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

Hi Shannon, how does your business help the community?
Our “In Her Shoes” tour for Moms and Teen girls continues impacting communities around the country with answers to help moms and teen girls navigate this season of life. During “In Her Shoes,” moms and daughters sit toe to toe after a day filled with games, food, break-out sessions and more and share how they would like to apply what they’ve learned from this event to their relationship. There are tears, laughter, hugs, forgiveness work and many are able to talk about challenging areas in their relationship for the first time. Watching the change in moms and daughters that transpires throughout the day is incredible. We now host this event as a Lock-In at schools and we are so excited about all the relationships being strengthened throughout generations of moms, grandmothers and even great grandmothers who attend “In Her Shoes” with their girl.

The conferences I teach that are designed just for women also keep me busy. Each conference is made up of multiple topics that speak to the heart of issues women face. I’ve written songs to reinforce the messages as well as books for extended study.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
When I was six years old, I began singing in a children’s church choir. Singing was always a love, and I went on to perform on many stages. In college, I was invited to sing the lead in a commercial for a modeling school, and I was hooked. I got paid $100 for that jingle, and it might as well have been a million dollars. I went on to earn my Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Education and continued singing throughout college. I taught First and Fifth Grade and then became the School Counselor for an Elementary school. I continued singing on the weekends and people began asking me to speak at their events. I quickly let them know that I was not a speaker. I was a singer. God often has plans we don’t see. Soon I quit my job and began speaking and singing full-time.

When I was in Nashville doing a recording, I met with a publicity agency that encouraged me to write my first book. I quickly let them know, “I am not a writer; I am a singer and speaker.” Well, I began writing articles, and to my surprise, magazines began publishing my work. Next, I was asked to do a radio show. I quickly reminded them, “I am not a radio show host. I am a singer, speaker and writer.” Before long, I had a nationally syndicated radio show. Next I was asked to write a book. “I’m not an author,” I confirmed. I am a “singer, writer, and radio host.” My fourth book hit number one on Amazon in two different categories, and my others have won awards.

Next, they said, “Since you like to talk, how about hosting a TV show? ” I quickly reminded them, “I am not a TV Host. I am a singer, speaker, writer, radio host, and author. You guessed it. I hosted a TV show that went into over one hundred million homes each week. The next thing I’m going to say is “I’m not a millionaire” and see what happens.

After I wrote my first book “Grace in High Heels,” I began speaking at women’s conferences. Nineteen years later, my two favorite groups to laugh with, cry with and study God’s Word with are still women and teen girls. I have been beyond blessed to meet so many amazing ladies as I keynote events around the country.

My journey has contained many obstacles. In one year, my mom and my dad were diagnosed with cancer and were patients at MD Anderson Cancer Center. I am an only child, and I had the honor of being their caregiver. In that same year, I had my first surgery because doctors believed I had cancer in my eye. The day after my surgery, Hurricane Harvey hit and devastated our town. We lost things on our property, but our home was spared. In that same year, I lost part of my finger in a freak horse accident, and my only child was deployed to the Middle East. My mom also passed away.

Facing the challenges of that year made me feel like I was in a boxing ring, getting hit over and over again. I knew others who were feeling the same way, so I interviewed 5,000 women to find out what areas they were struggling in most and wrote my fourth book, “Grace and Guts.” The cover of the book is me looking over a pair of boxing gloves.

In “Grace and Guts.” I combined strategies from my counseling experience and scripture to help readers throw the “knock-out punch” and win in this ring called life against Exhaustion, Depression, Fear, Anxiety, Finding our Purpose” and more. “Grace and Guts” has been a two-time Number One best-seller on Amazon. I’ve also written a “Grace and Guts” Study Guide for groups and individuals.

One of the most niche events in our ministry is the “In Her Shoes” Mother/Teen Daughter tour that I’ve spearheaded. Before my mom passed away from cancer, she was my sounding board for this event. Not only was she my best friend, but she was also my secretary. Mom traveled with me and served in a support role at each “In Her Shoes” event. She even helped write the theme song. She was passionate about moms being equipped to successfully raise their girls.

After my mom passed away, I thought I might quit teaching “In Her Shoes” since it was hard without her being there. In March of 2021, however, I began to feel that I was being directed to do a tour of the event. I didn’t tell anyone because that seemed way bigger than anything I felt equipped to do. In April of 2021, I was approached by a stranger at one of my women’s conferences who asked if I had ever thought of doing a tour, and she said that she would love to help me. Imagine my surprise when she told me she had been George Strait’s tour manager!

I surrendered to doing the tour, and things began to fall into place. A dear family who owns an RV Rental sponsored our transportation for the tour and surprised me with the tour bus of my dreams! Shortly after that, another sponsor agreed to pay for our gas for a year. Now, my team and I travel the country, teaching moms and teenage girls how to strengthen their relationships in the areas that matter most.

There is nothing more meaningful to me than when I see moms and daughters laughing, crying, talking, growing and embracing at “In Her Shoes.” We also have a ton of fun!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First, we eat! There’s no place I enjoy eating more than “Churasscos.” You will find me there for special occasions enjoying plantains, steak and a piece of “Tres Leches.” Of course, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodio is always a favorite in the early part of the year. I’ve had the privilege of riding in the opening ceremony several times and it is so exciting to see all the people and animals in one place. During the summer, we’d definitely be catching a concert at Cynthia Woods or fishing near Galveston. I’m a country girl at heart, so anywhere with good food and clean, family-friendly entertainment is where you’ll find me!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are SO many people who deserve a “shoutout” for this journey I am on. God definitely gets all the credit for directing me and He has used teachers, bosses, mentors, family and friends to help lovingly guide me along the way. I would not be where I am without their consistent love and support.

My specific “Shoutout” would have to be to my Grandmother Helen and my parents, Aaron and Peggy. My Grandmother always prayed for me and was an amazing example of grace under fire. My Mom and Dad were two of the classiest, loving and wisest people I’ve ever known and I’ve been so blessed to have them as a support system that never stopped encouraging me and believing in me.

Website: shannonperry.com; inhershoestour.com

Instagram: shannon perry ministries

Facebook: shannon perry ministries

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShannonPerry

Image Credits
Sarah Hall Photography

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