Story of Style: Shannon

Living life abundantly requires one to have patience, perseverance, and a heart filled with dreams. Shannon shares on the life she is painting as a current full time marketing professional pursuing a new career goal as an interior designer on the side, doing it all with impeccable style.

"I am a young, ambitious idealist who loves the pretty things in life. I am the type of person who is always looking forward to what comes next, both professionally and personally. Above all, close relationships and sincerity are what I value most in the world.

Going into college, I had absolutely no idea what career path was right for me. I went into my freshman year undeclared, and decided that I would dedicate my first year studies to many different subjects. Eventually, I came to the decision to pursue a career in marketing, not only because it felt fitting, but it also seemed most practical as a young person paying for their own education. So I graduated with my bachelor’s in marketing and since then, I have spent 2+ years working in marketing operations. My career so far has been successful, however I feel unfulfilled...

When Covid-19 hit in early March, I left my job in New York City and became a remote worker at a new company closer to my home in Connecticut. With all the newfound time on my hands, I decided that it was time to re-evaluate my career, starting with my skills and passions… I knew I've always had a great interest in interior design and architecture.

After months of constant research and soul searching, I decided it was important for me to invest in my interests and dreams by enrolling in an online course through the KLC School of Design based in London, a course I have always dreamed about taking. I try to commit to a part-time schedule of 10 hours a week so I can stay on-track to complete the course within 15 months. I honestly believe that you can never go wrong by investing in your education, skills or career. Even if you decide afterwards that your original dream isn’t for you… it just brings you that much closer to what is.

The research part of a goal is most important. Before I invested in my new career goal, I spent a lot of time reading on the career and school to make sure that it would be right for me. I found people who have completed the course and messaged them on Instagram and LinkedIn with questions. I even reached out to junior and senior level designers in the field to hear about their career journeys. This really helped me to have a better understanding of the reality of my dream. Needless to say, I am so happy I did and I can't wait to pursue a career in this direction.

There are many similarities between my personal style in fashion and interior design. When styling an outfit or a room, I love seeing bold contrasts such as feminine vs. masculine, vintage vs. contemporary, soft vs. hard, light vs. dark. When putting an outfit together, I might pair a black leather jacket with a feminine, parisian-style flowing dress and it often balances out, and creates depth and interest.

My favorite style tip is that it’s all in the detail! I’ve found small ways to add detail to my outfits while still remaining true to my simplistic style. These are pretty basic, but here are some examples...

• Mix and match metals

• Layer necklaces of the same metal

• Add a statement belt

• Experiment with flare jeans

• Tie small neck scarves to handbags

If I could tell my younger self anything it would be to have faith that if one thing doesn’t work out, something else will. I still struggle with this one because I’ve always been the type of person to pour my emotions into the things that I do or want. I get so excited about things that I would start to envision my whole life around it. Then if it didn’t work out, I would be crushed by the sudden drop of disappointment. Now, I am teaching myself that everything happens for a reason, and that these are all just life lessons. When one door closes, another door will open."

#StoryofStyle

Photography by: Mary Fran Hansen