RTDM: Shalynne Bolling — The Risk Takers Dream Makers

Dec 2

Dec 2 RTDM: Shalynne Bolling

Shalynne Bolling
Flour Power Kids Cooking Studios Lake Norman/Owner
Huntersville, NC

Tell us about yourself: Where you came from, where you've been and how you're living your dream?

From Pittsburgh, PA , Former Elementary School Teacher - burned out in the classroom, wanted a change, but still wanted to work with kids, always wanted to own my own business, brainstormed how I could make my gifts & hobbies work for me, did some research, found Flour Power, and took the risk!

How do you define success?

Setting & attaining meaningful goals, finding joy in your work

What did it take to make your dream happen and when did you know you had arrived?

It took faith, a HUGE risk, overcoming my fear of the unknown (especially being a control-freak). I still don't know if I've "arrived". A lot of times I still can't believe that the business has come to fruition. I think it'll always be a work in progress, but my fire is lit to make it the best I can for me, my family, our clients, and our employees.

What are you most proud of? Go ahead, boast a little!

Empowering my daughters with the example to lead their best life. I wanted something new, set a goal, put in a lot of hard work & tears, & made it happen.

What was your biggest obstacle/fear and what was your turning point?

Finding a location & getting the build-out done. I had clients in the books, but construction was taking a really long time. I didn't want to let anyone down. I learned that people are a lot kinder than you think!

What’s the best advice you’d give to a younger you?

It's OK to take care of yourself. Pause every now & again. In the midst of living your dream, remember why you started.

How do you stay motivated and purposeful when you feel overwhelmed?

I think of why I started in the first place. Sometimes I break free for an entire day. No work.

Tell us a time when a perceived failure was actually a blessing in disguise or served you in a surprising way.

We searched for a location for an entire year. I thought I found the "perfect" one. The lease terms were horrible, & I kept fighting for it. The door closed again & again & again. Looking back, I'm so glad that I finally stopped fight for a location that would have been so restrictive. It would have been a very expensive mistake. Our current location & landlord have been wonderful.

What is your favorite vice/guilty pleasure/strange habit? Come on now, we all have them!

I clean when I get stressed or eat brownies.

What's the smartest investment you’ve made for yourself?

Joining a gym. Clears my head, keeps me healthy mentally & physically.

What’s MOST important to you right now?

My children.

Share 1-2 books you've given as gifts:

God Gave Us You

What have you learned to say no to?

Room Parent, signing up for every school meeting/need

What's something most people would never guess about you?

I have a fear of deep water.