We’re looking forward to introducing you to Shannon Long. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Shannon, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
Since I do not have a traditional storefront, people are under the impression that I do not have any overhead costs and therefore they expect my products
to sell for less than their market value. They are also of the opinion that I do not need to make a profit. People fail to realize a business such as mine, cannot buy materials, if I do not make a profit.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
After observing locals in Chico, California being creative and selling their creations, I also decided to start my own creative business “Just Smile Hemp Creations” in Chico, California!!! I started off creating and selling necklaces, bracelets, and anklets. Currently I create and sell keyrings, luggage tags, and zipper pulls. I mostly use hemp cord and other natural materials. Though on occasion I will use manmade materials for the split rings and beads.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
My relationship with Jesus!!! Reading the word of God daily, shapes how I see myself, knowing that I can do all things through him which strengthens me. In order to have a productive relationship with Jesus and with others, it is important to read your bible on a daily basis, even if it is just one chapter.
When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
I loved to read as a child. The Golden books of Heroes of the Bible were my favorite because they gave me hope for the future. The ones about Daniel in the Lion’s Den and the Three Hebrew Children in the furnace spoke to me the most. They are about obedience and deliverance. I loved the part where the Three Hebrew Children told the King, that God will deliver them out of his hand!!!
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
When parents are looking for a loving place to take their children to learn about God, they will be confident in bringing them to Sunday School and Children’s Church. When people want key rings, luggage tags and zipper pulls as gifts for themselves or others, they will consider JustSmileHempCreations as a wise choice.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
Definitely, doing what I was born to do! As a child, I dreamed two things: One, that of being a teacher of young children. I help teach Sunday school and Children’s Church at New Testament Christian Church in St. Louis, Missouri!!! Two, that of having my own business, which came true, when I started my JustSmileHempCreations business in Chico, California!! I also dreamed of playing music! I enjoy playing the Djembe!
Contact Info:
- Other: I try to be downtown sitting on a bench near the T Rex building at tenth and Washington, especially on days when there’s home games.
Image Credits
JustSmileHempCreations
