Soulful Marketing

02/02/2026

Today I’m celebrating a personal milestone and wanted to share my brief story:

That day still feels like yesterday. I woke up in a panic, not remembering where I was.

Yesterday’s chaos came flooding back: police cars in my driveway, shouting upstairs, me barefoot in the backyard with the dogs, clutching my phone, calling my mom because I was literally freaking out.

My mom’s voice on the phone was the one steady thing that got me through.

And somewhere in that fog, I heard myself promise, “Yes, Mom, I’ll go.”

The day after my life fell apart, I had to keep that promise to myself and my mom. I finally decided to pick me.

I parked the car, pulled down the visor, and looked at myself in the mirror. “Shannon, you can do this. It’s time. You need help. Let down your walls, just be present.” Ugh, why does this feel so damn hard? Can I really do this?

I took a deep breath, opened the car door, and headed up the walkway to the big roundhouse building in the middle of the park.

Walking up the stairs, I feel like I’m standing at the edge of a cliff. I’m either gonna fall, or gonna fly.

When I got to the door, a tall, round woman with the biggest smile touched my arm. “Hi, I’m _____ Welcome. Is this your first time?”

I nodded and said, “Yes,” then burst out crying, wearing all my emotions on my sleeve. She sensed my internal terror, gave me a hug, and walked me over to another woman who was already sitting down. She had an empty seat next to her and asked me to join her. She later became my sponser and that meeting became my lighthouse for the next few years.

This month, I’m celebrating 10 years in sobriety and have never looked back. I stopped running from myself. Walking through those doors and choosing me saved my life. Since that day, I’ve been choosing myself, one day, one hour, sometimes one minute at a time.

Know you’re not ever alone, hands at your back always.

Some pictures to inspire from the journey. :-) xox

07/14/2025

Something’s been bothering me for a while now…
It’s why I stepped back from posting. And why I pulled away from marketing.
Honestly… It's why I almost quit altogether.
I recorded a short video about it. It's not polished or scripted.
It's about feeling ready to finally say what I couldn’t before.
If you’ve felt like something’s “off” in how we’re taught to grow a business…
This might hit home.

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02/25/2025

It's been waaaay tooo long - I've been posting a bit on my personal page... so I thought I'd share something with you today....

I used to follow all the "proven" marketing formulas—funnels, scarcity tactics, high-pressure sales—because that was what the experts said worked. And for a while, it did. But something always felt off.

For years, I was deep in the world of traditional digital marketing—the formulas, the tactics, the relentless focus on conversion rates, funnels, and strategies designed to squeeze out every last sale.

I remember the moment it hit me. I was crafting yet another million-dollar launch marketing campaign, tweaking the same tired strategies, when I realized…

I wasn’t excited about what I was creating. Worse, I wasn’t proud of it. The client was all about the money, not the impact or lives, and was using some skeevy tactics.

I was doing everything “right,” yet it felt completely wrong. Marketing isn’t just about conversion rates, buying units, complicated funnels, and clever tactics.

It’s about genuine connection, about reaching the right people in a way that feels real and aligned.

That’s when I made the decision to change my marketing business to Soulful Marketing—marketing that’s honest, authentic, and rooted in mission and values. It's built on genuine connection that you don't need to "Sell" anything.

And that’s exactly what I share each week in my Soulful Marketing eNewsletter—real, practical insights on how to grow your business in a way that feels good and actually works.

Every week, I send real, no-fluff marketing insights to purpose-driven entrepreneurs like you—so you can ditch the soulless tactics and market in a way that aligns with who you are.

Want in? Join the Soulful Marketing eNewsletter below.
And here's what one of my subscribers had to share about my eNewsletter:
"Shannon, I usually don't read newsletters at all. All of them seem to look and sound the same. The same tools, advice, and "buy, buy buy" mode. Yours is different. I am looking forward to each of them! Thank you for that!"

I promise you I will always overdeliver and give you as much value as I can to guide and inspire you on your entrepreneurial journey. Can't wait to see you there. xoxo 🙂

My goal is to leave you each week with some inspiration, proven marketing strategies, and ways I can give you all the support you need to create a successful business you absolutely love.

11/29/2024

Thanksgiving!

Here’s the truth: I haven’t had turkey in years. For me, Thanksgiving has turned into an excuse to make a great steak, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and apple pie!

But what I really want to share isn’t turkey or traditions. It’s about taking a different approach to Thanksgiving.

Most of us focus on being grateful for the big things: family, friends, health, and success. And while all of that matters, what I’ve realized (thanks to a nudge from my therapist) is how often I forget to appreciate myself.

We don’t always recognize the small wins—the moments of growth or the everyday challenges we face and handle. My therapist actually had me physically pat my shoulder this week and say, “You’re doing great. I see you.” It felt a little silly, but it was also surprisingly powerful.

So today, I’m passing this on to you. Take a moment—right now—and give yourself a little credit. Put your hand on your chest, shoulder, or even just say to yourself, “I’m proud of what I’ve done today. I see you. I appreciate you.”

Thanksgiving doesn’t have to just be about being grateful for others. Let it also be about seeing yourself and how far you’ve come.

You’re doing more than you give yourself credit for. I see it. And you’re not alone.

Wishing you some time to relax and a little extra self-love. 💕💕💕

10/29/2024

Hellllloooo... is anyone there?

I still can’t believe I’ve been off social media for almost 3 months. I swear it didn’t feel like that to me.

And I do want you to know I missed you! Yes, you, who’s taking a minute to read this, I truly missed interacting and seeing what you’re up to. ��Thanks for being here.

What a break it’s been - I finished a 6-month program with Mel Robbins, finished my first book, and am now working on my second one. :-) Created a very cool tool called the Mountain Method that will help you as a mindful, purpose-driven entrepreneur climb and complete any project, goal, and more with easy-to-follow four steps…

Plus, I simply caught up with myself and my spouse and loved my hikes in nature, traveled to one of my fav places - Astoria, OR, visited our dear friend there, hiked at Shasta Dam, Shasta Lake, traveled to Fla for work, finally got a new AC after enduring the hottest summer ever! I got the AC just in time for our 60-degree weather - ha!��So, what have you been up to? What have I missed - tell me, please!

And have you voted yet?

I’m just gonna say, just wow, I’m glad I came on social media late in the election.

I mean, seriously, I feel like there is just so much at stake here as a woman in the LGBTQ community married to my most amazing wife.

And for all women - let’s get our bodies out of politics, please!

YES, I just wanted you to know that I completed the assignment.

In my experience in running a company or a country, the best person to do the job is always the one who's prepared, open to new ideas, has the wisdom and knowledge, and can reach across the aisle. In this race, there's only one candidate who's qualified - Kamala Harris.

I truly believe in this country and what it stands for: openness, love, equality, peace, hope, and connection, no matter the color of your skin, who you sleep with, or your gender.

Love is love, is love.

That’s what we’re here to do - love and learn and take care of each other.

I am sending you big hugs coming up on 9 days to election day. ��We got this! We're not going back!

(This pic is hanging in my house, and I look at it every day to remind myself of my ultimate assignment on this planet. :-)

07/06/2024

So it’s been quite the adventure in Houston - being there for my Mom this 4th of July holiday.

Never expected to see another hurricane again after I’ve been through many when I grew up and lived in New Orleans.

Beryls making her way here to Houston and looks like more rain and some wind. And it might slow me down a bit getting back to CA.

Not sure what’s worse being in the triple digit heat in Redding CA or being in a cat 1 hurricane. Hmmm. I’m thinking I’d rather be in the rain than heat!

Then we had a little trip to the ER, (not for me I’m the care taker) got home and the new puppy I’m taking care of for my niece jumped me and gave me a partial black eye.

My perspective is —this must be my time for more growth and learning.

One of them is to F’n slow down. I’m really doing some work on taking care of my nervous system and calming down my vagus nerve.

Lots of good breathing techniques and meditation. I’m loving the Balance App, really been a terrific guide for me.

What do you do when you get stressed? I always love learning. 😊

06/12/2024

Love being so close to San Francisco- being Pride month, we celebrate it along with Alice’s birthday, and now we are here celebrating our 5 year anniversary with friends seeing Wanda Sykes live.

She was hilarious! My cheeks are hurting from laughing so much. Unfortunately no pics cuz they lock your phones. We have lots of terrific memories from a wonderful weekend.

It’s just so nice to be in a city where we can feel safe just being us and no one looks at us funny or stares at us, or makes disparaging remarks. Feeling grateful San Fran is close enough to get to for weekend getaways.

On another note — I took a bunch of pics. So always so much to see here from cable cars to pride flags, views of the water and bridges. Castro district and French toast sandwiches to driverless cars. Still so weird seeing Waymo with no one in the driver seat. Hope you’re having an amazing week!

06/05/2024

It's been a while, eek... No fun when I'm not consistent and connecting with you reading this right now, so apologies. And the funny thing is I have lots to share, I just haven't made it a priority and there's a reason why....

I started Mel Robbins Launch course a month ago, and I've been working on a new project. I'm on day 23 now of my 30 day project. I can see the finish line. And our assignment today was to make a public post about what I'm working on...

I've talked about this before, and it's been a real struggle for me to finish this eGuide. I'm noticing my perfection demon just strangling me, and then fear, which leads to procrastination. Well, the project was on the back burner until now.

And I'm feeling a lot like Emma in this photo, teetering on the edge and, in her case, the couch!

Here's the title of my new free eGuide :
The Soulful Marketing Manifesto: Revolutionize Your Marketing & Achieve Greater Success with Authenticity and Value-Driven Strategies" It's for Mindful Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurs.

It's almost done. I'm getting nervous and excited. And am truly looking forward to sharing it with you in the next 2 weeks, or sooner. I have to keep reminding myself good is good enough.

Would love to know if this resonates with you. Any feedback is totally welcome. Stay tuned for more. And thank you for reading this. xox

04/22/2024

Snails often get a bad rap, don’t they? You’ve probably heard the phrase ‘going at a snail’s pace,’ typically used to criticize something or someone for moving too slowly, perhaps not meeting the usual standards of speed in business or creative pursuits.
That phrase resonates when you think about many entrepreneurs and musicians, including the iconic Grateful Dead.

While they were in the thick of creating and performing, their progress might have seemed painstakingly slow, almost like a ‘snail’s pace.’

I just finished listening to “Marketing Lessons From The Grateful Dead by David Meerman Scott and Brian Halligan.” And what a story.

The Grateful Dead was at the forefront of changing the music industry. They loved “Innovating and Changing” the status quo business models in the music industry at that time.
They loved performing live concerts, so they decided to make money from them and sell merchandise directly to their fans. They made more money by touring, selling out concerts, and selling merchandise than any other band touring.

This is what snails, the Grateful Dead, and cassette tapes all have in common. 🙂
- Go at your own pace to create success (Stop beating yourself up for how long it’s taking.),
- When you tap into your genius, no one can stop you. It creates momentum, much like the Grateful Dead.
- Shakes things up – go against the norm (tap into your intuition for guidance)
- Don’t think about it too much; just come up with the idea, confer with colleagues, and do it.
- Work through and let go of any fear.
- Find a coach (I’m here for you. 🙂, or a friend, or someone you can brainstorm with and take the leap.

It’s time. If you’re reading this, and you know who you are, this is your sign to simply do it. If you discover some specific strategies - head on over to my blog: shannonmcc.com If this type of content resonates with you, come join my community. It’s absolutely free, and you can access this content and more to help you market your business and create more success. I look forward to meeting you! Check out my bio for the links.

04/22/2024

As Emma and I were doing our spin around the neighborhood, we came across a few snails.

Snails are truly fascinating creatures up close. Emma was certainly captivated, endlessly sniffing the poor creature. I even captured a photo of Ms. Snail as she tilted her head, seemingly staring back at me…

Snails often get a bad rap, don’t they? You’ve probably heard the phrase ‘going at a snail’s pace,’ typically used to criticize something or someone for moving too slowly, perhaps not meeting the conventional standards of speed in business or creative pursuits.

That phrase resonates when you think about many entrepreneurs and musicians, including the iconic Grateful Dead.

While they were in the thick of creating and performing, their progress might have seemed painstakingly slow, almost like a ‘snail’s pace.’

Yet, when we see their successes highlighted in the media, it appears sudden. It’s only when we delve into their backstories that we understand their lengthy, meticulous journey.
Success stories like the Grateful Dead, who started a band and struggled for many years until they became iconic and reached cult-like status.

I just finished listening to “Marketing Lessons From The Grateful Dead by David Meerman Scott and Brian Halligan.” And what a story.

The Grateful Dead was at the forefront of changing the music industry. They loved “Innovating and Changing” the status quo business models in the music industry at that time.��They didn’t like the business model where bands made all their sales from creating and selling albums. They loved doing live concerts, so they decided they wanted to make money from their concerts and make money directly selling to their fans.

They made more money by touring, selling out concerts, and selling merchandise than any other bands touring.

The next thing they did was “Create Raving Fans (Deadheads)” – They endeared themselves to their fans. They encouraged sharing their music and allowed fans to record shows and trade tapes freely, which was against the norms of the music industry that typically sought to control the distribution of music.

This is what snails, the Grateful Dead, and cassette tapes all have in common. 🙂
- Go at your own pace to create success (Stop beating yourself up for how long it’s taking.),
- When you tap into your genius, no one can stop you. It creates momentum, much like the Grateful Dead.
- Shakes things up – go against the norm (tap into your intuition for guidance)
Today’s inspiration is –
- How can you shake things up in your business or industry by doing something you intuitively feel is right yet goes against the norm?
- Don’t think about it too much; just come up with the idea, confer with colleagues, and do it.
- Work through and let go of any fear.
- Find a coach (I’m here for you. :-), friend, accountability partner, or someone you can brainstorm with and take the leap.

It’s time. And there’s no such thing as coincidences or accidents. If you’re reading this, and you know who you are, this is your sign to simply do it.

If you discover some specific strategies - head on over to my blog: https://www.shannonmcc.com

And if this type of content resonates with you, come on into my community. It's absolutely free, and you can access this type of content and more to help you market your business and create more success. I look forward to meeting you!
https://www.soulfulmarketingsystem.com/soulful-marketing-enewsletter

04/12/2024

Back in the U.S. it's good to be home. And it was also amazing to be away and explore new adventures. :-)

Unfortunately, I came down with something on the last day of our trip, hence the radio silence over here.

It just sucks when your body has other ideas, and your mind just wants to keep going and working through it.

After a trip to the doctor, I'm feeling much better.
Still doing some good resting - jet lag is awesome with that!

I also caught up on some amazing documentaries, such as ABBA's Winner Takes it All (I saw that on the plane) and Tina Turner, and watched Taylor Swift's Eras Tour—just wow.

I'm just so fascinated by musicians and their creative process. So much to learn and discover.

Some core themes and takeaways -

- Creativity is an amazing gift that we all have. The gold is in the exploration and mining to hone into it.
- Spending quiet time away from screens can be the best exploration. I do that with my hikes with the dog in nature every day.
- The best and most successful musicians are the ones that are simply themselves. They reach in and connect with you - they're fans. And they know how to appreciate and connect with you.

Taylor Swift has been phenomenal with this. Her Era's Tour was freaking unbelievable. It's like she's just talking to you over a cup of coffee and singing her heart out.

THAT, is what creates success in any industry - using your unique voice to connect to your dream clients on a deeper level. They don't care how much you know, UNTIL they know how much you care.

And this weeks eNewsletter I wrote about ABBA - from Waterloo to Worldwide - Sharing from their success playbook by giving you some authentic and engaging content strategies.

DId you know they have withstood 5 decades and are still going wi the their content?!

Put the word "newsletter" or if you're feeling ABBAish put "Gimme! GImme! Gimme!" :-) in the comments below I will send you the link. :-)