Meet Nicole Shannon | Artist & Growth Coach, Founder of Create Potential®

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicole Shannon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicole, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?

My inspiration is deeply rooted in the belief that every individual possesses an innate value and intrinsic creativity. This belief has been a guiding light throughout my diverse career path, from my initial excursion into psychology to my explorations in various artistic disciplines and my role as a growth coach and artist.

As the founder of Create Potential, I am constantly inspired by the latest advances in neuroscience and how its application can be used to enhance our creativity and leverage the transformative benefit of flow state. The fact that we can ‘rewire’ our brains for peak performance, fostering focus, creativity, and motivation, is exhilarating! It underscores my mission to help others unlock their potential and realize their dreams.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

Thanks! I’d love to. What sets me apart as a growth coach is my eclectic journey through various creative disciplines and life experiences, which have collectively shaped my approach to helping others realize their full potential. My story is one of resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning, driven by a passion for fostering creativity and purpose in myself and others.

The inspiration to help all people discover their potential for positive impact and fulfillment is a constant in my work. This recently manifested in a jewelry piece I created called the Heartwood Pendant. It’s a locket necklace designed to symbolize the growth process of an acorn into a mighty oak. This pendant embodies my coaching philosophy, linking the principles of psychology and neuroscience with the journey of personal growth. By placing their mission statement inside the pendant, individuals are reminded daily of their goals and the growth journey they are on.

Another exciting development in my career is my upcoming launch of the Creative Wayfinder Workshop. This workshop encapsulates my commitment to guiding individuals in clarifying their purpose and achieving their goals. It synthesizes science-backed creativity and flow-state training, offering participants tools and insights to navigate their path to success and fulfillment. In addition to the training, all workshop participants will receive three gifts I created to help them accomplish their goals—a printable Mission Map, a downloadable Wayfinder Workbook, and an interactive Goal Planner.

My journey to where I am today professionally was far from easy. It involved a continuous process of self-discovery, resilience in the face of personal and professional challenges, and an unyielding belief in the innate value and intrinsic creativity in every person, myself included. The lessons I’ve learned along the way are numerous, but the most significant ones include embracing growth, the power of creativity, and the value of empathy and connection. These lessons have shaped my approach to coaching and my artistic endeavors.

When I founded Create Potential, my vision extended beyond establishing an education institute; I desired to create a community that inspires resilience, fosters creativity, and nurtures the inner strength of its members. At Create Potential, we are dedicated to supporting people on their transformative journey to find their purpose and accomplish their most ambitious goals. It is a community of visionaries, founders, & artists maximizing their potential, overcoming challenges, growing, and helping others do the same.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

What a fun question! I have lived in many places along the East Coast, including New York and Florida, but I have a deep affinity for Greenville, SC. I am so blessed to call it home. There are so many options of things to do. I will do my best to narrow them down.

Day 1: Walking around Greenville – We could start with a visit to downtown Greenville for its unique shops, restaurants, art galleries, and the stunning Falls Park with the picturesque waterfall that runs through it. It is a perfect blend of charm and beauty. We’d grab a bite to eat at Passerelle Bistro, a French-style cafe overlooking the park. Then, we could head to the West Village to check out more of the inspiring art scene in Greenville. We could finish the day with a meal at The Anchorage, a James Beard-nominated restaurant with a distinctive small plate menu updated regularly.

Day 2: Unity Park and Rockclimbing – I would love to show them Unity Park, the new 60-acre park built near downtown with walking trails surrounded by multiple dining and shopping options. We could visit The Commons, a high-quality food hall where they could choose from a variety of local restaurants to eat from. Of course, I would have to buy them something yummy from the Bake Room bakery and coffee at Methodical Coffee. After walking around for a bit, I would love to take them to the nearby climbing gym, BlocHaven, for some vertical recreation.

Day 3: Travelers Rest and Biking the Swamp Rabbit Trail – We would head to the charming town of Travelers Rest, enjoy a bike ride along the Swamp Rabbit Trail, stopping off at the Furman University campus to marvel at the lush gardens and nature trails, and conclude the day with dinner at Top Soil, an exceptional farm-to-table restaurant.

Day 4: Mountain Hikes and Exploring NC Towns – We could take a day trip north for a hike in the North Carolina Mountains. In addition to a summit hike, we could check out one of the 250 waterfalls in the Pisgah National Forest region called the “Land of Waterfalls.” We could stop at one of the many charming towns along the drive to explore the shops and sit down for a nice meal. Hendersonville, Cashiers, and Brevard are some of my favorite towns in the area.

Day 5: Penland School of Craft – We would drive to Penland School of Craft for a mini workshop or to view the current exhibit. This is a wonderful opportunity to explore one of the best craft schools in the US. Teaching everything from sculpture to woodworking, Penland has a legacy of artisans that spans generations.

Day 6: Relax at Home – We might spend a day relaxing at home, hanging out with family. If it’s summer, enjoy time by the pool. This day is about unwinding and catching up. We could also do some yoga–traditional or trapeze. And finish the day enjoying a meal on the patio with a gathering of friends and maybe playing a group game.

Day 7: Play in the Art Studio – We could conclude their visit with a creative day in my art studio. This would be a chance to share my passion for art and create something memorable together—engaging in activities like ceramics, metalworking, bookbinding, painting, and more.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate this interview to my son, Quinn. Quinn is a sweet, smiley little boy born missing 263 genes. He is considered a genetically rare person since no other person has ever been identified with DNA similar to Quinn’s unique genetic profile. His life, marked by remarkable resilience and an inspiring spirit, has been a profound inspiration in my life and work. Quinn’s story transcends the realms of genetics and medicine, touching the core of what it means to celebrate the potential in each of us.

Other: Contact Info: Create Potential: www.createpotential.com Creative Wayfinder Workshop: www.creativewayfinder.com Heartwood Pendant: www.heartwoodpendant.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/createpotential

Image Credits
© Create Potential ®