Shannon Mann - A hyper independent miracle mom!

MOTHERHOOD IS NEAR TO DIVINITY. IT IS THE HIGHEST, HOLIEST SERVICE TO BE
ASSUMED BY MANKIND.

Shannon Mann is a realtor, entrepreneur, keynote speaker, passionate women’s rights advocate, and an award winning stylist. She has an extensive background in business and marketing. She has also created a cosmetic brand and academy that has garnered global recognition and awards of excellence for the last 15 years. In the last decade and a half, Shannon has used her marketing acumen to brand herself as a globally recognized entrepreneur and blogger. Shannon has a strong relationship with many Punjabi, South Asian community members across Canada and is actively recruited by global brands as an ambassador for companies such as ‘ Amazon, Hasbro, and Lays.

At the heart of Shannon’s success is her strong work ethic and commitment to professionalism coupled with excellence in delivering exceptional customer service to every client. As a result she has been nominated for the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur of the Year Awards in 2019, 2020, & 2021 and was also named as one of the Top 20 Most Influential South Asians in BC in 2021 for her professional work and personal work advocating for women’s & LGBTQ rights.

As a mother of two children who has been born and raised in Surrey, she realizes the importance of choosing a community that is right for raising your family. She has lived and/ or invested in properties in North Surrey, North Delta, Grandview, South Surrey, and White Rock and uses her knowledge to assist clients with their real estate needs with utmost care and attention.

Rewarding part of being a mom

Motherhood has been an extremely healing experience for me. During my childhood, I grew up in a very abusive and toxic environment and that environment taught me to be hyper independent as many children of trauma become in order to cope with life. Motherhood showed me what unconditional love is supposed to look like, and healed those parts of me that were looking for love. I adore seeing the wonder in my children’s eyes as they experience life and I get to relive my childhood through them again, which also has been a very healing and rewarding experience. Everyone in our family has a very healthy and respectful relationship with one another as we focus on open communication. Our kids know they are our first priority and I think that is the kind of love children need to become their very best selves.

Feeling of being a miracle mom

I think being able to give life makes all mothers Miracle Moms! More recently - this is something that my husband Pinder, and I have both experienced. We are very intentional about the moves we make as a family and professionally to give our children the best outcomes in life. We are very proud to say our older son who is graduating high school has been accepted into an Honors Program for his undergraduate studies. He has also been accepted into every single incredibly competitive program he has applied to across Canada. As a Desi parent, there is no higher accolade! I am beaming with pride and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for my son Chandan. And if you follow me on social media, you must have seen me with my youngest, Jiorne, who is hands down my favorite person on planet earth. He is 10, incredibly kind, bright, charming, and he’s a whole vibe. When I look at both of them, I surely feel like a Miracle Mom!

Striking balance in life

Over the years, there was no balance at times - sometimes your career takes more time and sometimes-family obligations are at the forefront when children are young. I think as South Asians we are lucky to have extended families such as Dadis and Nanis to help and care for young children while mom and dad go to work. But Covid gave both Pinder and I a well needed pause, we realized that we were poster children for ‘toxic productivity’, and we really needed to take time for our own mental health, relationship with each other and our loved ones. There is a saying that resonates with us now that we are both approaching 50 - ‘no one dies thinking I should have worked more’. My husband and I try to connect and make sure that our lives feel balanced. If it does tip one way, we try to bring the balance back. I do feel that I have a very equal relationship with my husband which allows me time for work, and we share home responsibilities so it doesn’t solely weigh on my shoulders. I also check in with my kids and communicate regularly to see if they need anything more from us than what we are giving. I reassure them that they are our first priority and will always be.

Qualities of a miracle mom

I have been able to create a beautiful life with happy children - that is my miracle. In many cases (and for both of my parents) people experience traumatic childhoods and grow up repeating the same intergenerational trauma and beliefs. I broke the cycle and am very proud of the person I am now. I hope when my children see me they can see that I stand firmly in who I am as a person and in my value systems. I think about the lives of women who came before me and the rights and freedoms that I have now compared to them, that is something that I am extremely thankful for, especially in a world where in many places women’s rights are actually receding.

Miracle mom stands apart

I am a very outspoken person on issues of the patriarchy, and I encourage women everywhere to question the value systems in their homes and see if it is serving them right. If it is not, try to be vocal and make the change. That stands for cultural norms too. I have always been that person who challenged the status quo. In addition, being a mother to two boys, I think it is our responsibility to raise respectful partners, and I make sure they have respectful relationships and expectations with women in their lives. Be the change you want to see in the world, and that starts at home.

Spotlight on the miracle moms

I hope women who read this see themselves in me, and I hope to find inspiration learning about the other women being featured in this special issue of South Asian Entertainment Magazine. I also think women should be celebrated not just on Mother’s Day or Women’s Day but every day. I feel we are still a male dominated society and that reflects in many industries in the South Asian diaspora, but we are seeing the change. It’s happening, and I’m here for it.