We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shannon Whalen a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Shannon, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
I’ve always been one to challenge norms, preferring to carve my own path rather than climb the corporate ladder. This journey of building my dream has been filled with risks, leading to the greatest one yet: pursuing my true purpose.
I risked moving to LA post-college to become a makeup artist, then shifted to fitness, founding my own company by the age of 24. This business thrived, serving 15+ apartment management companies. Later, I transitioned to coaching, fueled by a passion for helping others realize their dreams.
However, in 2020, my fitness company collapsed due to the pandemic. Without its income, I boldly grew my coaching practice, embracing the financial uncertainty. During this time, I discovered the power of breathwork, which helped me heal personal traumas and understand the subconscious beliefs affecting my relationships and business practices.
Realizing breathwork was my calling, I faced my fears, investing in training despite financial constraints. I rebranded my coaching business, integrating breathwork despite doubts and risks.
This journey, with its ups and downs, deep inner work, and emotional growth, has reinforced my belief in intuition and risk-taking. Now, I’m committed to an intuition-based life with breathwork as my foundation, grateful for the risks that have led me to a fulfilling, autonomous life.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Of course, so I grew up in Pittsburgh, PA, and moved to LA when I was 23 years old. In my former years I spent most of my time in the dance studio as part of the company. I was a competitive dancer for 10 years and that experience really shaped who I am today.
I have always been a deep feeler and highly sensitive. Music and movement really helped me to process my emotions and self regulate when I was younger, even though I didn’t exactly know that’s what I was doing. I truly believe life is a journey back to self, and so being a somatic facilitator utilizing breathwork, music, and movement as my purpose to help others makes perfect sense and is in alignment with who I have always been. It was also enlightening to learn in a human design reading that I am almost entirely set in my emotions, and that I am here to help set creatives free to express themselves authentically. I love that my work gets to be my greatest expression of self and love.
I work primarily with artists, performers, and aspiring entrepreneurs. My journey, particularly the impact of subconscious patterns on my fitness business, has given me insight into how personal evolution shapes business.
I offer long-term 1:1 sessions, group classes, workshops, and online courses.
My offerings include a 15-week ‘Breathe Creativity’ course and a 6-week ‘Break Your Relationship Pattern’ course.
I also provide breathwork sessions on YouTube and Spotify through my podcast ‘Breathe With Me’.
Additionally, I participate in retreats, contributing with breathwork, movement, and mindfulness sessions.
In your opinion, what is crucial for success in your field beyond training and knowledge?
Listening to intuition is vital for success, not just in my field but in life. It’s about trusting that inner voice, even when it seems illogical or risky. Breathwork, in my view, is a powerful tool for reconnecting with and strengthening this intuition. It helps confront past, present, and future selves, setting up a foundation for success when combined with intuitive action.
How do you think you’ve built your reputation in your market?
My authenticity and vulnerability have been key in establishing my reputation. I embrace my emotions and encourage others to do the same, creating a safe space for expression and healing. My openness and non-judgmental approach, especially in my breathwork sessions, have made people feel comfortable and supported, fostering a trusting and effective environment for personal growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: ShannonLeeWhalen.com (being updated so not currently active)
- Instagram: @ShannonLeeWhalen
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shannon.whalen.3/
- Youtube: @ShannonLeeWhalen
- Other: Spotify Podcasts: Shannon Lee Whalen: Breathe With Me