We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shenette Swann. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shenette below.
Alright, Shenette thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.
Goodness- as a parent of two sons, age 22 and 15- I think of every moment I could have been a better parent, but I celebrate my efforts and victories big and small. I do it alone and though it is difficult it is rewarding beyond measure! So, when I give myself grace in my parenting journey I absolutely reflect on theirs. The way my father left what he knew here in NC to create a better life in the Navy. The way my mother returned to school to get her diploma. The way my father shared stories with me. Childhood laughs and silly stories…. The way my mother connected with her community as the Navy Wives President. I think of the way they let me audition for anything I was interested in- plays, musicals, concert choral groups. I think of the way they showed up for my nightclub gigs after I started a band in my 30s. So when I’m asked what did they do right? They never got absent. They stayed present in all of my life even when pursuing their own hopes and dreams. They thought of me always! Today I play percussion dynamically because my father played in front of me. I perform and do shows regularly because my mother let me see her chase her passions. I speak out and work with my community providing safety support and awareness about important issues all because I saw my mother do it. They showed me what living looks like. I’ll never forget.
Shenette , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Sure! S.W.A.N.N. ——Spark Wonder And New Narratives — is the umbrella of which I practice music that heals, messaging that strengthens and words that ignite the people I serve!
As a narrative journaling coach- I guide people through an intricate, unraveling journey of self. My mission is to help others spark curiosity, respect and admiration for their own personal narrative. I help people identify and remove limiting beliefs from their daily self -talk and Help craft new affirming beliefs and new ways to view themselves. With guided meditation and a six step journaling practice, We reevaluate the words we speak over our lives and use gentle self love approaches toward self value.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
A lesson I’ve had to unlearn is that I am resilient! I CAN ONLY BE BUT SO RESILIENT! It’s a narrative that’s been poorly passed down to make people, especially women of color find strength in ways that are unimaginable. Sure, we are resilient, but we have valid stories of trauma, hurt, and tragedy. We have trained our bodies to ignore warning signals and we have trained our minds to tuck away deeply penetrating pain all in the name of being Strong! We are not machines. We are humans. I am practicing the power in waving the white flag. . I am practicing the power in admitting that I am tired and I am practicing the act of rest. Saying no, creating boundaries and revealing my vulnerability is how I restore and heal. This is how I form true bounce back!
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
My personal pivot happened when I went from a married ‘stay at home mom’ life to single parenting and career hats. Although it was far from the life I had prayed for, it was definitely the life I needed. There was so much fear wrapped up in the idea of running my house alone. I left my college experience barely even halfway through the journey and without the degree I thought surely I’ll never find a way to strongly support my sons. I am now the Guest Engagement Manager of inclusion and Training for one of the most visited museums in NC. I successfully run my narrative coaching program, helping single parents transition from fear to fulfilled living and I believe in the power of a pivot! We can’t let fear stop us from destiny. Fear IS courage if you move forward with it.
Contact Info: