Meet Shannon, Co-Founder of Oh Mumma

Shannon, co-founder of Oh Mumma

Hey, I’m the 50% American side of Oh Mumma!  I grew up all over the place in the US but San Francisco was where I lived the longest and a piece of my heart will always remain there. My mum had me super young and it was just me and her from the beginning. She worked a lot and I spent lots of time being carted around to babysitters, friends, and neighbours. I can’t even begin to imagine how difficult raising a child on your own would be but somehow she managed and I turned out ok! My childhood was messy to be totally honest and pretty untraditional but it made me strong so that’s the plus side.

I remember getting my makeup done for the first time at a Benefit Cosmetics counter when I was 16 and I instantly fell in love with makeup. It became a real way for me to express myself. I landed a job at that same counter when I was 17 and worked my way up into their head office in SF where I stayed till I moved here. I loved my job...there’s something really magical about making someone else feel good about themself. In 2012, I met a boy at a music festival in Monterey, California who stole my heart. We dated long-distance for a year going back and forth basically every month until one day I took a mega leap of faith. I gave notice on my apartment, sold everything, quit my job, and bought a one-way ticket to the UK. YOLO right?!?! I’m not going to sugar-coat it and say it was super easy or that there weren't times that I thought...what the actual hell have I done- but it turned out to be the best decision I’ve ever made.


I think if you asked my friends to describe me they would say I’m passionate...or intense depends who you’re talking to! I don’t give up easily and I’m willing to work for what I want. I think it’s something my mum instilled in me at a young age and I’m very grateful for that. It’s what's made this whole life Matt (my husband) and I created together happen. In the 7 years I’ve been here we’ve got engaged, married (in two countries), got a dog, bought a house, and had two kids.

I had my first child at 34 and a second 22 months later. Both boys- I really wanted a girl but I think the universe has a way of giving you what you need. Now I can’t imagine our life any other way. When I had my first baby (Hudson) I really struggled because I felt like I lost myself. A close friend sent me a care package full of beautiful skincare and a note inside that said if you just manage to wash your face today you're winning. You’re doing a great job mumma. I can still remember the emotional reaction I had reading it. It was the reminder I needed that I was important and I needed to take care of myself. Those early days weren’t easy. Hudson didn’t sleep (like at all) and breastfeeding was no walk in the park for me but I kept it up till the day he turned 1. I know it’s not for everyone but for me it’s what I wanted and I think as a mum you just have to do what’s right for you and your baby.


When I went back to work after a year of mat leave I was pregnant again within a few months. Kyra and I both waddling around London pregnant at this point came up with the idea for Oh Mumma over lunch. Becoming a mum is such a huge change and sometimes we all need that little reminder that outside of being a mum we’re a person too and that person matters. Mums are actual superheroes and they deserve a round of applause every day in my opinion. Last year I took another big leap when I quit my job to run Oh Mumma full-time. The photo shoots, the packing of boxes, even writing the beautiful gift messages that go inside the boxes, and I wouldn’t change a thing. Running a business is hard work and we have had our ups and downs but I get to do something I am truly proud of every day and that is a gift.

Shannon, Co-Founder of Oh Mumma


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