We recently connected with Nicole Shannon and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Nicole, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
The journey to finding my purpose has been unexpected and eclectic. Initially, I enrolled in college, majoring in psychology–driven by a desire to help, encourage, and inspire people to live their lives to the fullest. However, midway through the first semester, I realized something was wrong. I found myself missing my art studio and feeling lost. And I couldn’t shake the feeling that maybe I wasn’t cut out to be a therapist, that perhaps I was too sensitive.
In search of clarity, I decided to leave that school and pursue my passion for art. Enrolling at SUNY New Paltz as an art student, I immersed myself in various creative disciplines, including jewelry, welding, ceramics, sculpture, and painting. I felt a profound sense of belonging and connection to my true self in the studio. I also returned to writing and had the privilege of getting a small book of poetry published. I went on to study art in graduate school at Savannah College of Art and Design.
My post-graduate years were a whirlwind of exploration as I worked in multiple custom goldsmith studios in NYC while continuously creating my artwork. I ventured into different creative disciplines, including fashion design and web design. I curated art exhibitions, organized charity art events, and even opened an art gallery in the waterfront downtown arts district of St. Petersburg, Florida. I also started a digital consultancy and even worked for a stint at a university as their Associate Director of Digital Marketing. Although each endeavor brought its own joys and challenges, I still felt a sense of searching for a common thread.
When my medically fragile son, Quinn, was born, I gained a unique perspective on life’s priorities. His intense medical journey gave me a view beyond the facade of worldly pursuits to realize the deeper significance and impact of our lives.
With a newfound clarity, I realized that getting to mentor artists and entrepreneurs throughout my career brought me the most joy, and it dawned on me that I had always been encouraging, inspiring, and supporting others to live their lives to the fullest, even though I had chosen not to pursue a psychology degree. I finally understood that my purpose was in helping people discover their unique gifts and foster their innate creativity.
With this realization, I became a certified flow coach through the Flow Research Collective. I founded Create Potential—where visionaries, founders, and artists come together to maximize their potential through science-backed creativity and flow state training. Create Potential merges contemporary neuroscience and positive psychology to create research-based resources and actionable strategies that help people conquer their most ambitious goals with confidence, ingenuity, and resilience.
I also continue to be a practicing artist, exploring topics related to healing, growth, and human potential through my art.
My journey has been filled with adventure, learning, and the incredible joy of seeing others thrive. I am humbled and grateful to have found my purpose, and it is my deepest hope that through Create Potential, I can inspire and support others on their transformative journey to finding their purpose.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
During my neuroscience flow coach training, I had the incredible opportunity to learn about a powerful relaxation breathing technique. Little did I know how profoundly this technique would impact my life. As a mother of a medically fragile child, I have regularly faced immense stress and traumatic experiences. This simple breathing practice became my saving grace, helping me navigate challenges with a newfound calm and resilience.
Driven by the desire to share this transformative technique with others, I began teaching it to those around me. However, I found it difficult to explain the nuance of how to do it properly to fully experience its benefits. That’s when inspiration struck, and I decided to create the Bamboo Breath pendant to help facilitate the long, slow, and controlled exhale required to activate the vagus nerve and produce an immediate sense of calm.
The Bamboo Breath, designed to look like a small silver stalk of bamboo, is a tangible reminder of our innate ability to find tranquility within ourselves. Since launching the Bamboo Breath earlier this spring, I have been overwhelmed and overjoyed by the excellent reviews it has been receiving. It is so exciting to see the positive impact it is having in people’s lives as they find moments of peace amidst life’s challenges. I hope this wearable art can continue spreading calm and resilience to more people.
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?
I think the first is resilience and adaptability.
Throughout my path, I encountered numerous twists and turns, shifting from psychology to art, exploring various creative disciplines, and navigating personal challenges as a mother. Embracing resilience and adaptability allowed me to stay open to new opportunities, learn from setbacks, and pivot when necessary. I advise those starting their journey to cultivate resilience, knowing that setbacks and uncertainties are a natural part of growth. Embrace change and even challenges as opportunities for learning and personal development to propel you forward.
The second would have to be curiosity and continuous learning.
Curiosity has been the driving force behind my diverse experiences and ventures. It led me to learn multiple creative disciplines, explore various career paths, delve into neuroscience, and pursue flow coach training. Embrace your curiosity and be open to learning from multiple sources. Seek opportunities for personal and professional development through formal education, workshops, mentors, coaches, and self-directed learning. Continuous learning enriches your knowledge and expands your perspectives, enhancing your ability to solve problems, innovate, and navigate life.
Finally, the third is empathy and connection.
Meaningful and authentic connections with others are essential in life. Learn to foster meaningful relationships, be a compassionate listener, and seek to understand the perspectives of others. My advice to those embarking on their journey is to prioritize empathy and connection. Seek to understand and support others in their endeavors. Collaborate with individuals with who you share values and vision. These types of relationships can be a powerful catalyst for collective growth and impact, as well as a source of restoration and joy.
Remember that exploring various paths and taking detours on your journey is okay. Embrace opportunities for learning and growth, and trust that each experience will contribute to your unique journey. Staying true to yourself and your passions will keep you from feeling lost. Also, genuine authenticity is a powerful magnet for like-minded individuals and opportunities. Most importantly, be kind to yourself, as the journey to purpose and fulfillment is a creative process that requires an open mind, patience, and self-compassion. Its true significance lies in the small intentional steps we take each day, not the noteworthy accomplishments of our lifetime. Maintain a growth mindset, remain resilient, and remember that you are a creative being born with innate value and an intrinsic capacity for creativity–you can create your potential and positively impact the world.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When I am overwhelmed, Bamboo Breath relaxation breathing is my trusted ally. This simple yet powerful practice instantly calms my mind and body, allowing me to reset and refocus. By using the Bamboo Breath, I can activate my parasympathetic nervous system, which helps me transition from the “fight or flight” response to a state of calm and balance.
My advice to those facing overwhelming moments is to explore mindfulness and relaxation techniques that work for you. The Bamboo Breath is one such method that has helped me find tranquility amidst life’s turbulence. Embrace self-compassion, and don’t hesitate to seek support from your community. Remember that taking moments for self-care and practicing relaxation techniques can be transformative, enabling you to approach challenges with a calmer and more centered mindset.
Contact Info:
- Create Potential: https://www.
createpotential.com/ - Instagram: https://www.
instagram.com/createpotential/ - Facebook: https://www.
facebook.com/createpotential - Linkedin: https://www.
linkedin.com/company/ createpotential/ - Bamboo Breath: https://www.
bamboobreath.com/
Image Credits
Jack Robert Photography (first photo)
