We had the good fortune of connecting with Shannon Savoy and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Shannon, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Why did I start this business? To help others understand that if I can make it out, so can they. If I can not only live but thrive after abuse, they can too. Even as I went through domestic abuse, I knew then that I would do whatever I could to help others that are in abuse. I also help those who are out of abuse, because the abuse & the implications do not stop once the victim leaves. So we formulate effective strategies through one-on-one coaching, group coaching, support groups.
I am a survivor of domestic violence (interpersonal violence). I am also a survivor of narcissistic family enmeshment, sexual, physical, emotional, and psychological abuse. These experiences help me to understand firsthand how damaging narcissistic abuse can be. I am able to truly relate on every level with survivors.
-Narcissist abuse affects over 158 million people.
-1 in 4 women (24.3%) and 1 in 7 men (13.8%) aged 18 and older in the US have been the victim of severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime.
-Intimate partner violence alone affects more than 12 million people every year.
(Source: https://www.thehotline.org/stakeholders/domestic-violence-statistics/)
With such high numbers, I believe we should be discussing abuse & prevention much more. Abuse affects all socioeconomic demographics, cultures, races, and places. My goal is to educate and help those who are in these situations to get out safely.
What sets Narc Free Living apart is that I take a holistic coaching approach to overcome abuse. Along with my client’s therapist, I help them formulate their healing team (A-Team). We address the psychological, emotional, physical, financial, sexual, and spiritual aspects of abuse. I help them through rumination, stuck points, isolation, and the pain of abuse.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Narc Free Living® is a life coaching business & deliverance ministry that caters to survivors of domestic violence & narcissistic abuse with biblical & practical strategies. I help my clients to identify red flags and helps formulate strategic tactics to recognize, heal, and overcome abusive relationships. Many do not recognize that they are in abusive relationships. I help them understand they are not alone, and they should not bear the shame of abuse.
What sets me apart as a certified narcissist abuse recovery coach is that I truly connect and have a heart for survivors of abuse. I provide monthly workshops for survivors, weekly survivor support groups, YouTube educational videos, one-on-one & group coaching.
I am a trauma-informed recovery coach, as well as, a speaker, survivor of domestic violence, & an advocate against abuse. I empower others to break the chains of abuse through empowerment & education. We go much deeper than recognizing the signs & traits of narcissists. We get to the root of trauma, abuse, so a transformational mindset shift can truly occur from the inside out.
What do I want the world to know about me, my brand, and my story. . This brand is all about community, service, and helping others. I want the world to be aware that abuse exists in people’s everyday lives. It may be your neighbor, a friend, a family member, or a coworker. It may even be you. You are not alone and there is a community of faith-based survivors to help you through. Contact Narc Free Living to help you get through and to truly break the chains of narcissist abuse.
My brand represents excellence. From my clothing line to my workshops, I want my clients to experience a first-rate customer experience that they truly deserve & are worthy of. Most of my clients are high-achievers and high-value earners in their professions. My story is their story – redemption, restoration, reconnection, reclaiming our voices & lives after abuse.
The hardest part of forming this business was overcoming the shame of abuse & just taking the risk to achieve the life that I want. That risk has paid off in dividends & the ability to help others. Abuse attempts to rob you of your identity, voice, and personal autonomy. I joined Toastmasters to help me speak out and find my voice again. The same year I formed NFL, I found my voice again: I won Voice of the Voiceless at a speaking engagement! I won over 200 well-accomplished speakers from all over the globe. God showed me who I am and that purpose was in me all along. I just needed to take the risk and step out on faith.
Narc Free Living speaking engagements, podcasts, conferences, & training
https://narcfreeliving.com/speaking-engagement/
Lessons Learned:
I had to come to terms with the facts: the abuse was not my fault; I did not deserve the abuse; I will not bear the burden of shame that my abuser should bear.
Transparency saves lives – Thank God I do not look like what I have been through. When we are transparent, open, and honest, you’d be amazed at how people gravitate towards you because of your authenticity. Being authentic help draw clients to my business.
Take the risk – Step out on faith and out of your comfort zone! This is where the “magic” happens.
Address your trauma – Address your past trauma or it will address you later in life. You don’t live in the past but you may need to visit to help you heal & overcome.
Formulate your “A-Team” – It’s perfectly ok to seek help. I advise our community and clients to formulate their A-Team. To help me recover from abuse in a healthy way, I sought therapy, a narcissist abuse coach, DV support groups, and found those who understood what I was going through. This is exactly what I provide to my clients.
I hold a weekly online support group on Clubhouse for survivors of narcissist abuse and we are over 2.5k members strong. (One of the largest on the platform). This space is a designated safe space & is free from judgment. Our experiences are ours to share.
F O L L O W S H A N N O N
https://www.clubhouse.com/@narcfreeliving
https://www.clubhouse.com/club/narcissist-abuse-hea
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Ok, first of all, I am an undercover introvert! I love museums, walks in the park, classy restaurants, nature, theme parks (in short doses of course)! So here’s my list of places to visit:
-Houston Museum of Natural Science (I have a membership, so they can go for free! Yes!)
-Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park. We take visitors here for great selfies and fam photos. It’s also great for walking and close to the Galleria for shopping & eating).
-ErmaRose Winery is up next on our list of date night dinners. It is a veteran & family-owned and operated (like us!) winery.
-Pearl & Vine is a great, upscale date, friends night out, or a family event. The atmosphere is amazing, the food is great, and the staff is beyond welcoming.
One of the pictures I attached is from the Houston Aquarium 🙂
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband Solomon Savoy was recently featured in Shoutout HTX. He is & has been an instrumental part in my healing and growth, personally & professionally. He’s a licensed realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty, entrepreneur, author, and a certified life coach as well.
Website: www.narcfreeliving.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/narcfreelivingllc/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-savoy-cssbb/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/free_narc
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/narcfreelivingllc/
Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/NarcFreeLivingLLC
Other: Want to connect? Shannon’s Business Card https://hihello.me/p/42bb2cd6-3127-466b-87c9-b0abd49a2379
Image Credits
Damata Technology J. Core Photography