Today we’d like to introduce you to Shauna Clark.
Hi Shauna, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Born into a military family stationed on a base an hour from the United States/Mexico border, where my dad was practicing his skills before being sent over to the Vietnam Conflict. After his tour, our family relocated to military bases located in Hawaii (my favorite) and later in California. When he decided not to renew his tour, my family came back home to Missouri when I was 10 years old.
Following my graduation from high school at 17 years old, my first ‘real’ job, located downtown near the Crown Center area, consisted of filing insurance documents.
My creative path began over 25 years ago, at a financial corporation on the Country Club Plaza. Expectant with my second child, I was hired to build sales and marketing proposals while on a team of writers and graphic designers. I quickly requested to occupy the entry-level graphic design position that had become available. A full-fledged artist was born!
Later, an 8-week continuing education class on basic photography (using a borrowed camera) and a $99 portrait photography class on my own time, and I was now responsible for all corporate headshots and events. After a surprise layoff, I gained valuable experience while writing a blog and contributing to and managing social media accounts for nonprofit organizations throughout Kansas City. Eventually, I began managing webinars, designing industry conference materials, handling email marketing, and designing websites.
Somewhere in between, I earned my bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City as a non-traditional student, attending night classes year-round to achieve this noteworthy distinction. I survived the endless testing by writing page-long essay answers in the written portion of the exams.
I have always lived my life in a state of exaggerated sensory awareness. To clarify: For me, this means that words have colors, colors have emotions, sounds have amplified frequency, touch and texture are essential, and taste is selective. Being a sensory person means that processing thoughts involves an advanced amount of intensity. My maturity, coupled with the collection of experiences, helps me apply creativity in an ethereal manner. Consequently, I have a natural ability to visualize possibilities.
Now that I’m in my nifty fifties, I have accumulated a wealth of knowledge and amassed an overwhelming amount of experience. And now it is time for me to share my insight and expertise with others. This is also the concept that my business is based on. My superpower is compassion, and the legacy I would like to leave is a shining example of humanity, a little art, and a lot of understanding.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Becoming a grown-up was challenging in so many ways. At one point, I looked back and I realized I had experienced a whole decade of challenges. A divorce, being laid off (5 times!), the death of both of my parents 4 years apart, finishing college, and remarrying. From the beginning, my faith in Jesus was my sole comfort. I’ve not confessed this to them yet, but my children kept me motivated to put one foot in front of the other on a daily basis.
We’ve been impressed with Ess Factor Solutions, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I call myself a marketing expert. The name of my company is the combination of the phonetic pronunciation of the letter ‘S’ and a play on a popular competition show on television that rhymes with ess and solutions refers to the numerous ways I can translate my experience into creative marketing answers.
Marketing is hard! For smaller businesses to trudge through the complexities of communicating with clients and growing their businesses, it can get really messy.
I provide a full range of marketing services. The list is quite long. For example, I can design business cards, photograph your headshots, design and manage your website, write and plan your social media, and send emails to all your clients.
What makes me different is that I’m not charging extravagant fees for my services. In fact, I’ve been known to donate my services on occasion. This is something I am proud of.
Additionally, I volunteer my time as a board member of The Freelance Exchange of Kansas City, and have presented on topics such as business building and marketing.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I am constantly reading books – several at a time, in fact. When I finished The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron, it truly solidified in my brain that I can call myself an artist.
I also listen to podcasts. My library includes a long, eclectic list of podcasts that I’m in various stages of being listened. These are consumed while on a walk or during long drives.
I am an audiophile and have phases of listening choices. Currently, I am in a jazz music phase, but that could easily change to 80’s pop within the same day.
For apps, I am an Instagrammer and prefer turning to this first for liesurely entertainment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.essfactorsolutions.com
- Instagram: @the.ess.factor
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/essfactorsolutions
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaunaclarkessfactorsolutions
- Youtube: @essfactormarketingexperts
