Hi, I’m Shauna :)
My education and experience in fitness, nutrition, psychology, and culinary have shaped the foundation of the work I do today. I thrive off of building community through food, movement, and meaningful experiences.
I wear a lot of hats…mom, business owner, race director, volunteer… but at my core, I love creating spaces where people feel welcome and connected.
I believe life is what you make it: surround yourself with good people, follow your passions, and live with purpose.
The beginning
I was born and raised in Cambridge, Ontario, and went to Clemens Mill Public School and then Galt Collegiate. I loved anything that encouraged community… sports, clubs, volunteering; so I joined as much as I could.
I discovered running through the K-W Track Club and started working in a restaurant and a health store in high school. It’s interesting to look back and realize that the two things I stumbled into so young - running and restaurants - are still significant parts of my life today.
Learning & Finding My Way
My 20s were spent in classrooms, kitchens, and gyms, following every interest that pulled me in. I studied Fitness & Lifestyle Management (2-years, George Brown College), Food Science, Nutrition & Psychology (7-years, Western University), Culinary Management (2-years, Fanshawe College), and completed my culinary apprenticeship (London Hunt & Country Club). It wasn’t a linear path, but everything eventually fit together.
I also met Joey during this time in culinary school. We dreamt up the ideas of creating restaurants that felt unique and special. He thrives with creating menus and the kitchen; I love operations, people, and marketing. We are polar opposites in so many ways, and it makes the best friend & business partnership.
Family, Community & Building Something Meaningful
My 30s were deeply shaped and enriched by family connections. I married Dan, an entrepreneur who owns Live Well Build Co. and has personally built or renovated every one of our restaurant spaces, bringing his expertise and passion to each project. Our children, each born a year apart, are incredibly curious, full of energy, and enthusiastic about being involved in all aspects of our lives and work.
This decade was also when I built The Live Well Co., a 15-year community centered around workouts, volunteering, cooking, and connection. And in 2021, I published a hardcover cookbook. It was a little pandemic project that ended up being nominated for national cookbook awards and found its way onto the counters of so many homes.
Hospitality, Purpose & Creating Spaces
Today, I still run The Live Well Co., which lets me stay connected to community through events, speaking, collaborations and sharing my cookbook.
I also co-own the Sojo Group with Joey, creating spaces focused on good food, good energy, and genuine connection:
Lanoa
Lotus & Lime
And last but not least, I am the Race Director for the Forest City Road Races, a role that brings my early love of running and community full circle. It is a road race (HM, 10K, 5K & Kids run) in support of the Thames Valley Children’s Centre + 15 local organizations. I joined the Board of Directors in 2009 and took over as Race Director in 2020.
What Matters to Me
Family comes first. Beyond that, I have a passion for getting people to participate in life… whether it’s a race, a fundraiser, a volunteer event, or a shared meal. Nothing makes me happier than seeing someone feel included, encouraged, and capable.
Where I Am Now
Still learning new things every day.
Still raising kids with care and attention.
Still managing and growing a handful of businesses.
Still dedicated to working on projects that bring people together in meaningful ways.