Meet SHANNON BALENCIAGA

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to SHANNON BALENCIAGA. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

SHANNON , so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?

My optimism comes from survival and faith. I’ve lived through moments that should have broken me, moments where giving up would have been the easiest option and yet I’m still here. Every time I’ve made it through something I thought I wouldn’t, it reinforced the belief that tomorrow can be better than today.
It also comes from purpose. I know my life isn’t random, and my struggles weren’t wasted. I’ve seen how pain can turn into power, how setbacks can redirect you toward something greater. When you understand that, you stop seeing obstacles as endings and start seeing them as lessons.
And finally, my optimism comes from choice. I choose hope every day, even when it’s hard, even when it’s uncomfortable. Optimism isn’t pretending things are perfect; it’s trusting that growth, healing, and success are still possible, no matter what chapter you’re in.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

At the heart of everything I do is storytelling, impact, and intention. Professionally, I wear many hats, I’m an entrepreneur, creative, cultural leader, and the Founder and CEO of AnnAga Luxury Skincare, a luxury lifestyle brand rooted in performance, science, and self-care. I’m also deeply involved in community work and the arts, which continue to shape how I lead and create.
What excites me most about AnnAga Luxury Skincare is that it goes far beyond traditional beauty. The brand was built to be experiential, skincare that performs, home fragrance that transforms spaces, and products that make people feel seen, confident, and cared for. Every formula is created with intention, from our skincare treatments to our candles, masks, and wellness essentials. Luxury, to me, isn’t about excess, it’s about quality, integrity, and how something makes you feel.
What makes my work special is that it’s personal. I built this brand independently, from the ground up, while navigating life publicly and privately. That journey has given me a deep respect for resilience, authenticity, and innovation. I don’t just sell products, I build ecosystems, community, and moments that allow people to slow down and reconnect with themselves.
Right now, I’m focused on expanding AnnAga into new categories, strengthening our retail presence, and launching limited-edition collections that merge beauty, wellness, and lifestyle. We’re also continuing to grow our brick-and-mortar partnerships and developing new product innovations that reflect where modern luxury is headed.
Beyond business, I remain committed to philanthropy, creative expression, and advocacy, using my platform to uplift others and tell stories that matter. Everything I’m building is about longevity, legacy, and creating something meaningful that lasts.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

When I look back on my journey, three qualities stand out as the most impactful: resilience, self-awareness, and discipline.
Resilience has been everything. There were moments when giving up would’ve been easier, but learning how to get back up, repeatedly, shaped both my character and my career. For anyone early in their journey, my advice is to stop viewing setbacks as failures. Treat them as data. Learn from them, adjust, and keep moving forward.
Self-awareness is another key skill that changed everything for me. Knowing who you are, what you stand for, and what you’re willing (and not willing) to compromise allows you to make aligned decisions. To build this, spend time reflecting, asking hard questions, and listening, especially to feedback that challenges you.
Finally, discipline is what turns vision into reality. Talent and passion matter, but discipline is what keeps you consistent when motivation fades. Start small: create routines, keep promises to yourself, and show up even on the days you don’t feel inspired.
If you can develop resilience to withstand challenges, self-awareness to stay aligned, and discipline to stay consistent, you’ll build a foundation strong enough to support whatever success you’re working toward.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

The most impactful thing my parent ever did for me was when my mom bought me my first set of luggage. It was the last Christmas before I turned 18, and she did it because she knew I was about to step out into the world and conquer it. That gift wasn’t just luggage, it was belief, preparation, and permission. She saw my future before I fully understood it myself, and in that moment, she was telling me, “You’re meant to go places.”