Shellie Gardner

BS, Electrical Engineering, Texas Tech UniversityMS, Electrical Engineering, Texas Tech UniversityOwner: Christmas Light Source How did you arrive at running this business? What path brought you here?After leaving Hewlett Packard and the technology industry in my early 30s, I started a coffee business that lasted a couple of years. After I mastered the 26-second espresso shot, I tried my hand successfully at selling real estate and real estate investing. I had a great time dominating the Arts and Crafts home sales market in Fort Worth in the early 2000s.When my oldest son was 3 and I was pregnant with my younger son, I created Christmas Light Source because I wanted a business that was fun, took advantage of my engineering skills and would let me spend time in an office rather than in my car 12+ hours a day.What are you known for professionally? What do you have a knack for?Making things work. Solving problems. Seeing the silver lining to every cloud.Whats the one problem you are best at solving for your clients? What do your ideal clients say about you?Im really great at helping people sort out what products they are really going to love when they open the box. Its not about my taste, its about finding out what they are absolutely going to love for their home or business. Isnt that what we all want when we make purchases?What are you passionate about personally? What do you really enjoy? What cant you stop talking about?I really love helping other people be successful, especially if they are starting or building an internet business. The online world is full of pitfalls and I love helping people maneuver around them.Working with other women to help them balance work and family life is incredibly satisfying. Every time I am asked to speak publicly or write about a topic related to success either professionally or personally, it gives me a real charge.Where can we find you when youre not working? Whats your favorite way to spend a weekend or a Sunday afternoon?Reading a new book or three, flying to a new city or having friends over for my famous crappy dinner parties where we just get casual, eat simple food and have great conversations.Where did you grow up and why arent you there now?I grew up all over the world; My father was in the Navy so we moved every year of my life growing up. Exposure to different places and cultures has given me a great view of the world.We settled in West Texas when I was in high school, I studied engineering at Texas Tech then landed in DFW in the telecomm industry. I'd happy to currently call Fort Worth, TX home. We love the rich culture and vibrant art community here.Any volunteer activities youre crazy about?Im very excited about the work my husband and I have been involved with in Africa. We have been traveling to Northern Ethiopia for years introducing folks to solar cooking and have trained Nationals to test and provide life-changing eyeglasses to people with poor vision.In Spring 2016, we have plans to partner with an NGO (Non Governmental Organization) to bring women living in remote areas to clinics where they can received vital medical care.I would really love to start a micro-loan program for women in the area in 2016.Any nonprofits you love, & why?I love Autism Speaks. So many families are affected by autism and its such a puzzle navigating diagnosis and treatment that they need all the support they can get.I also volunteer every week at Fort Worth's Botanic Gardens. They have the largest collection of begonias in the world. (Who knew?) I take care of the delicate varieties that live in little bubble terrariums.I also think its incredibly important to mentor young people. I actively volunteer at my church encouraging and teaching junior high and high school students.What would be impossible for you to give up?Coffee. Definitely coffee.You can find Shellie here:Company Bloghttp://blog.christmas-light-source.com/Design Blog http://www.celebratelights.comYoutube https://www.youtube.com/user/ChristmasLightSourceFacebook https://www.facebook.com/ChristmasLightSource/Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/christmaslight1/