Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Jimenez.
Hi Shannon, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I’m a mother, a writer, a coach, and a content creator. I absolutely hate using the word influencer, because really it has a lot of bad stigma surrounding it. Plus, that was never my goal. Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve wanted more than the life “expected” of me. I wanted to do something I loved, something I was passionate about, and I wanted to have fun. I never worried about the money or being famous, I just wanted to have purpose. In High School when everyone is told they had to know where they wanted to go and what they wanted to do, I was stuck. I took aptitude tests, asked counselors, teachers, even friends what they all thought I should do with my life. I wanted to know what they thought I would be good at. After High School, I decided to go to Cosmetology school. Not because I wanted to have a career in being a hairdresser, but because I knew I was good at it, and it was only a year so why not!? I finished school in 2009 and started working in a salon. Sure, I was great but I still didn’t love it and needed something else. So, in 2012 I went back to school. I loved writing, fashion, art, and anything that involved the ocean so I took a ton of classes. I ended up focusing a lot on journalism and English classes, then 2 years later I transferred over into art school to major in fashion marketing. Finally graduating in 2016 I realized I had no interest in the fashion industry at all, but I loved social media and marketing myself. I started creating YouTube videos and started learning more about Instagram and being on those platforms. I loved creating content even if no one else watched or cared. Then in 2019, after having my second child, I was in a deep depression and needed a way out of it. So, I started coaching online. I started my health and weightless journey, shared it, and invited other women to do it alongside me. I fell in love. I met women from all over the world, made friends in amazing places, and not only changed my life around, but the lives of others as well. My numbers on social media have in no way sky-rocketed, but the connections I’ve made with people is beyond amazing. I built up the confidence to move across the country to Orlando, Florida, and live my Disney Girl dreams. Then in October of 2020, my husband, kids, and I all moved back to St. Louis. My whole world flipped upside down. My husband walked out on me, and I had 2 choices. I could spiral out of control and sink back into the deep depression that I was in years ago, or I could use this to my advantage. I decided to dive into my faith and got as close to God as possible. I’ve been sharing my story, and I’ve had a lot of other women relate, and I’ve even started writing my first book. I never would have thought something like this could have turned into something amazing, but God had other plans for me. I really want to help women learn how to get through hard times in their marriage, divorce, separation, and being a mom without answers. I try to be as much of a light in this world as I possibly can. To think that I went to school and searched through everyone and everything to tell me who I was supposed to be is crazy. Sometimes we have to go through trials and actually experience life before we really know the true purpose God has for our lives. I can’t wait to see how this next year goes, and I love sharing it all.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Giiiiiiiirl. No. First of all, if I’ve learned anything in my 31 years of life, it’s that life is not smooth. Life is fully about the ups, downs, and in-betweens. Honestly, I’ve struggled with so much in my life, not much has been smooth at all, but I wouldn’t change a thing. I’ve constantly struggled finding my purpose in life especially after having kids. That mom-guilt will kill you. Watching my close friends tell me I’m a scammer when I’m trying to help people change their lives like I’ve changed mine hurt me so bad. And then having my husband walk out on me and the world watching. It’s all been so crazy. Everyone will chime in with their own opinions on what you should do and how you should live your life. They all want to give you advice even if they have no clue what it is that you’re actually dealing with. There are always going to be struggles, but my favorite teacher from High School told me that it’s not about what you face, but how you face it. That has kept me floating, and reminded me to press on and stay true to who I am.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My work is 100% based on my faith. I’m nothing without my faith. Anyone who follows me can see that I have very high beliefs and that Jesus is my number one. He’s created me to be the person I am. The strong, bold, courageous, fearless women that is before you. I love helping women and moms to be the best versions of themselves and to learn how to help others the same way. Through my YouTube videos, social media, coaching, and now my book. I’ve dabbled in a few blog posts but that is defiantly new, so we’ll have to wait and see where that takes me. I’m proud of all that I’ve done and there is so much to come that is going to be huge. I always knew I was meant for something more, something bigger, and God is defiantly taking me higher so that I can help make an impact in others’ lives. It’s incredible.
We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
This is honestly funny because I’m an open book. I’m always honest about who I am, what I believe in, and what I’m for or against. There are no secrets really. I’m a Jesus Freak who loves to travel. I love working out and I’m vegan, and I have lost 40 pounds but I’m still going for more. I love staying in and watching movies, I’d much rather be home eating tacos than being out and about. I embrace change, and I hate spiders and small spaces. I believe that true love prevails no matter what it goes through, and I think that The Office is the funniest show I’ve ever seen. I don’t get offended easily, but I fully defend those I love. I don’t really like camping or bugs but I’d totally love to live in an RV full time. Oh and I’m pretty allergic to black pepper, which people have a hard time believing. And my coolest trait is my hair. I was born with poliosis, which is sort of like vitiligo, but with your hair follicles. Pretty cool now that I’m older, but I hated it growing up.
Contact Info:
- Email: shannon@laughwithoutfear.com
- Website: www.laughwithoutfear.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fearlesslyshannon/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/fearlesslyshannon
Image Credits
Shannon Jimenez
