Resilience. Grit. Vision. These aren’t just words—they are the foundation of who I am.

At 16 years old, I became a mother. At 17, I became a mother again. While most teenagers were thinking about prom and college applications, I was changing diapers and figuring out how to build a future for my children—on my own.

I wasn’t supposed to “make it.” The odds were stacked against me. But here’s the thing about me: I don’t accept limits.

Refusing to Be Defined by Circumstance

I earned my GED at 16 and enrolled at Dakota County Technical College, diving into Graphic Design and Digital Marketing. I had a hunger for learning and an even bigger drive to build something more—something better—for my children.

But life wasn’t done testing me. Two more children later, I was still raising my kids alone, navigating the challenges of single motherhood, and working endlessly to provide for them. The struggle was real—but so was my determination.

I knew I had to create my own path. I had no safety net. No plan B. Just me, my vision, and a relentless work ethic.

Turning Pain into Power: Building My Own Network

For years, I felt like I had to do it all alone—until I discovered the power of networking. I started meeting incredible, accomplished women who were building businesses, shattering ceilings, and rewriting the rules. Iron sharpens iron, and I realized I needed to surround myself with high-achieving women who inspire and challenge me.

That’s when my mission changed.

I self-published Twin Cities Metro Women Directory, a publication designed to connect and amplify the voices of local women. It wasn’t just about business—it was about stories of resilience, success, and perseverance.

What started as a directory quickly evolved into something bigger:
💡 Networking lunches.
💡 Happy hours & coffee meetups.
💡 An entire movement.

In 2012, Encourage Her Network, now Elevate Her Network was born—a thriving community where women come together to support, collaborate, and elevate each other.

Scaling Up: Building My Own Marketing Empire

I’ve been a freelance marketer for over two decades, helping businesses build their online presence. But in November 2023, at 40 years old, I took things to the next level.

I launched My Marketing Strategists—a remote digital agency designed to give small and medium sized businesses everything they need to succeed online:

✅ Websites
✅ Social Media
✅ Digital Advertising
✅ Lead Generation
✅ SEO & Email Marketing
✅ Virtual Marketing Support—One Team, One Flat Rate

I built this agency with the same fire that got me through single motherhood, the same resilience that helped me create Elevate Her Network, and the same drive that has fueled every step of my journey.

What’s Next: Elevating My Personal Brand

Now, I’m stepping into the next chapter—taking my message to an even bigger audience.

🎙 I’m launching my podcast—where I’ll share the untold stories of women who’ve defied the odds, crushed obstacles, and built their own success.

🎤 I’m taking the stage as a speaker—delivering high-energy, no-BS talks about resilience, reinvention, and the power of strategic networking.

💡 I’m growing my personal brand—because my story isn’t just mine. It belongs to every woman who’s ever been underestimated, overlooked, or told she couldn’t.

For Every Woman Who’s Been Told “You Can’t”—Yes, You CAN.

We can overcome.
We can build our own support network.
We can create our OWN success.

I don’t let people put me in a box—and neither should you.

If you’re a high-achieving woman, if you’re ready to elevate your network, if you’re tired of waiting for the right opportunity and want to start creating it—you’re in the right place.

Let’s connect, collaborate, and elevate together.

Follow my journey. Be part of the movement.
Let’s build something great.

Shannon Stapleton
Founder | Entrepreneur | Speaker | Connector
Elevate Her Network | My Marketing Strategists