I have known Kristin Shannon for almost 10 years; in that time, she’s changed professions, continued to be a fantastic mom, thrown some epic parties (for herself and for others) and (though for a brief time thought she was going to “retire”) has become an impressive professional responsible for brand development, generation of creative content, building community outreach and planning the events surrounding the restoration and reopening of the historic and iconic Orpheum Theater in New Orleans as its General Manager.
With a smile that lights up a room, Kristin is one of those women of whom most of us ask: How does she do it all? The answer to that is, she’s always doing more; learn more about her and what may be next below.
Q: What is your idea of perfect happiness?
A: Sitting down. OK, just kidding. I guess it’s being present in the moment: whether it’s an unsolicited hug from my sons or husband, a drive through the mountains of my hometown in Virginia, experiencing an amazing live music performance or strolling the streets of the French Quarter; I love where I’ve been and I love where I am and I’m always looking forward to where I’m going next. And every once in a while, I actually do sit down.
Q: What is your greatest fear?
A: I have serious FOMO (fear of missing out). Really, I wish there was a cure.
Q: Which living person do you most admire?
A: My mother.
Q: What is your greatest daily (or almost daily) extravagance?
A: Iced coffee daily (sometimes two to three times a day). Kerastase shampoo to answer the “almost daily” portion of your question. And bacon.
Q: What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
A: Humility; we should share our accomplishments more freely.
Q: Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
A: “Hey, what’s up?”
Q: What or who is the greatest love of your life?
A: My family and music.
Q: Which talent would you most like to have?
A: Photographer and/or Filmmaker. I have stories to tell and moments to capture – but I don’t see through the lens like others do.
Q: What do you consider your greatest achievement?
A: Achievement is a goal that has been reached – and my goal is to strive for balance in my life between personal wellbeing, family and career. I’ll let you know when I’ve achieved that goal.
I would say my children are my greatest achievement, but they haven’t really grown up yet, so I’ll keep you posted on that one, too (kidding). If you want to know my greatest accomplishment, most recently I’m extremely proud of helping reopen the Orpheum Theater. Oh, and singing on stage, anywhere, anytime. It takes a lot for me to work up the nerve.
Q: Where would you most like to live?
A: I want one half of a house in the country and the other half in the city so I can walk from one room’s view to the other. Literally, I want to live in the French Quarter overlooking the countryside.
Q: What do you most value in your friends?
A: Laughter.
Q: What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
A: Being too direct.
Q: What is the trait you most deplore in others?
A: Not being direct enough.
Q: What restaurant do you find yourself recommending to friends lately?
A: Josephine Estelle.
Q: Describe your perfect New Orleans day?
A: It’s a tie between the Friday before Mardi Gras in the French Quarter and “locals day” (Thursday) at Jazz Fest.
Q: What’s your favorite New Orleans story?
A: Anything on WYES with a voiceover by Peggy Scott Laborde.
Q: What’s your favorite thing to do in New Orleans during the summer?
A: We’ve been really into Lake Pontchartrain lately. It’s just a beautiful part of the city that we’re lucky to have access to, and the sunsets are spectacular. I can’t wait to get to work on the upcoming Lakeshore Landing project.
If you have a recommendation for someone for Uptown Life, someone you want to know more about, email Morgan@MyNewOrleans.com with the subject line: “Uptown Life.”
