Dreaming of Significance

[vc_column_text]Hello, I am Amy Shackelford and I’d like to share my journey… you see I always dreamed of a fast paced, significant and powerful career.  Like many women, I don’t remember a time where I didn’t want business success except when I was considering a family. I married at the age of 26 after several years in the hospitality industry and I yearned to be a mother so intensely.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]My Career

I am an event planner and have worked for four different venues in Fort Worth, Texas. Fortunately, I’ve had amazing opportunities afforded to me due to my employers. Each one has given me priceless experiences that have shaped my professional and personal self.

From wedding receptions, debutante balls to book-signings and political campaigns, my portfolio is diverse and extensive. I’ve hosted Heads of States, Presidents, Grammy winning artists, Emmy award winning Actors, Billionaires and Band Booster Clubs! These experiences have shaped my last 22 years of life. Obviously, my career has influenced my marriage, the way I raise my children and my view of our community.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

2008

My second and youngest child was born in 2008 and I was much better at understanding my professional and personal roles and how the two merged.

2008 was one of the longest years of my life since my dad was battling colon cancer and I was critically ill after contracting a bacterial infection, C. diff (more about this year to come).[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

Eliminating Borders

I was willing to work weekends if that meant I could take time off for doctor appointments and day care activities. However, I didn’t realize how trapped I felt until I moved to Cendera Center at Sedona Productions.

Working for the last private club was actually similar to childbirth. You know, you work through it and have a remarkable outcome (baby) so you forget how hard it was because you reap the benefit. You see I loved my team, the facility and my clients but the border between my professional image and my personal life could never be eliminated.  I loved working with my clients so I would just overlook the limitations.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]I was afraid to tell clients I had children, I flinched when any of my direct reports shared personal stories and we were never to socialize outside the office. Unfortunately, I didn’t realize how much negative power this had over my understanding of work life balance until I left.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

2011 Changed it all

My dad passed away in 2011 and my whole world, along with my view on my work life balance changed.

My oldest son was heading into Kindergarten so I had to make a career change if I was going to be involved in his daily life. I resigned and was able to spend the first week of his kindergarten year laser focused on him.

Since that first day of school, I have been involved at his school through field trips, class parties, PTA responsibilities. I get to take both children to after school activities such as sports and fine art hobbies. I’ll never forget cherishing his first after school activity drop-off; I stood outside his hip hop class with the biggest smile on my face that Thursday afternoon. It was the coolest feeling; being able to leave the office, pick G up from school, get him a snack and walk him into class.

I will never take it for granted.

Living a Full Life

This last year I celebrated my 40th birthday and my 6th Anniversary with Sedona Productions. Believe it or not, my “then” kindergartner has started his 6th grade year at middle school.

It’s been a pleasure to raise my sons while developing a venue. I’ve founded four event divisions through Sedona Productions over the past six years. I love creating impact for our community with hundreds of volunteer hours and my skill set. I’m a mother, wife, daughter, sister, boss, volunteer and neighbor.

My Christian beliefs, relationship with God and desire to do good guide me through my life. We only get one life and it is meant to be lived fully and certainly not in segments. My hope is to connect to others who may have similar experiences. Through this blog, I will share my leadership theories and teach about the events industry in a meaningful way.[/vc_column_text]