We recently had the chance to connect with Theeany Shannon and have shared our conversation below.
Theeany, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
I would definitely have to say that I am proud of the fact that I am taking care of myself with INTENTIONALITY. This year has been a year of “ dealing and healing”, dealing with grief and healing from the trauma of it. As part of that healing, I have been more consistent with self care routines: skin care, health, weight loss, and self love. The funny thing of this is the skin care. For some reason I am laser sharp focused on my shoulders! My shoulders have to be moisturized, shining and smell great! Go figure!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am my brand. I conceptualized the brand in terms of an umbrella. Under that umbrella are sub-brands. The first is my social media series, “ Dating in Dallas”, Where I discuss topics regarding love, dating, and relationships with an emphasis on personal intrinsic healing. In fact, the motto of the show is “ Heal first, then find love”. The show initially started 6 years ago while I was navigating dating in the Dallas Metroplex. I would go live on Facebook and tell horror stories. The audience grew as did the demand for more content outside of retelling dating horror stories. So, in 2021 New Years Day, I prayed and asked for direction. Healing was the word I kept hearing over and over again. That’s when I changed the focus of the show. Dating in Dallas is dynamic, highly spiritual and very funny.
The second sub-brand is “ Love & Laughs”, which is an artist showcase I created and produce. Love and Laughs showcases the talented artistry of the DFW Area. Each show focuses on up and coming artists in Stand up comedy, Spoken word poetry, and R & B music. It truly is a passion of mine to help get truly talent individuals exposure, for the furtherance of black and brown culture.
“ Thee the Emcee” is one component of my brand that has gotten me much exposure and humble notoriety. I provide media or emcee services to various companies and organizations for events, galas, shows, conferences and festivals. Emceeing allows me to be my full self, as I curate good vibes and provide sophistication to events I am booked for.
Lastly, a facet of my brand that is in the making is “ Brown Girls Healing Community”, a safe space for women of color in grief. I was my mother’s caregiver, until she passed in February 2024. Me dealing with grief and loss, was the fuel to start this venture.
All of this started with my move to the DFW area from New Jersey in 2017. During that time, I experience a perfect storm of events: I was let go from my job, I split from my “ Wasband”, and I had all these health issues as a result of the stress. My mother urged me to move with her to the DFW area and start life over. I was very reluctant, because I had absolutely no money to do anything, let alone move. As in all of my decisions, I prayed for direction. Well, the next day, my brother calls me, out of nowhere, and offers to pay for me and my mother to move. So, with a scared heart, and $42 in my check account, I sold almost everything, pack and left Jersey for the beautiful state of Texas. I can honestly say it was the BEST choice I could’ve made.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
That I am not enough. Growing up, I was told by others that I was either too much or too little of most things. This created insecurities in me a young girl. I can remember looking in the mirror as early as 6 years old, and thinking “ If I could only fix THIS, I will be ok”. It took my awesome mother speaking life and purpose into me EARLY, that helped me fight the negative words from others and dispel the thoughts I had about myself.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
Divorcing in 2017 was a defining wound, as it shaped how I showed in the world and in relationships. I had a general mistrust for men. It took a year of counseling, both spiritual and therapeutic, to heal from the wounds of being married to an emotional and psychologically broken man.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
Fads are speak to the ideals and mindsets of current culture. Fads are short lived with the foundation being shock value and click bait. Foundational shifts are grounded in character building with the foundation being lasting change over time. People resonate with a foundational shift, because it often times requires accountability and true, meaningful change. Fads are readily accepted and praised, while foundational shifts are wildly unpopular because of it’s requirement for introspection and deep intrinsic work.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What will you regret not doing?
My one regret is more personal than business or brand related. I regret that I didn’t have children of my own, especially since my mother has passed on. I regret not having the experience of carrying and bringing life into this world, and honoring my mother with a grandchild. I believe wholeheartedly in Romans 8:28, but there is still a part of me that regrets not having a child. I have made peace with it and poured my gifts and strengths into helping youth through my work in ministry and mentoring through “ Rated Purity Girl”. I am a mental health and wellness coach for the organization.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @datingindallas_theeany, @simply_theeany
- Facebook: Dating in Dallas with Theeany
- Other: TikTok- @datingindallas_theeany
Image Credits
Tyana Danae Photography
www.tyanadanae.com
Flyers by: Rejae Kennedy ( my assistant)
www.itskomplicated.com
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
