Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shannon Wells. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Shannon, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
Growing up in rural Pennsylvania I believe laid a firm foundation for a strong work ethic in my life. My Grandfather owned a very successful farm machinery shop, my grandmother kept the house in order, helped with his business and baked daily. My mom worked at the local hospital and both of my brothers along with my father belonged to the local fire station and some point in their lives were each Chief. There was never a choice to give up. If you gave your word to do something, you were there.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am a baker, but I don’t think that term adequately describes who and what a baker is and does. The baking industry in my opinion is huge and full of what I call “scientific artists.” Baking is a science but it also requires creativity. Something that has to be tapped into daily. I specifically stick with items that make you think back to being in grandmas kitchen. A time when there didn’t seem to be a care in the world. I’m not “old fashion” because I’m constantly thinking of ways of making what seems like a plain recipe into something truly amazing. However, I love, and you will see with my logo and the way I package, all things vintage. My business will be 5 years old this year and I’m working on building my very own certified kitchen. Always moving forward is my mindset.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
First off, everyone will offer you advice when you are starting out. You need to decide who and what to listen to. That is KEY! Ask yourself, “Does what they say line up with where you see yourself going?” What are their motives in the advice they are giving you? This is where you need to know your WHY and your PURPOSE so that you are not swayed the wrong way. Next, no matter what, DO NOT give up. The journey is a marathon not a race. If you sprint, you will get tired. Now I’m not saying a good burst forward is bad, but I’ve seen many people that own businesses that start of the block sprinting full bore and end up being burned out after a year and give up because they are fried. You’re here for the long haul. Remember, there will be set backs and what you do with those set backs determines where you go from there. Setbacks will teach you what didn’t work and cause you to figure out what does. Always look and move forward no matter how small those steps may seem. Last but not least, take time for yourself, because if you are empty and stressed out you will have nothing to give to your business or amazing customers.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
I am a firm believer of who you surround yourself with impacts every area of your life. With that in mind I am an extrovert that loves talking and hanging out with many different friends, family, colleagues, etc. However, I only have maybe a handful of people that I really let speak into my business. These people, especially my husband, know me very well and know my Why and Purpose for what I do. They let me know when something doesn’t seem right and give me the advice I need even if it stings at that moment. Most importantly they believe in me even when sometimes I don’t believe in myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: eggsandbake.com
- Instagram: wells_family_homestead
- Facebook: facebook.com/eggsandbakes
