Meet Shannon Beshears | Stunt Woman and Co-Founder of Upijata Arts Company Nonprofit 501(c)(3

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

Hi Shannon, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Work life balance is all about what makes you happy and fills your soul. My work life balance involves getting up extra early in the morning to finish my nonprofit or photography tasks for the day. This is so I can have the weight of the extra responsibilities lifted off of my shoulders and be more present throughout the day. It is hard to make time for play or for yourself throughout the week, especially in this economy, but it is important. “Vacation is not a place, it is a posture” – Unknown, is a quote I try to add to my life at least once a day, even if that is only for 15 minutes. For me, discipline is freedom. This new implementation of my early morning has been working so well for me that I didn’t know I could be this light and cheerful throughout the day. The discipline to wake up early was a hard thing to start, but I am so glad I did! I find myself playing so much more throughout the day and accomplishing more than I have before.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My willingness to try new things sets me apart. I was a dancer in an outdoor musical called “Texas, the Outdoor Musical Drama!” where there was a volunteer opportunity to do full body burns to set myself on fire as a stunt in the show. If I was not open to new things, I would not have tried it and may have never gotten into stunt work. Then, I auditioned for a theme park where I was told I could not audition for a role because I was a woman. If I wasn’t relentless and optimistic, I would have let that stop me. Instead I auditioned and got the role as swing (understudy for all the parts) and the next year, I was the outlaw in the Wild West Gunfight Stunt Show. I am now an Emmy nominated stunt woman and without being open to new beginnings, I would not have this fruitful and challenging career. I overcame these challenges by being relentlessly optimistic and hardworking. I see the expansive vision and will work hard to create it, even if others say I can’t. I refuse to give up on myself and my craft, even if that involves slow moving progress. I love hearing other artist’s input and I love feedback to continue growing. This is also important for my work in the nonprofit field. Cofounding a nonprofit on an Indian Reservation in Pine Ridge South Dakota has many challenges I didn’t foresee. Even getting our CAGE/Duns number (the number required to apply for grants) was challenging because the area is so rural and the infrastructure is in such bad shape, UPS does not go to these places and our address isn’t recognized by the US government. The additional road blocks which come in many different forms, require more phone calls, time allotted to certain tasks, and employee payment for their time which requires more funding. However, despite these roadblocks, the overall vision is a huge part of my purpose. Progress is still progress, even if it is slow.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would take them all around the city! Friday: I love Atlantic Station and the Rosé Bistro & Champagne Bar. The extra southern chicken is delicious!
Saturday: I also love the Midtown area by the Starling Hotel with the food court and JoJo’s beloved speakeasy! So many amazing food and drink areas, a possible stop at MSR, then with a nightcap at the Café Intermezzo.
Sunday: Early morning sunrise on top of Stone Mountain and soaking up the beautiful Georgia sunshine all day.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I had an amazing mentor in college named LaVetra Ray Stevenson. She helped me see things from a different and necessary perspective. We would have deep meaningful discussions and helped me apply to be the SGA (Stunt Government Association) Vice President. Without her, I would not have been able to make it past my senior year of college. I have been supported by some amazing people including, of course, my supportive family, Beatrize Martinez, Mary Millard and Glen Millard, my ride or die friends Isa Ramirez (Noonan), Payton McAtee (McCaulley), Mary Nerad, Murphy Bolt, and Erika Mack. My business partner Yolanda Swalley for approaching me about the nonprofit idea, the Upijata Arts Company’s Board of Directors, the Stunt Collective in Orlando FL with Joop Katana and Antony Matos for investing in me and my stunt career, and so many more people along the way. I have so much to be thankful for and in honor of these people, I am doing my best to pay it forward.

Website: https://www.upijataartscompany.org

Instagram: Personal: shannonebeshears Nonprofit: upijata_arts_company Photography: shannonbphotography

Image Credits
Image of children’s arts work, Shannon B Photography