Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Slayton.
Shannon, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve always had a passion for the outdoors and try to make it part of my daily life in some way. Whether it’s the lake, river, creek, or ocean, the forest , a trail, or the mountains; I love to travel and create new experiences for myself and others. I’m a curious life long learner and enjoy observing the world around me. I also love to connect with people and learn about their stories, their struggles, their victories, what inspires them, and brings them joy.
My father was in the Air Force while I was growing up and we moved all over the U.S. and Germany.
The variety of people, culture, and landscapes I was exposed to growing up impacted me greatly.
Our family moved to Gallatin, TN in 1990 and I graduated from GHS. I worked as a Veterinarian Technician in TN and KY, got married and moved to Westmoreland, TN, had 2 children, became a homemaker and helped on our cattle farm as I homeschooled my children K-8. After they went to high school I went back to school.
I became more interested in health, fitness, neuroscience, and behavior change which lead me to a dual certification in health and life coaching. I also have my personal training and stretch therapy certifications from NASM, I’m a group fitness instructor, certified Stand Up Paddleboard instructor, Wilderness Guide, Wilderness First Aid and CPR certified. I use all of these in some way whether in my coaching, teaching, on the trail, or on the water.
I hope to contribute to the community with activities to help everyone stay fit, active, and find enjoyment in their lives as they try new things, build skills, confidence, and find a deeper connection with themselves, nature, and others.
I love to share the outdoors and cultivate a healthy lifestyle with others and see them experience new confidence and find things they enjoy that they may not have ever tried or knew they liked.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I went through a very painful divorce and liberating personal transformation in my 40’s and everything in my life completely changed.
I started over and pursued a new dream hoping to integrate the things I’d learned and love to do into my work as a transformational wellness coach. I also had a deep desire to create an outdoor recreation business of some kind although I knew nothing about how to run a business.
I wanted to find more ways to help others create a healthy, joyful life- in alignment with their own values like I was beginning to do. I had no idea how but I learned to let my heart lead, relinquished fear, surrendered to the unknown, and trusted God. And wow, this new life opened doors to wonderful people, connections, and opportunities I never could have imagined! I’m so grateful for all of these experiences, the amazing people I’ve met, and realized how we can benefit and grow through difficulties regardless of the circumstances.
I have a few guiding principles as I desire to expand personally and professionally.
Don’t postpone joy. Be fully present. Say yes to adventure. Let yourself feel fully alive in the messiness and beauty of life.
Don’t fear failure, it is all experience. Life is practice, we can learn and grow through our challenges. Let joy be your compass, not your reward.
Be thankful in all circumstances. You’re never too old to try something new. Dig deep and Persevere.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I own TN SUP and Adventures in Gallatin, TN where I teach classes along with several other amazing women.
We offer a variety of stand up paddle board classes like Intro to SUP, SUP Yoga, SUP Fitness, Full Moon meditation SUP, and create private group experiences for clubs, teams, office staff, homeschool groups, friend/family groups, bachelorette parties, etc.
We also have stand up paddleboard and kayak rentals, and special events throughout the season.
In the off season I lead group hikes and women’s adventure retreats all over the U.S. and plan to expand to international destinations next year.
You can subscribe to our email, tnsupandadventures.com or follow us on FB and IG for updates about our sup season, events, hikes, and retreats.
I’m most proud of the way we like to build connection with people, empower them in the outdoors, and have fun exploring new places, skills, and ideas.
I love seeing people find adventure, relaxation, enjoy nature, and make new friendships.
In addition to TN SUP and Adventures, I’ll be launching another new business in 2026, Sol Wellness, in Gallatin, TN.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tnsupandadventures.com
- Instagram: @tnsupandadventures
- Facebook: tnsupandadventures
