An Inspired Chat with Shannon Nelson of Little Rock

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Shannon Nelson. Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Shannon, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Something outside of work that’s bringing me a lot of joy lately is planning personal travel experiences with my friends and family. Travel has always been my passion-it’s what inspired me to launch my agency, Her World but lately, being able to carve out time for my own adventures has been especially meaningful. I’m currently planning a multi-country birthday trip to Barcelona and Marrakech, as well as a New Year’s getaway to Toronto with my best friend, and it’s been so fulfilling to intentionally prioritize rest, celebration, and quality time. It reminds me why I do what I do-to help others experience that same kind of joy through curated, stress-free travel.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Shannon Nelson. I’m a certified travel expert with over 15 years of hands-on experience, and I’m the founder of Her World Travel – a women-owned travel agency based in Little Rock, Arkansas. Her World was born from my personal love of seeing the world and my desire to help other women experience travel without the stress or overwhelm that can sometimes come with planning it.

We specialize in creating personalized, luxury travel experiences – everything from bachelorette getaways and birthday trips to destination weddings and once-in-a-lifetime vacations. What makes Her World special is that it’s not just about booking a trip; it’s about curating an experience that feels like YOU: your style, your vibe, your dream.

Right now, I’m focused on expanding Her World’s reach to serve both individual travelers and organizations while also launching initiatives like the Her World International Excellence Scholarship to help minority and women students pursue international studies. It’s been such a rewarding journey turning a personal passion into something that changes lives and makes the world more accessible.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
One moment that truly shaped how I see the world was the very first time I traveled internationally on my own terms. It wasn’t just about the destination – it was the freedom, the culture shock, the self-awareness that came with navigating unfamiliar spaces. I remember standing in a place where no one looked like me, the language was different, the pace was different but I still felt so grounded.

That trip lit something in me. It showed me that the world is so much bigger than our routines and comfort zones, and that there’s beauty in both the known and the unknown. That experience didn’t just change me personally – it’s the reason I built Her World. I want other women, especially women of color, to feel empowered to explore the world boldly, safely, and unapologetically.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There was a time I seriously considered walking away. A few years ago, I was the victim of identity theft, and it flipped my entire life upside down. It didn’t just impact me personally-it affected my finances, my ability to operate my business, and honestly, my sense of safety. I had poured so much of myself into Her World, and suddenly, it felt like everything I’d built was unraveling beyond my control.

I remember sitting with the weight of it all – feeling overwhelmed, questioning if I had the strength to keep going. But what pulled me through was remembering why I started. Her World wasn’t just a business – it was (and still is) a mission to help women travel boldly and joyfully. That moment forced me to rebuild stronger, put safeguards in place, and trust that even the hardest detour could still lead somewhere meaningful. Looking back, it was one of the hardest seasons of my life but it made me more resilient, more protective of my vision.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
One truth that lives deep in me so much that I rarely even say it out loud -is that I believe joy is not just something we stumble into… it’s something we deserve, something we can choose. I’ve been through seasons where I had to create joy out of chaos, whether it was rebuilding after identity theft or juggling entrepreneurship while navigating personal storms. But no matter how uncertain things felt, I always held on to the belief that I was worthy of beautiful experiences and that other women are too.

Another quiet truth I carry is that rest and softness are revolutionary. As a Black woman, I’ve had to unlearn the idea that I have to grind nonstop or be “strong” all the time. Building Her World was never just about travel-it was about giving women permission to breathe, to take up space, to see the world without apology. I may not always say those truths aloud, but they’re behind every trip I plan, every message I send, and every client I serve.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say that I was unapologetically me – in every room, on every journey, and through every chapter of my life. That I didn’t shrink myself to fit expectations, but instead created a life that felt honest, rich, and real.

I want to be remembered as someone who owned her story, flaws, fire, and all. and still led with heart. Someone who kept showing up, even when life knocked me down, and never let the hard parts keep me from living with joy, purpose, and intention.

And if nothing else, I hope people say I made them feel like they could be themselves too. That my confidence gave others permission to take off the mask, to go after what they want, and to do it their way.

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