogs, and we currently have three I adore. Scuba diving was something I was terrified to try, didn't want any part of, and only did because my husband really, really, wanted to. Now? It's my all time favorite thing to be doing! Life is funny like that. Filled with changes, bad and good. But I'm enjoying my journey and discovering that second chances for people, things, ideas, and even foods like tomatoes, can result in great pleasure.
Q: Where were you born, where were you raised, and where do you currently live (City, State/Province, Country)?
I was born and raised in New Jersey and have lived with my husband and children in Ohio for the past 14 years.
Q: What is one of your favorite quotes or lines in a song or movie and why does it resonate with you?
“Oh, it's delightful to have ambitions. I'm so glad I have such a lot. And there never seems to be any end to them– that's the best of it. Just as soon as you attain to one ambition you see another one glittering higher up still. It does make life so interesting.” ― L.M. Montgomery, “Anne of Green Gables”
I love everything about the “Anne of Green Gables” books, TV series and Anne's spirit in general. This particular line resonates with me because of my spontaneous nature and desire to keep flitting from one idea to the next.
Q: What inspired you or led you to your current career?
An accident doesn't seem quite the right word, so perhaps providence. I came across these beautiful little hair clips at a homeschooling convention. I was supposed to be buying books for my children's homeschooling and $80 later had some great accessories for hair instead. Don't worry…I did still buy their books. But that was the start of a very unexpected career in sales and speaking and leading a fabulous team of women all over the USA.
Q: What do you enjoy most about what you do?
Receiving feedback from a woman that something I said or wrote inspired real change in their heart, mind, and actions.
Q: What advice would you give to your 18-year-old self?
My 18-year-old self wanted to be married and have children. I hadn't met my spouse yet, so I figured I should go to college, keep learning and working until I could be what I really wanted, a wife and stay at home Mom. I'd tell my 18-year-old self to do exactly what I did. Go to the college I chose. "Yes! Book that exchange program!" I'm happy where life led me and wouldn't change the choices made by my 18-year-old self. Like most people, I've had some really hard times, and there are some things that have happened that I truly wish did not. But at 18? I'd tell that self to keep going, keep being strong and stubborn and unique!
Q: What is one of your favorite places to be or travel to?
Roatan, Honduras is my favorite place to travel to and be.
Q: If you could choose anyone (past or present, fictional or real) with whom to have lunch, who would it be and why?
Esther. Queen Esther from the Bible. I'd want to hear her story from her perspective. Did she want to be brought before the King? Or was she scared? Did she hope to be chosen or was she hoping she wouldn't be? Did she understand that she was raised and put in that role "for such as time as this" or is that something we read but she didn't personally understand?
Q: Who inspires you to be the best version of yourself?
My husband, Marc. No matter how silly or crazy an idea I have seems, he is always supportive and encourages me with words such as, "Just do it! All your crazy ideas wind up coming out to be something good or leading to something good somehow."
Q: How did you first discover “The Go-Giver”?
I was reading a book by another author, did a google search to find more by that one, and it led me to finding “The Go-Giver.”
Q: Who would you like to see featured on The Faces Of The Go-Giver Community and why?
Someone who is quietly contributing with comments and participation but isn't "loud" and obviously someone of importance. I'd love to meet those behind the scenes who don't feel worthy to be featured, but truly are.
Q: Finally, how can we know if someone we come in contact with is a good connection or prospective customer/client for you?
I would love to be connected with any direct sales company team leaders or event organizers that are looking for a fresh, dynamic speaker to help their consultants unwrap their success the Go-Giver way. Any person in the direct sales industry might be interested in my book, Success Unwrapped, found on Amazon. Any women that like to put their hair up might be a great connection so I can share the beautiful, comfortable hair clips that started it all for me.
Please include your website link if you have one!
https://www.shannonferraby.com
