Meet Shannon Baylor-Henderson: Owner & Chief Content Officer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shannon Baylor-Henderson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shannon, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
Every day, we hear and see stories that shape our perspectives of things. We can be influenced to feel and think a certain way depending on who’s telling the story and what words or images they use to convey their story. When you are able to control the narrative, you are able to influence decisions. Oftentimes, the “right”, “fair” or most representative narratives aren’t created and shared. My company, Content Commanders, seeks and develops those kinds of stories. We work directly with business owners, community advocates, creatives, and non-profit organizations to shed light on the work that they do. We’re more than storytellers. We help people find, share and command their voices in multimedia ways.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I’ve always had dual professions: a creative and an entrepreneur. In my opinion, these are two of the most challenging talents to combine. As a creative, I have to be inspired and “in the mood” in order to deliver good work. I don’t like to be boxed in or follow the rules. Everything is open for interpretation. As an entrepreneur, I run a very strict, deadline-focused business. My checklists have checklists. Attention to detail is critical to the success of my work. Ironically, my company, Content Commanders, has learned how to combine creativity and business in a very unique way that brings out the best in our clients. My entire team is a mixture of artists and business-minded people, which gives us an edge and even a particular vibe. People work with Content Commanders because our business foundation is solid. They quickly recognize that they’re engaging a team of professionals. However, I believe what they enjoy about working with us is that it doesn’t feel like work. We bring out creative and against-the-grain perspectives in our most buttoned-up clients. We also add structure and technical approaches to our most creative & fluid clients. That’s the magic of our brand.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Elizabeth City, NC is known as the “Harbor of Hospitality”. Many of the southern hospitality principles apply to this small rural town. Besides the amazing waterfront views and waterfront parks, I like to show people the beautiful historic homes here. The city’s charm is that everything you could really be interested in is within walking distance. From wine bars and restaurants to our flagship museum and a few boutiques, our downtown area is flourishing. When you get a bit deeper into the city, you can find the soul food spots, thrift stores (where I’ve scored incredible finds!), big-box retailers, and more. This is the place to visit when you want to slow down and enjoy the details of a good getaway. We’re also between two major beaches, Virginia Beach and the outer banks. You can really come here and custom create the getaway you want.Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to three key people who give me the three things I constantly crave: authenticity, unwavering support, and a good belly laugh. Those three people are my husband (Irving), my mother (Valerie), and my grandmother (Fannie). I also owe a lot of my success and persistence to my children, my brother, and my close circle of friends. I’m an extremely ambitious person, which also makes me very self-critical. My tribe constantly reminds me that I am fully capable and equipped to do all of the things that my heart and mind desire. Whether my tribe is giving me a kick in the pants, a virtual high five, an introduction or they laugh at the many stories I share with them, the way they show up for me has a lot to do with how I show up for others. Although I’m not a very sociable person, when I find people with whom I intellectually and spiritually connect, I keep them close and try to pour into them as much as they pour into me. The company I keep is very intentional because I believe that iron sharpens iron. However, when I’m ready to isolate and recharge, I surround myself with 90’s music, a thought-provoking book, and a glass of pinot noir.

Website: www.contentcommanders.com

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/shannonbaylorhenderson

Facebook: www.facebook.com/contentcommanders

Youtube: www.youtube.com/contentcommanders

Image Credits
Photos: Michael Henderson/ MRH Photography Sydney Paris Photography