Shannon was recently featured in an interview by Uncover Squirrel Hill.

Women’s History Month

Hello Shannon!

How and when did you start this line of work?
In late 2023 I started my business with Schooley Mitchell because as a new business owner I was looking to be more innovative, resourceful, and relevant in my work. I really enjoy meeting people and learning about their organizations and sharing how Schooley Mitchell can serve them to save money.

Why did you choose Squirrel Hill as a location for your business? 
My business is home-based so I can work anywhere in the world but since I live in Squirrel Hill, the best neighborhood in Pittsburgh, that is my location!

What do you value most about Squirrel Hill?
Hands down, the diversity of people. I love getting on the bus near my home at Forbes and Wightman and hearing multiple languages between people of different generations, origins, and backgrounds. Throughout Pittsburgh, everyone recognizes Squirrel Hill as a lively and welcoming, historical community. I feel fortunate to live and work here!

What products and services does your business offer?
Schooley Mitchell helps organizations reduce operating costs which increases their profitability, cashflow, and most importantly reallocates those funds to their mission and people.

What is one thing you’d tell a young person to encourage them to pursue their dreams and goals?
Actively seek out advice and be open to feedback!

As a female entrepreneur and business leader, what inspires you?
Other female leaders! My sister, also a business owner, heard Venus Williams speak about success and two things that she shared with me resonated: #1 New challenge? New skill, and #2 It all adds up. When I apply it to my life, I want to keep learning and evolving, and every little thing I do makes a difference so do it to the best of my ability.

What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know? 
I attended 12 schools in 5 U.S. states from kindergarten through high school and have lived and worked in 4 countries as an adult.

What’s the last book you read?
Maame by Jessica George for the City of Asylum Book Club, https://www.cityofasylumbooks.org/event/city-asylum-book-club-1

What is your favorite hobby?
Painting

What’s one item you can’t live without? 
My family.

If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Street tacos – so many variations and fixings!

What’s the next place on your travel bucket list?
My husband is a public health scientist and will be serving in the Democratic Republic of Congo for four months, so I look forward to visiting him in Kinshasa this summer!

Saturday night out in Squirrel Hill: Where are you eating, shopping, or visiting?
A perfect Saturday night with my husband walking around Squirrel Hill would be popping into Cheeks, Littles, Blue Monkey Tea Store, and Ten Thousand Villages. Then dinner at Diners 2+1, a movie at the Manor, and tea (Touareg is my fav) and treat at Dobra Tea House or a beer and cheese balls at the Squirrel Hill Cafe, “the Cage.” Perfection!