We were lucky to catch up with Shannon Hill recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Shannon thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

Taking a risk for me might look different than others. I’m an introvert/extrovert but leading with the latter.

I love in-person interaction and building relationships that way. Having a business in this era, a lot of connections and engagement happens on social media. I don’t say this often, but social media scares me. That’s the introvert private side of me.

Inviting the world to see pivotal, exciting, and not-so-good moments stresses me. I always feel like I’m doing it wrong on social media. But what I have learned from my clients or those others who follow me is that I’m doing it just right for me and my brand.

You can always learn from others, but sometimes, it’s taking those bullet points or how they relate to you and crafting your story.

I stepped out in 2022 with a focus on being unapologetic. In 2023, it was authenticity. While scary once again, this has paid off for me during my path, especially this year. I’ve had some big moments that I still can’t believe happened.

The subsequent risk is to share more about Élan House as an inner brand and person. My therapist encourages me to do it and do it scared! But stay true to my values and not take away from personal goals and family time.

Taking this risk is helping develop my business. It helps me decide which projects to take and how to navigate this season.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

One of the funny things is that many people think my name is Élan House. And it’s not lol. But I do love it. However, the surname is my mother’s maiden name. And Élan means style, flair, vigorous spirit, or enthusiasm. I naturally embraced this and inherited all of my talents from my mother. I rejected this talent for years, but one day, I accepted and realized this was part of my calling.

I offer eclectic floral designs and creative direction. I create works of art that are an ode to my culture and women. My designs make people who look like me and women feel seen and the energy they bring to the world.

I think what sets me apart is that I approach my designs as any other designer, whether it’s a painter, clothing designer, or writer who tells stories. I love to mix different mediums and evoke diversity of thought. I want my clients and brands to see themselves in my designs.

I’m proud of the support from my tribe. But the most significant asset is hearing my mother when she is raving about what I have done to others or asking what I have coming down the pipeline.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Being able to create change and bring joy to others. But also showing people who look like me that they can thrive in a creative industry and do it their way

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Being creative is not a light switch that we flip on and off. It’s a process, it’s a lot of work, it’s a feeling. Yes, you can be naturally talented, but much thinking goes into this.

One area is allowing a creative space to be creative. Inspiration and collaboration are essential but will enable that person to bring their spin and what you liked about them to the table.

True creatives don’t thrive or provide the best output when boxed in.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.elan-house.com
• Instagram: elanhouse
• TikTok: @elanhouse
• Pinterest: shanelanhouse

Image Credits
Pictures: @artbycourtwinter Makeup: @justamberlynne Hair @mikohaircaresystems