Today we’d like to introduce you to Shonda Whisenhunt.
Shonda, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My initial career began when I finished college and began working my first “grown-up job”. After about a year, I took a leave briefly to go to graduate school. Once I finished, I returned to my position at the company. I was promoted shortly thereafter which put me into the long-term career, I believed I truly wanted. So, for the next 13 years, I worked. One vacation in 13 years kind of work. Grueling, pressure filled corporate sales work that never ended.
During that period, I was fully engaged in dog rescue. My escape from the working world was my canine family. I have a passion for dog rescue and started my own rescue. Then, my Mom got sick and was diagnosed with cancer. My priorities and focus changed instantly. My world shifted back to family. The company and I parted ways. I began to spend time with family (human and canine) and friends. I went to every chemotherapy appointment and doctor visit. I was so grateful to be of support to my mother. Though the circumstances were heart-wrenching, I appreciated the reminder to LIVE LIFE everyday. I decided my next career would not primarily take from me but would enhance my life instead. The next career would allow for creativity, independence and be in balance with my family goals. Out of those wants and needs, Poe and Arrows were born.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There have been smooth stretches on the road but I have also been challenged at times. My advice would be to expect some bumps, roll with it and don’t be too hard on yourself. Even the hard knocks are lessons learned. It is impossible to anticipate every issue accurately, nor the extent of every impact. Simply being willing to adjust the plan and remain flexible will become your greatest business skills. The parable, It is a journey, not a race, is a mantra to adopt and repeat often. In the beginning years, I was constantly asking myself two questions: #1 If it ends tomorrow are you doing your best? #2 Are you having fun? I have to remember that this life is mine. This life is mine to shape any way I want. This is my time and my journey.
Please tell us about Poe and Arrows.
Our “work” is building relationships, not just to attract customers. Keeping true to the animal lover in us, we welcome our customer’s and their canine counterparts. On the surface, we are known for our killer music and that the store smells amazing. For that, we can credit our good taste in tunes and our Ambre Blends oils we wear 24/7. Diving a little deeper, Poe and Arrows vibe is a little wild child hippie, a little rock ‘n roll and some 90’s edge in one space. We aren’t so keen on rules or need to fit in. We are cool with being considered a little edgy. So, when looking for pieces and styles we lean in that direction. I search for independent artisans. We love to support local artists, women, and lines with heart and a cause. This drive produces a unique variety of goods in the store. We make jewelry, work with leather and rework items on the regular ourselves for the store. We love to invent and create cool home goods as well. I absolutely love that our customers come in time and time again to get a special gift for a friend. That is our goal. To give someone something truly special. I adore that we are that place on the square for our crew of clients.
Because we tend to have more stand-alone pieces and few items that would be considered as “basics” it is crucial to coach our clients how to wear these certain pieces. We love to help customers with styling. We want to spend time with our customers, so styling them from head to toe is the BEST! We have a confident spirit in here so, we style women in that likeness. We find so many women with conceived notions, (or “social rules”) regarding clothing or styles they feel simply cannot “pull off”. We like to nudge beyond that notion to demonstrate that they can, in fact, wear it, look great in it and feel like it is totally their style. Clients that allow us to help often come back season after season to convert over their entire wardrobe. Best feeling ever!
There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
Honesty, this is difficult for me personally. Sometimes, my independent streak impairs me in this area. I don’t mind working hard so there are times when I put my head down and try to stubbornly power through. Eventually, I realize I need a new voice, a new energy or a new perspective. Find those people that energize you. Find those people that get you and your vibe. Those people will hear you.
Contact Info:
- Address: Poe and Arrows
116 East Rusk St Suite A
Rockwall, Texas 75087 - Website: www.poe-arrows.shoptiques.com
- Phone: 972.722.4850
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @poe_and_arrows
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/poeandarrows
Image Credit:
Meggie Taylor Photography
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