Folsom Women of Influence

Folsom is teeming with Boss Babes, Women Change Makers, and Community Leaders. These women are more than just their "jobs", they are also making an impact in their communities, charities, and fields of business. We had a great time doing this photo shoot in Folsom's Historic District where the idea of "we rise by lifting others" was extremely apparent with this inspiring and fun group of gals.

We asked them: How did you get into your business, and If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?

Evangeline Scott, Certified Mortgage Planner, Reliance Home Loans

TeamScottLoans.com

"I was recruited into this crazy industry by a friend of a friend at the Money Store (they built the pyramid building in downtown Sac). I was a wee youngster and started there soon after graduating high school."

Evangeline is a successful and dedicated businesswoman, but she is so much more than that. She's super active in the community and you'll see her promoting her friends and other businesswomen at local events, raising money for numerous charities and organizations, or inspiring the next set of female entrepreneurs with her Girl Scout cookie challenge. She buys up to 1,000 boxes of cookies from young ladies who give her their best sales pitch. Then, she donates those boxes to organizations around town. She shares her success with the community by sponsoring events and teams, and just being present to lift others up.

Although we know her from her generous community impact, the advice for her younger self comes from the business side.

"Start investing younger - build that empire baby! Always believe in yourself and go for it. There are 3 types of people in the world - suck, don't suck & legendary.... always go for legendary!"

We think Evangeline is legendary in everything she does.

Jennifer Glowniak, Miss Jenny's Sprout Academy

@miss_jennys_sprout_academy

"I had been a nanny for many families in my 'younger' days. After my son was born, and I was going back to work, I wanted to work with children again. I worked at a preschool center for 4 1/2 years and grew to LOVE the early childhood classroom environment. When my son was ready to go to kindergarten, I decided to open my in-home preschool so that I could work with children one-on-one and build solid relationships with each child. This business has led me to many great families and children who have all left a serious impression on my heart."

Jennifer is the owner of Miss Jenny's Sprout Academy, an in-home preschool located in Folsom. She and her team foster an environment built for fun, exploration, early learning, and lots of love. "Miss Jenny," as she is known by the kids and families she works with, may spend her days educating and inspiring future generations, but her free time is often spent with friends and family enjoying life as a die-hard hockey mom.

The advice she would give her younger self is, "Follow your heart and take the advice that your parents give you. They will always try to lead you in the right direction."

Jeanne Shuman, Jake's Journey Home

Vetsjourney.com

"I began this business after my son, Jake Shuman, a Seabee Veteran and small business owner passed away unexpectedly. He left behind a legacy of empathy, generosity, and humility. I continue his legacy of assisting veterans and community members experiencing homelessness and the issues that come with it through wrap-around services. It allows me to honor him through all the work our organization does. We can do better!" Jeanne is on a mission to help everyone, "do better."

Jake's Journey Home connects with unhoused persons, veterans, and community members through respect, caring, and assistance. They assist with necessary services to make sure that someone's tomorrow is better than today.

Jeanne shares, "It's never too late and you're never too old to try something new. Booker T. Washington said it best: 'I have learned that success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has had to overcome while trying to succeed.'"

Faun O'Neel, Warfighter Overwatch

WarfighterOverwatch.org

"I got into the nonprofit business because of my personal experience needing more support. Warfighter Overwatch supports veterans and first responders with issues of mental health. After my husband struggled with mental health issues after his military service, it became apparent to me that more needed to be done to support our heroes and their families.

Through that journey, Warfighter Overwatch was born. Both of my for-profit businesses, Kinetic Ink (tattoo shop) and Kinetic Threads (custom apparel) support the non-profit and our community. These two businesses donate about 45k a year to local nonprofits, fundraisers, and schools."

The Warfighter Overwatch program has programs to support both veterans and first responders and their families. They also support the Atlas project which puts service dogs in fire stations, and Armor and Bombas, who provide socks and boots for veterans wanting to get into hiking for better physical and mental health.

Faun's advice is "to only allow people in your circle you trust implicitly and if that means it's only 2 people, then it's only 2 people. Protect yourself and your inner peace at all costs. When you find your tribe, love them and value them."

Colleen Shannon, Shannon Family Automotive

ShannonFamilyAutomotive.com

"I got into the business I'm in because I fell in love with a mechanic (Larry Shannon). When we realized we share the same high ideals and commitment to excellence, we realized that no one else in the automotive industry would treat customers the way we believe they deserve to be treated, so we decided to start a company together. Recognizing we each bring strengths that complement the other's weaknesses has allowed us to build a company that provides more than great repairs or great service, it provides an amazing life for us and our nearly 20 employees.

As our kids got older, I had a desire to apply my skills and talents to the wider world. It only made sense to do this within our own company, so Larry and I traded places. He took over the majority of the household responsibilities and I took over the majority of the business responsibilities.

If I could give my younger self advice, it would be this: You don't have to have it all figured out. Your life will change in a dozen ways and each of them will take you in a different direction than you thought you would go. Be flexible and know that each season, no matter how hard, will take you where you are meant to be and grow you into who you are supposed to be.'"

Erin Thiel, Fit 4 Mom Folsom Lake

FolsomLake.Fit4Mom.com

"I have always had a passion for health and fitness, as well as a passion for working with kids. I played sports through my college years, while I studied Kinesiology with an emphasis on exercise science. I was also taking units at the Junior College in Early Childhood Education.

When I became a mother, I suddenly shifted into a different season of life and wanted to find others in the same season. I remember attending my first Stroller Strides class and told my husband, 'It checks all the boxes!' I got to work out outside, with my kids, while making 'mom friends'.

Fast forward to 2020, when I was faced with a cancer diagnosis, while pregnant with my daughter, and mothering three young sons. I was so blessed to have such an amazing support system, between my family and my FIT4MOM Village. I felt so supported and blessed, as my love for FIT4MOM grew, I eventually purchased the business in hopes of supporting all the mothers in our community, the way I was supported.

My love for my village and the FIT4MOM brand has continued to grow over the last 6 years. I was a client, turned instructor, and now owner."

Erin advises "to be patient. There is a path, even when you can't see it."

The Women Behind the Scenes of Folsom Women of Influence

@FolsomCityLifestyle

Our call for Women of Influence in Folsom brought to light the abundance of talented and amazing women in our little town. Behind the scenes of this article, was a village of even more amazing women:

Photographer: @JacquelinePilarPortraits

Hair/Make-up: @SummerBreezeGlam

Fashion: @AnitaRochelleBoutique

@StoneandBirchBoutique

@MarigoldBoutique_ca

@Terra_Cottage

@ShopWolfHome

@CoastalCo_

Treats: @CoffeeRepublic.Folsom

and, of course, the woman-owned and run, Folsom City Lifestyle staff.

Look for the Men's Issue in June, where the men of Folsom get their time in the spotlight.

Start investing younger - build that empire baby! - Evangeline Scott