We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shanna Norton a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Shanna, great to have you with us today and excited to have you share your wisdom with our readers. Over the years, after speaking with countless do-ers, makers, builders, entrepreneurs, artists and more we’ve noticed that the ability to take risks is central to almost all stories of triumph and so we’re really interested in hearing about your journey with risk and how you developed your risk-taking ability.
Growing up I appeared as the “ideal” youth. Good grades, good friends, involved in extracurriculars. All of these things came natural to me, requiring little effort. I felt like I was destined for greatness. Flash forward to adulthood, intimidation began hitting me from every angle. Job interviews, raising children, maintaining relationships. I began second guessing myself. Am I out of my league? Am I capable of achieving my goals? Do I measure up? I searched for the secret recipe, but what I discovered is that there is no magic puzzle piece for success. My method for getting through the scary moments? Jumping in head first before I overthink it. Then, without realizing it, you are the one conducting interviews, you are the one running your own business, you are the one that others look at and think “Wow, one day I want that.” In my youth, I never knew true reward because I never knew true risk. Once you start taking true risks and committing to true hard work, even the “failures” feel like a success.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Weirdough Sourdough is all about embracing what makes you, you. As a mom, it is my mission to teach my kids to value themselves and to develop resilience. My motto, “Stay weird”, may seem simple, but at its core it is a high five to each of our customers reminding them that what makes them unique is what makes them extraordinary. At Weirdough, these principles are reflected in the menu. Rather than just your run-of-the-mill baked goods, you will have the opportunity to try unusual flavors like our Fried Green Tomato Sandwich Bread, Garlicky Dill Pickle Focaccia, Activated Charcoal Bagels, and more. Each item is handmade, baked fresh, and incorporates high quality ingredients that nourish the body. While I love baking artisan breads, what I love most about my business is being engaged with my community through local markets and events. To all of my customers, thank you, and please know that getting to know you is the best part of it all.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The number one most important thing is to know your why. Financial reasons? Are you trying to be a role model for your kids? Without a why, you have no driving force to get you through the tough times. Each time I am faced with adversity, I think about what I would want my kids to do or feel in that same situation once they are living their own adult lives – and then I do that.
The second piece of advice I have is to talk to colleagues, meet new people, and learn directly from them. There are so many programs, experiences, and opportunities that you can’t find just browsing the internet. And believe it or not, most of these people are excited to tell you about their story, their experiences, and share their knowledge.
Lastly, know your limits. A business that leaves you sleepless, stressed, drained and unrewarded is a waste of your talent and hard work. With so many directions that life can take you, trial and error is a necessary part in finding what fuels your mind and soul. Don’t dwell on the past, let it go, and focus on moving forward.
How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?
“I just have to get through this week, and then things will be better” – we all say it. And then we say it again a week later. With a new business, a husband with a heavy workload, and a child who has recently developed health issues, the challenges never seem to end. At times, it can feel like I’m stuck in that moment when you’ve just realized your house is on fire and you’re trying to decide what to do first without a second to spare. If this is you, know you are not alone. We are all in the same boat, no life is easy. Remember that we all go through seasons, and there will be times you need to lean on others to stay afloat. Give yourself grace, and when in doubt, run to those you love for encouragement. Sit in the sun, get some fresh air, remember what makes you human.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weirdoughsourdough?igsh=MTF0ODRwcXYzOGJsNg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19ytqSRVYR/?mibextid=wwXIfr
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
