We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shawn Kane a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Shawn, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?
Shawnunleashed is a testament to my freedom and strength, living unapologetically and on my own terms: I’m not your average over 50 individual, stuck in the past or set in outdated ways. I’m active, engaged, and fully immersed in the social media world, proving that age is not a limitation but power. Refusing to be confined by outdated expectation’s, I created Shawnunleashed, a brand and presence that embodies confidence, and unlimited possibilities.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My journey into social media began with creativity and passion. As the founder and creator of Bead the Unexpected, a handmade artisan jewelry business, I built an online presence to showcase my work. But over time, my platform evolved into something much bigger—a space to inspire and empower others to live fully and unapologetically, regardless of age. I refuse to be boxed in by outdated expectations. Instead, I embraced my passions—fashion, fitness, self-care, and confidence—and began sharing my journey authentically. That’s how ShawnUnleashed was born. My brand is about strength, style, and fearlessly owning who you are.
What I do in the problems I solve
I help women see the age is not a limitation. It’s an asset through my content I provide.
Honest product reviews with real results.Style and beauty inspiration, affordable, effortless fashion, and self-care tips.
Mindset and motivation, encouraging women to embrace their power boldly
Brand collaborations, I’ve partner with companies that live with my values to bring my audience, the best products and insight
What sets me apart?
I don’t just create content—I connect. I’m not here to sell an illusion; I’m here to share real experiences, real results, and real motivation. My drive, style, and authenticity have not only attracted an incredible community of like-minded women but also brands that see the power in my message.
What are most proud of?
The community of fearless, vibrant women who engage with my content, support one another, and refuse to let age define them. And the fact that brands—who align with my values and vision—are finding me!
But I want others to know if I know it I’m sharing it no gatekeeper no fluff just honest real experiences, with a true passion for helping and uplifting others whether it’s a beauty tip a fitness hack or a life lesson I believe in passing it on, I believe in positivity, I believe in faith over fear, if my content inspires at least one person to live more openly more free more unapologetic to explore then I’m doing what I meant to do
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Just as I’m getting comfortable photographing my jewelry for Instagram back when it was mainly a photo base platform, I thought I had finally overcome a major hurdle, but another chiallenge loomed. Aging and how it was showing up on me wrinkles sagging skin the natural effects of time had me questioning whether I wanted to put myself out there Instead of letting my insecurities hold me back. I found the solution hiring a model to showcase my jewelry problem solved or so I thought then came reels and with them a whole new challenge filming transition being in front of the camera it felt like starting from scratch, but instead of shying away, I leaned in. I started experimenting and learning joining memberships groups to pick up new skills at this time my page was called “50_reasons_why” but as I gained confidence, I realize I needed a space to fully express myself. That’s when Shawnunleashed was born a place where I can share my journey and inspire women and build a community. what started as a way to sharpen My skills for my business page became something much bigger. Shawnunleashed grew into a brand of his own attracting woman and even brands that align with my message, in the process bead the unexpected took a backseat, but not for long, after a year of focusing on my personal brand, I have plans to bring it back bigger and better in 2025. This journey taught me that sometimes the pivot leads to something even greater than what you originally planned.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
Building my social media presence wasn’t an overnight success—it was a journey of trial, error, and consistency. I started with a simple goal: to share my passion for creativity through Bead the Unexpected. But as I navigated the world of content creation, I realized my voice extended beyond jewelry. I wanted to inspire women to live boldly, embrace aging with confidence, and break free from outdated expectations.
So, I leaned in. I studied the platform, experimented with different types of content, and adapted as social media evolved. When reels became the dominant format, I didn’t shy away—I learned the transitions, the trends, and how to tell a story in short-form video. I joined mentorship groups, engaged with other creators, and most importantly, showed up consistently.
That consistency, paired with my authenticity, helped me build a brand that resonates with women who see themselves in me. It’s not just about pretty pictures or perfect videos—it’s about connection, relatability, and real results. Brands noticed, followers became a community, and ShawnUnleashed took on a life of its own.
My advice to others
Never give up
Keep showing up
It takes time, but eventually, you will find your voice your style your way
Adapt to change
Appreciate your community
Don’t overthink it
If you continue to do it repeatedly, it can only get better over time
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.beadtheunexpected.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawnunleashed?igsh=cXdpMXlnczgxenlh&utm_source=qr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@shawnunleashed?si=AXeYjuMOEexyP0KI
Image Credits
Lpstudios_md