Life Lessons:
Shannon Chomanczuk
*Are you happy at the moment?
Yes. Overall I am a happy person, I try to look at the bright side of things. I have a wonderfully supportive husband and two amazing little girls. I get to follow my passion and work on my dream everyday.
*If you could go back and say anything to your 16 year old self now – what would it be?
Relax. I was so serious at 16, I had a lot of fear and worries. I would tell her to not take things so seriously. I would also tell her to write more, read more, do more art. I have always love the creative arts but somewhere along the way I let my art go, I am so happy to have it back!
*What’s the most important thing you’ve learned this year?
Plan and organize! Running two businesses, while being a wife and mother of two does not happen without a plan and a lot of organization. What works best for me is the rule of two, every morning I write down two things on my to do list, one thing for the business and one thing for the home. When I get both of those things done that day I feel accomplished and know I am moving my business forward.
*What do you most want to achieve in the next 12 months?
With my newly launched line of jewelry and website, I have a lot to look forward to in the next year. I am currently working on designing the second collection as well as reaching out to retail locations to carry our jewelry.
*What is your secret to happiness?
Be thankful and lots of kisses. In 2001, on our 2 month wedding anniversary, my husband was in a rollover car accident. In the blink of an eye I almost lost him. We celebrate his life every year on that day. We are thankful for our life and love everyday and we give the girls and each other kisses as often as we can.
*What one ritual or practice keeps you grounded?
Creativity. As long as I nurture my creativity everyday I am peaceful and grounded.
*What’s your biggest regret?
I let the past go, I don’t live there anymore. I don’t have regrets, every experience I have gone through has made me who I am. The worst days of my life have made me thankful for the blessings I have been given. Of course I wish I didn’t have to go through hurt or heartbreak but if I never did I don’t think I would be as empathetic to the clients in my salon or as good of a jewelry designer. I draw inspiration from my life experiences.
*What’s the most important lesson you’ve taught your kids?
My girls are only 5 and 1 right now but I would like to think that as a creative entrepreneur and woman in business that I am teaching them to not let anything hold them back, to follow their dreams, and to dream big!
*What bad habit would you most like to change about yourself?
Fear! I am afraid of everything: not having enough clients, having too many clients, not selling any jewelry, selling too much jewelry and not being able to keep up with demand, not being a good enough mother, not being a good enough wife. I have added daily meditation and prayer to help me work though and crush my fears.
*Aside from motherhood and marriage what are you most proud of in your life?
My husband, Marko, and I have been designing jewelry together for over 12 years but I am most proud of our newest jewelry line, Emily and Eden. The birth of our daughters, Emily and Eden, has inspired us to create a jewelry line that is both loving and sentimental. The girls’ enthusiasm for the colors, shapes, and textures found in nature has become our influence for creating a beautiful collection of earrings, bracelets, and necklaces.
*When were you happiest?
Just last week, Marko and I were standing in the kitchen cooking dinner, the girls were playing at their toy kitchen. We stopped, held hands, and watched as my 5 year old, Emily, helped her younger sister, Eden, make soup. I could sit and watch them play together all day, my heart is so full.
*What ten words best describe you?
Driven, passionate, creative, loving, empathetic, giving, warm, meticulous, stubborn, blessed.
Shannon Chomanczuk is a wife, mother of two, metalsmith, salon owner, and nail artist. The birth of her daughters, Emily and Eden, has inspired Shannon to create a jewelry line that is both loving and sentimental. The girls’ enthusiasm for the colors, shapes, and textures found in nature has become the influence for a beautiful collection of handmade sterling silver jewelry. Shannon and husband Marko live in the scenic Hudson River Valley, NY with their two young daughter’s, Emily and Eden, a Chihuahua, Rory, and two rabbits, Holly and Molly.
