My town's local publication and Friday newsletter. I write it, take the photos, build the pages and send it. It's the village idea in its purest form: neighbors finding out what's happening and who's behind it.
We lost the village. I think we can build it back.
I'm Shannon. I've been helping people turn their dreams into real businesses since Facebook was invented.
Social media, the internet and now AI pulled us apart in a lot of ways. I love them anyway. I live in them. And I think they're also how we find each other again: the shop owner and the neighbor, the expert and the person who needs her, the woman with the idea and the people who'll show up for it.
That's the work. I do it behind the scenes, mostly for women building something of their own. Websites, Google, AI search, newsletters, programs, whatever gets you found. Then I tell people about you, because good work deserves an audience.
Real talk
You're running a home and a business and doing all the things. You're allowed to doubt yourself. You're just not allowed to let it stop you.
Most people never start because they're afraid of failing.
Do it anyway.
I tell my kids failure is great. It means they took a risk and learned something. The same goes for you. While we're on this earth, let's actually do the things.
- Imposter syndrome means you made it into the room.
- Done is braver than perfect.
- Asking for help is a skill, not a weakness.
Now
What's on my desk. Updated October 2026.
Bloom
With Lisa Tremayne, RN
Lisa has been my friend since seventh grade and spent twelve years running a perinatal mental health center. We turned everything she knows into a program any hospital or practice can use to build its own, so struggling moms have somewhere to go.
New Age Medspa
Anchorage, Alaska
A young practice that had good work and no way for people to find it. I rebuilt how they show up on Google and in AI search, and I still help with how the visit feels once someone walks in.
Stories
I love interviewing people about what they're building.
Katie Favela Can’t Take a Compliment. Neither Can You.
Know a woman building something people should hear about? Tell me about her.
Notes from the village
What the people I've worked with say.
“Promoting our First Fridays through the newsletter and website has made a real difference for us. It's simple, it's consistent, and it works.”
“Shannon Hayes has been an exceptional business mentor. She has guided me through every step of my entrepreneurial journey, and her insights and support have been invaluable.”
“When Shannon promotes one of our events, we feel it in attendance every time. Having Neighborhood Refuge in front of that many neighbors, consistently, has been invaluable.”
“Her expertise in boosting my business' SEO performance, refining our strategy, and teaching me how to "work smarter, not harder" has been invaluable. It's been a game-changer for me!”
“Meanwhile in Ridgefield has been a fantastic partner in promoting The Yoga Ridge and connecting us with this community. It's local marketing that truly works.”
“Implementing her strategies, such as newsletters, website updates, and business collaborations, resulted in a noticeable increase in bookings and strengthened business relationships.”
“Shannon's expertise and insight in business and marketing has catapulted my personal brand over the past 2 years.”
Got a dream or a mess?
Write me a few sentences about it. I only take on a few things at a time, and if I'm not the right person, I'll tell you who is.
Shannon@villagefound.com