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

Hi Shannara, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk is something that will always be something you will have to deal with, in both personal life, and in business or pursuing a career. Weighing options in a lot of instances isn’t easy, especially when the risk SEEMS larger than the reward.

What should our readers know about your business?
My business is called SAWR Belles, and I do both paramedical esthetics, and permanent makeup. I am most proud of getting this far in my business, and how I’ve continued to grow in so many aspects of my life, including my business.

Getting to where I am business-wise today, has been a lot of work, study, and more work. No, it hasn’t necessarily been easy, but the process of growth rarely is. Growth and success is making yourself uncomfortable, and getting outside of your comfort zone. Recognizing what you are lacking in, what you need to get better at, and being able to know when to ask for help, are all huge parts in growth. A lot of times, that’s very difficult for people to accept, and to actually DO – it was for me several times! BUT, if you are in a mindset of – this might be hard, these next steps will suck at times, and I’ll be tired, and there’s going to be a lot of work, AND IM GOING TO DO IT ANYWAY! That is when you allow yourself to get past your own restrictions, your own doubts, and comfort, and reach goals and new peaks that you never imagined!

I’ve learned to always keep learning; and to surround yourself with people who are better than you, smarter than you, more successful than you – that way, you can begin to manifest what you want and tailor your goals to being better, smarter and more successful.

If I can give one message to the world about my brand and story, is that it was definitely NOT a one man team, and that knowledge is power! Always keep pushing to be better, keep learning, and always stay humble.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh my gosh, that is SO HARD! There are too many amazing places, foods, and stuff to do in San Diego! Even though there are countless things on my list, I will limit it to my top 5 of each in no particular order!

Places:
1. Seaport Village/ Embarcadero area
2. Balboa Park and all the museums
3. The Hotel Del in Coronado
4. La Jolla Cove
5. Gaslamp District

Dining:
1. Pomegranate Georgian & Russian Food
2. Din Tai Fung
3. The Grass Skirt speakeasy
4. Island Prime
5. Gen Korean BBQ

Activities to do:
1. I love the Wild Animal Safari Park
2. Go to the bay/beach and go surfing or riding jet skis
3. A day in Old Town San Diego is one of my favorites
4. Picnic at one of the awesome city parks
5. Driving up the Scenic route to Julian

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Its honestly a group of people, a collection of family, mentors, and friends, who have not only helped shape me and my business, but have given me the support and courage to live my dream.

Of course my family, and the few close friends I have, have been my main source of support, and have been at times the only people standing behind me, and pushing me to keep going, even when I didn’t want to, or didn’t think I could. My husband is my biggest cheer leader, my hype man, and the person who gives me both the gentle and tough love when I need them.

A couple people who have been my teachers, mentors, friends, and who have taught me everything I know are Kim Zenovic, Sarah Bleiweiss, Chelsea Novosel, and Elizabeth Rabena. All brilliant, extraordinary women in my field, that I have the privilege of calling my friends. They have helped me in education, business, technique, and have given me so much wisdom and support, to help make me as successful as I am.

And of course my business partner Jen McFall. I don’t know how I functioned without her for so long.

Website: sawrbellesskin.com

Instagram: @sawrbelles.skin @sawrbelles.pmu

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=sawr%20belles

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sawr-belles-alpine

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