Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Shannon Wells of Peculiar

Shannon Wells shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Shannon, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
For me, integrity is the most important. At the end of the day, being real, honest, and open means more than how smart or energetic someone is. Integrity builds trust, and without trust, the rest doesn’t hold up. I try to approach everything, my business, my Chamber work, and community involvement with a focus on doing what’s right, not just what benefits me. Energy and intelligence definitely help, but if they’re used only to push your own agenda, it doesn’t create any real value. Integrity is what keeps relationships strong and allows a community or a business to truly grow.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Shannon Wells. I wear a few different hats in Peculiar, but at the heart of everything I do is community and connection. I run Wells Family Homestead, a cottage bakery where I make things like cinnamon rolls, breads, cookies, jams, and apple butter. I started baking because I wanted to share homemade comfort with others, and it has grown into something really special people come back not just for the food, but for the memories and the little bit of joy it brings to their table.

I’m also deeply involved with the Peculiar Area Chamber of Commerce and help run the Peculiar Farmers & Artisans Market. That role lets me support other small businesses, organize events, and find ways to bring people together. What makes my work unique is that it blends business with service. I get to nurture both my own passion for baking and my passion for helping our local community grow and thrive. Right now, I’m excited about expanding Wells Family Homestead with more seasonal items, continuing to improve the farmers market, and finding new ways to make Peculiar an even better place for families and businesses.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
I don’t think it’s ever been just one person. At different points in my life, people have shown up right when I needed them most. They’ve fit into the season I was in and helped me see the next steps more clearly. I’ve always been careful about who I let speak into my life and my business; it’s a very small group I trust. But when those voices come, they usually point out things I never would have seen on my own. They challenge me, they nudge me outside my comfort zone, and they push me to grow in ways I didn’t even realize I could.

That’s a big part of why I try to encourage others now, whether it’s vendors at the market, local businesses through the Chamber, or even just friends and family. I know how much of a difference it makes to have someone believe in you and help you see what’s possible, and I want to be that for other people too.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
“Shannon, have a little grace with yourself. You don’t have to have it all figured out, and it’s okay if things don’t always go the way you planned. When something doesn’t work out, it’s not the end of the world, it’s just a chance to learn. Take the lesson, let go of the rest, and keep moving forward. You’ll be surprised how those little stumbles end up shaping you into someone stronger than you ever imagined.”

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
Honestly, I think sometimes really smart people can get it wrong by not being open to advice or feedback. It’s almost like they get stuck in what they already know, and it makes it harder for them to see other solutions or think outside the box. In my opinion, being willing to listen and adapt is just as important as being intelligent. I don’t mean that in a rude way at all, it’s just something I’ve noticed along the way.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
When I’m gone, I hope the story people tell about me is that I loved my community and poured myself into it in every way I could. That I lived with honesty and integrity, and that I used my time and talents to bring people together, whether through a plate of cinnamon rolls, organizing a market, or helping small businesses find their place to shine. I’d want people to remember me as someone who encouraged others, who believed in them, and who tried to make their path a little easier. At the end of the day, if people say I left things a little better than I found them, then I think I’ve done my job.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://eggsandbake.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/wells_family_homestead
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eggsandbakes