Introducing: Shannon Gray
Davidson, NC
Most Valued Form of Character:
R.E.S.P.E.C.T
Q: Please tell us a bit about yourself. Where are you from and where are you now?
A: I was born in the Tidewater area of Virginia…and grew up in Yorktown, VA. Once college started, I moved to the Big City, Richmond, VA, and attended Virginia Commonwealth University. I lived in Richmond for quite some time. In 2008, my husband received a position in Raleigh’s Research Triangle Park, so we moved to Wake Forest, NC. It was a quick stint and we moved again to Davidson, NC in the summer of 2011.
Q: How did you meet and fall in love with your husband?
A: I had finally reached my “whatever is to be, will be” frame of mind. I had just transferred working to a new school and was helping out another new teacher with the cheerleading squad. She told me about this guy friend of hers and insisted I meet him. The only glitch was he had left Richmond a year earlier and moved to Maryland. I thought..well…even better. If it doesn’t work out, I’ve got distance on my side. Well…he finally came to Richmond for a visit and we all met out. I was never a believer in love at first sight, but as soon as I met him I knew in my heart I was going to marry him. We dated long distance for a long time, as I tried to convince him Richmond was my “happy place.” We were married close to two years after we met…and yep…stayed in Richmond for a while longer.
Q: Give us a glimpse into the world of Frances…
A: Oh…where do I start? I could go on and on about my baby girl. She is truly my everything. Frances is 5. She amazes me each day…sometimes in an “Oh, no!” kind of way…but still amazes me. Katy Perry’s song “Firework” quickly became our theme song. She is so creative and hilarious!! I often think that she is going to be the one that makes it on stage, as she loves to be front and center. She has a great passion for animals…especially horses. I love to watch her in awe as she cares for animals. Her nurturing side just shines. Even on the rougher days…I look at her and feel like the luckiest Mommy in the world. She is our greatest blessing.
Q: What did you do in your previous life? Pre-Matilda Jane?
A: I have dabbled in so many things…all starting with a passion and desire for the stage. It began with playing the role of Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz” in the 6th grade. Not too many chances for the stage growing up where I did, so I begged and pleaded with my parents to send me away to wherever for the summers so I could train for the stage. I went to various summer programs in Maryland, North Carolina School of the Arts, and Carnegie Mellon. By the time I was in college, I loved being on the stage so much but began to feel what real life would be like for a “starving actor”. I wanted to continue to love theatre and not get overwhelmed by the competition. My other love was being with children, so I chose the path of majoring in Psychology, with an emphasis on child development. Ended up getting my Masters in Counselor Education from Virginia Commonwealth Univ., too. I was a school counselor in the middle school and elementary levels for close to 10 years before Frances. I also trained through Integral Yoga and became a yoga instructor and prenatal yoga teacher. There is still the great love of theatre, and my husband fondly refers to me as “Rachel Berry” from Glee, when I break out into my musical numbers. Sure do wish I had been half as talented as her.
Q: What is your favorite part of working for Matilda Jane?
A: The absolute excitement in the hostesses eyes as I unpack and get all set up for her show. It is truly like Christmas, seeing everything displayed.
Q: If you could wear one item every day, what would that be?
A: OH wow…that’s hard! Charlie dress…hands down! And the Finn Pants now that they have the new waist band. So comfy!
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
A: Hmmm..that would put well into 40’s..and I’m just not there yet. Not sure what I’ll be up to in 5 years, but I best have a great hairdresser to help me out.
Q: What are your favorite blogs or websites you visit EVERY day?
A: I truly don’t spend a lot of time cruising on the computer…but I have fallen in love with the blog Momastary. She is ridiculously funny and it’s so refreshing to finally hear what your heart has been telling you all along. She tells it like it is, but serves others in such a giving and loving way.
Q: Besides your children, what has your greatest accomplishment been thus far?
A: Hmmmm…receiving my master’s degree was a biggie. And running a full marathon. Of course, I did that back in “my younger years”, but it was probably one of the hardest things I’ve done. My knees won’t allow me the chance to do a full one again, but I have done a few ½ marathons and getting ready for another in Kiawah Island, SC this Dec.
Q: Share with us just ONE very important thing you do to try to leave this world a better place.
A: Helping children…I am a firm believer in that they are our future and everything we model and teach them now will have an impact on them as adults.
Q: What is your favorite holiday and why?
A: Thanksgiving! I love that time of year and the start of the holiday season. Macy’s day parade in our pj.’s , relaxing with the family, and not worrying about eating too much…my kind of day.
Q: How have you learned to balance life with the many, many hats you wear?
A: I don’t sleep a lot..ha, ha! I have always been a “checklist” kind of girl and it is truly my saving grace. I even put “make tomorrow’s checklist” on the checklist just to make sure.
Q: What is the most valuable lesson you hope to instill in your children?
A: To be giving, caring, and kind. Even when it’s not reciprocated, I always tell her to smile and continue on. Each morning as she goes to go to school, I talk with her about helping make someone feel special, and each night after our prayers I ask her one simple question “What is the most important thing?” Her answer “To have a good heart.”
Q: Salty or sweet?
A: Both!! I know, I know…dangerous.
Q: What do you love most about having kids?
A: Living and seeing things through her eyes. It’s energizing. Just taking those moments and being with her in the present is the greatest.
Q: If you could have lunch with any celebrity, who would you choose and why?
A: Audrey Hepburn. I adore her, her class, her style, and her very big heart. She had a sense of humor and sense of grace that I strive towards in my own day to day dealings with others. I just want to know how she managed it all…even through her heartbreaks and disappointments.
Q: If you could have Sam design any item for Matilda Jane, what would it be and why?
A: I have an addiction for pj’s…I would love to see what could come of some MJ pajamas.
Q: Lastly, in the spirit of Heart~Soul~Pride, what in your opinion is the most important form of character?
A: Respect. Treat others as you would want to be treated. Taking a moment and showing consideration and kindness could make someone’s day completely turn around.
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Enjoyed learning more about you Shannon and look forward to working with you!!
I’m trying to do the Couch to 5K and get some running under my belt. My ultimate3 goal is a marathon. What an achievement! Kiawah Island would be a great place to run (aside from the heat and humidity)! My parents took us there for vacation several times as a little girl. I hope to take my children there someday. We LOVED Kiawah!