Meet Shawna Gray | Digital Media Marketing Agent & Graphic Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shawna Gray and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shawna, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
“I’m going to make everything around me beautiful, that will be my life”-Elsie de Wolfe Beautiful means something different for everyone, but life is all about perspective and your surroundings which create that perspective.  What we choose to see, hear, and be surrounded by, especially in our own personal life, is usually entirely our choice. Beauty sparks inspiration and feelings of well-being, for me. Sometimes if things are feeling dull I’ll re-arrange the house, make art, go be in nature, or just kick-back with my dogs, friends, family, or myself. It’s a reminder that I have the choice and ability to create the world I want & need to live in; and a world I want to share with others.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a right-brain-driven person; dance, art, and music, were all things that came very naturally. Academics & book work always destroyed my focus & I felt terrible about it. When I was growing up, the idea of going to college after finishing high-school was a non-negotiable with my family; so I said if they let me go to cosmetology school first, I’d get an associate’s degree after. I knew this was a total lie, because I could never see the application for it when I just wanted to get out into the world & work for myself ASAP.

At the time, I really did think the hair industry was it for me; It was art, I was good at it, hustled hard, enjoyed it fully, but in hind-sight, ended up spending a lot of that time marketing my craft; the beginning of this road.
Next was the cannabis industry for nearly a decade (I’m originally from the Humboldt County, CA area), where I got hands-on with every aspect involved. I’d helped with some dispensary start-ups, customer service training, horticulture etc; but still found myself enjoying stepping up to the plate when it came time to utilize marketing; it was a really fun challenge with all of the legal advertising limitations around it. Trying to make something with an odd light around it appear tasteful, trendy, and holistic as it really is to the masses.

Then, of course, covid happened; the industry changed, and it felt like it was alright to start on a new path that satisfied my need to make art, and focus on being present at home & for myself more. This came in the form of marketing + digital illustration, as well as some community-building in the cryptocurrency world for a little while, but that kept me indoors far too much, especially being newer to Colorado.
Second to that, this is the closest career I’ve had to a “desk job” because I thrive when I’m up and creating; but I’m really creating more now than I ever have. I’m still getting out to integrate with the community, recreating and bringing ‘work’ along, then coming home to create in an environment that’s both inspiring and relaxing. It’s perfect, I’m very thankful, I feel balance now.

San Juan VIP Marketing is dedicated to supporting and showcasing our local entrepreneur’s creations; reminding everyone of all the reasons our core community is so special. We all just love our home, and the people who came together to create it, we want so much to see it continue to thrive as-is.
I think synergy & real success happens when people share a common goal, for example, when locals support locals, or creatives support creatives. Regardless of what line of work it is, my success has only come when I support the success of others, so that’s what I’m here to do.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Pagosa Springs is a beautiful, small, irresistable town that has somewhat been catered around giving Summer tourists a place to see what Colorado mountain life is all about, in hopes that the natural beauty will still be preserved and respected. Because of this, our town has every amenity to help you spend perfectly filled days in Pagosa Springs, Colorado.

As soon as you rise & shine, head over to The Rose cafe for a cozy homestyle breakfast, or just down the block for some caffeine at the beautiful Root House Coffee + Shop on the river, not everyone is a breakfast person.
Afterward, hop on an early morning hot air balloon ride over the San Juans & enjoy the scenic float!
Speaking of floating, Summer time is tubing and rafting season here on the San Juan River, best believe we have a stop in every corner of town to rent a tube or raft & have a little fast-paced fun on the water; they’ll let you go alone, or get a little help from a guide.

When it cools down more in the evening, we like to have a soak in the hot springs Pagosa is so famous for, because they’re the largest on EARTH! You can access the hot springs through The Springs Resort, if you aren’t into searching for your own spring pool along the riverside; but be aware it is the hottest spot in town, pun intended.

Pagosa’s dining is widely accompanied by live music, so be prepared for your dinner with a show. If you’d like to get gussied up for supper, The Alley House and Meander Eatery are on the top of the list for finer dining, Meander being a riverside option. If you’re just coming off the river, mountain, or horseback, some more causal local favorites are either of the two Riff Raff Brewing locations, Kip’s Grill, or basking in the sun on the Break Room’s patio.

Colorado’s cannabis culture is almost un-ignorable, and we do have our very own “green mile” as you enter town. Even if you don’t indulge, a stop-in to any of the adorable Pagosa dispensaries is an experience to be had for all.

All year long, Pagosa is alive with hiking, fly fishing, horseback riding, mountainbiking, skiing, local craft, & music. Whether someone is looking to find the greatest adventure, or the greatest relaxation in their life, Pagosa Springs is the mecca.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family, friends, and community from the East to the West Coasts have always encouraged and believed in everything I do without a doubt. I contribute my success to their enthusiasm, encouragement, & support, always.

Website: www.SanJuanVIPmarketing.com

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