Shirley W.
Hometown: Vancouver, British Columbia
"I'm a happily married, self-employed 46-year-old mother of two tweens, and...wait for it...I'm a perimenopausal chick! I don't fully understand what that means or looks like yet, but I'm on a mission to find out! I'm in the process of evolving my life's work from being a marketing consultant to building a trusted online resource where women can crack open the conversation about all things perimenopause."
What is your favorite OWN show?
Without a doubt, Oprah's Lifeclass! It reminds me of The Oprah Winfrey Show in the '90s, where each and every day, regardless of the topic or guest, there was what I like to call a GOLDEN NUGGET for me to take and apply to my life.
What is the one thing you can't live without, and why?
My phone. I know what you're thinking: LOTS and lots of people these days can't live without their technology and devices. For me, my phone represents more than the latest gadget or trend. My first smartphone gave me the gift of freedom and flexibility to successfully manage a marketing company and pick up my kids from school every day.
What is your hidden talent?
Others call me an idea factory and like to invite me to brainstorming sessions. I think of myself as a percolator. Creative thoughts and the art of possibility seem to come easily to me—and I love the process of having those thoughts percolate inside my brain and then watching what comes out on the other side!
What do you like that most people dislike?
Folding laundry.
What are your three favorite things?
Snowcapped mountains, warm bubble baths and my beautiful family (not necessarily in that order!).
What do you do before you go to sleep?
Set the alarm on my iPhone, kiss my husband and say thank you for something that went well that day.
Who is your hero?
My mom, hands down. She was an extraordinary, unassuming, humble woman who endured the loss of two toddlers and had a daughter with childhood cancer, and she taught me that no matter what life deals you, you must be grateful for what you have and just put one foot in front of the other and carry on.
What are you particularly bad at that your friends tease you about?
Controlling my emotions in public. I don't know if it's a particularly bad thing, but I do get teased about it. I cry watching people say goodbye at airports. I cry watching people say hello at airports too. :)
