Meet Shawna Sullivan | Writer, Speaker, & Educator

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

Hi Shawna, as a parent, what have you done for you children that you feel has had the most significant impact?

Without a doubt, the single most important thing I’ve done is to encourage them in their journey of faith. For our family, our belief in Jesus is the foundation Educator ion of the ‘why’ behind ‘how’ we live. From the way we spend our money and our time to how we leverage our talents, I want my children to know the joy that comes from living for something greater than yourself. So, we prioritize being involved in a local church over weekend sports, and say no to some things so that we can have margin to serve and be with others. My hope is that this will be a sure foundation for them as they learn to navigate life on their own.

Another important choice I’ve made as a mother is to stay intentionally present. Our children face significant influence from a variety of sources, and parents experience constant demands pulled in various directions. So, I knew early on in my mothering journey that if I want to be a primary influence in the lives of my children, then I need to give them priority with my time.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

My Masters in Accounting led me to work at a Big 4 accounting firm right out of graduate school. I worked in several different roles at the firm in both Austin, Texas and in New York City, When I became a mom the choice to stay home was clear, but I always knew there was more I wanted to do professionally. Margin in those early years with four children proved difficult for anything creative. It wasn’t until we moved back to Texas near family ten years later that I discovered more margin to begin writing.

What simply started out as writing to process life, faith, and motherhood on my personal blog led to submitting articles for other publications. My writing career extended naturally into speaking opportunities around how to intentionally order our days well so that we can find a meaningful life. My message was formed from those years as a young mom wrestling for worth and value, and I am passionate about helping others in a similar season.

My husband is an investor, but he and I have recently partnered in writing a book and a class curriculum around helping others stop living an overextended life. Our message was formed in the trenches as young parents, overwhelmed and confused amidst the many messages in the world dictating how to raise a family and cultivate a successful career. Our story together began in Manhattan to boost our resumes and make a name for ourselves, however, over time we learned a different definition for success that had nothing to do with our bank account, job titles, or zip code.

Now we desire to help others take inventory of what they have been given in their current season, and how to best order their time, money, and talents for something bigger than themselves. Because of our personal faith in Jesus, we want to encourage others to stop living for the short-term and start leveraging the gifts in their lives for the long-term.

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.

Though my primary residence in this season is in Texas, my mom is a native of Colorado. I have lived in the Denver area several different times throughout my life with many family members who live there today. When we have a week to visit around Denver, our adventures for sure include a day trip to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park to view the wildlife. We love to grab dinner at Burgers and Gyros and head into the park at dusk for wildlife viewing and a drive up Old Fall River Road to the Alpine Pass. The views are thrilling! Creekside Cellars in Evergreen is a must visit for wine and lunch after kayaking in Evergreen Lake. Boulder is another great place to visit for exciting people and entertainment. Our family loves to stop by Eldorado Canyon State Park for a hike and to watch the rock climbers. This past summer we enjoyed biking Vail pass and spending time in Frisco. It is a family friendly way to enjoy an outdoor adventure and take in some of the most gorgeous scenery in the Rockies. One of my favorite places to meet a friend over coffee is in Littleton at Nixon’s Coffee House, located on the Mary Cater Greenway Trail along the South Platte River.

Then we most definitely would go visit Lori Lynn’s Cookies and Cream Truck in Colorado Springs. It’s amazing!! Find her truck at www.lorilynns.com.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

Growing up I watched my parents choose forgiveness, reconciliation, and love through infidelity, constant financial struggles, and intense hardship. So, I must begin by thanking them for the model they set for me now as a wife and mother. My husband is the one reason that I’m able to Homeschool my four children, work from home, and still have a smile on my face. We are a team and I couldn’t do what I do without him and his constant support.

With regards to writing and speaking, I’m amazed how much my writing community champions me forward in what can otherwise be an extremely lonely road. We definitely weren’t meant to walk this road alone, so a huge shoutout to The OpenDoor Sisterhood and Hope*Writers communities.

Website: www.shawnasullivan.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/shawnasullivan

Facebook: www.facebook.com/shawnasullivanwrites

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Image Credits
Overflow Creative Studios Rachel Shamberg – Through Stories Gabby Grace Photography