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

Hi Shannon, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I don’t really believe that there is such a thing as balance. We are always going to have times in our lives where certain areas of our lives require more attention than others, but its being able to acknowledge that and not feel the guilt that’s the real challenge. Over the years as my son has grown and careers have changed, I’ve come to rely heavily on routines. They keep me focused and allow me to make progress every day toward my goals.

What should our readers know about your business?
I’m a mortgage brat and started working in the industry my first year of college because I couldn’t figure out what I wanted to do with my life. I’ve survived the great recession of 2008 and done just about every job there is in this business. Two and half years ago, while on my own health and fitness journey, I decided to start a health and fitness business helping others who found their lives changed by life behind a desk find their joy and passion in life again. My company is called Place in the Sun Wellness because it is focused not only on the physical transformation that makes you feel good in your skin again, but more importantly the mental aspect that allows you to realize your worth and value in life. I’m still in the mortgage business as a Processing Manager for VIP Mortgage, helping people realize their dreams of home ownership while running my successful business on the side. I consider myself multi-passionate, so I couldn’t help but take on my latest venture in starting a podcast with my best friend and business partner, Emily Warring, focused on the same. If we can help even one person on their journey, its well worth it!t

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
Oh, that’s a good one! If everything were open, we’d go to a spring training game, brunch at O.H.S.O. one day, hike Camelback Mountain, definitely a trip to Zipps, possibly a day trip up to Beaver Creek or Flagstaff. It really just depends on the season! There are so many fun places to explore!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I absolutely wouldn’t be where I am at without the love and support of my husband, Eric. He has always been my biggest advocate and pushes me to follow my passion and pursue bigger goals for my life and ours as a family. No matter how hair-brained my idea may be, he’s the pragmatic one that helps me plot it out and figure out how we can make it happen.

Website: https://grit-and-gumption.libsyn.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/sunfitshannon
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/shannon-van-kirk-63912019
Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonvankirk

Image Credits
Ashley Freehan Photography Amanda Photographic