Overview

In this week’s episode of Busy Mom Talk, I sit down with Shannon Kelly, co-owner of an Ottawa salon, mom, and entrepreneur who built her business and her family during one of the most uncertain times in recent history.
Shannon shares what it was really like starting a business during COVID, being pregnant in a pandemic, and navigating both marriage and entrepreneurship at the same time. This episode is honest, relatable, and a powerful reminder that sometimes life does not follow the timeline we imagined but it can still unfold beautifully.

Starting a Business in the Middle of a Pandemic

Shannon and her husband had planned to open their salon before COVID ever hit. When the world shut down, so did their original timeline. Instead of forcing the business launch, they pivoted. They used their savings to get married and start their family.
What could have felt like a setback became a season of recalibration. Shannon talks about the emotional and financial balancing act of saving for a dream while navigating uncertainty. Her story is a reminder that adaptability is sometimes the greatest entrepreneurial skill of all.

Working With Your Spouse: The Real Dynamics

One of the most relatable parts of this episode is Shannon’s honesty about working with her husband. She shares the initial hesitation she felt and how vulnerable she was in admitting her fears.
With support and guidance from her mom, Shannon leaned into communication and partnership. What started as awkward quickly became natural. She speaks openly about defining roles, respecting each other’s strengths, and building something meaningful together.
For couples who are building businesses or navigating big dreams side by side, this conversation will resonate deeply.

Breaking Gender Norms in the Beauty Industry

Shannon reflects on entering an industry where many salon owners were traditionally men. While she trained under a strong female leader early in her career, she quickly noticed the imbalance in ownership.
Over time, her confidence grew. What she once never imagined for herself became a calling. Shannon now leads with intention, creating the kind of supportive, nurturing space she once sought out herself.
Her journey speaks to the larger shift happening in female entrepreneurship and what it looks like to step into leadership even when you did not originally see yourself there.

Pregnancy, Birth, and Motherhood in a Pandemic

The episode takes a deeply personal turn when Shannon shares her experience of being pregnant during COVID. She talks about being sick throughout her pregnancy, attending appointments alone while her husband waited in the car, and giving birth under strict hospital restrictions.
Despite the isolation and unexpected challenges, Shannon reflects on finding strength in the quiet. There were no extra visitors. No outside noise. Just her and the moment.
Her story will resonate with moms who had babies during that time and anyone who had to adjust expectations in ways they never imagined.