Today we’d like to introduce you to Shavonne Dunn.
Shavonne, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I moved from my hometown in Tennessee to OTP back in 2005. I was still in high school so the transition wasn’t too difficult. I got my first job and would work after school and on the weekends. Soon, I found myself wanting to work more. I transferred to a night school in Woodstock. I’d work a full-time job during the day, and go to school in the evening. I decided enough was enough and took a couple of my classes online so I could graduate. I did, six months early. After a few years, I worked a couple of odd jobs (nothing too serious), had a failed relationship, really had no idea what I wanted to do or who I wanted to be, and then met some traveling folk. Within the week I had hopped a train with two complete strangers and an adorable giant pit bull.
Who knew a train ride from ATL to Savannah could take upwards of 16 hours? I sure didn’t. We left with a loaf of bread, a gallon of water, and some spaghetti-o’s. It was one of the longest, most uncomfortable, but thrilling things I’d ever done. There is nothing quite like peeing off the side of a moving train. We finally reached Savannah and walked what felt like 10 miles into town. We slept in abandoned buildings until we met up with some new friends. Savannah definitely delivered that St. Patricks Day.
I was there for about two weeks until I called my best friend to bring me back home. I had to process what just happened. But it wasn’t too long until I hopped another train and went to Chattanooga. We hiked part of the mountain, me trailing behind and struggling the entire way up. But the view was gorgeous. After leaving, I went around the Tennessee state. I met a guy, we hit it off, then traveled the US together. We had a few bands. First was the Dirty Water Rag Stompers. The second was One Monster After Another. This is where I learned to play the saw (you can actually find videos of us on youtube, we had a pretty decent following!). Once I joined one monster, I had settled down into a fun little town called Fort Collins, Colorado. We would drive into Boulder on the weekends and play for hours, really until we had enough money for rent and some bills. Our music was our job. We recorded an album, played festivals and events we were invited to and loved every minute of it.
As much freedom and independence I had, I wanted more. I still didn’t have a car. So, I reluctantly went back into the corporate world. I biked 6 miles to and from work until I made enough friends to get rides. I saved as much as I could to try and buy a car. I got lucky and found a manual 1986 Honda Civic Hatchback for $600. His name was White Lightening. It was rusting through, the clutch had to be pushed through the floor, and the turn signal would fall out turning the lights on and causing the battery to die, but I loved it. I had never driven stick before, and after stalling out a million times and getting the finger more times than I can count, I finally learned. That car lasted me years, and when I decided it was time to move back to Georgia, white lightening made it across the country with no problems.
This was about six years ago. The relationship I was in at the time was extremely toxic. I found myself working double shifts to make ends meet, only to return home to someone who wouldn’t work. It turned into bad fights, and some of them he would get physical. After looking around my apartment, seeing my bedroom door ripped in half, and feeling so helpless, I knew I couldn’t live that life anymore. (I’d like to take a moment to say, ladies, if you find yourself in this situation, get out! You are a beautiful goddess who deserves to be treated with love and respect! And if you need an ear to listen, reach out to me.) I finally worked up the courage and kicked him out. I moved in with one of my best friends, Karen, and slowly starting piecing my life back together. I basically had to start over again. As hard as that was, it’s good to say I have been on a steady incline ever since.
Months later, I decided to go make a group of my friend’s lunch. I passed out beers to everyone except one guy I somehow didn’t see. Walked right past him. Turns out that guy was my person. It’s been 5 1/2 years and he still teases me about that. We were the crazy people that moved in together almost immediately, but honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing. We now have three dogs and a cat. And more love than I ever thought possible. It’s also great to have someone support your million and one hobbies. I knit, game, garden, bake, cook, sew, and really whatever else catches my interest. When I set my mind to something, I will stop at nothing to master it. Then it’s on to the next obstacle to overcome.
Since then, I worked a couple of odd jobs until I found one in the city. I worked for a local hair salon as a front desk associate until I was promoted to Manager. It was great, but there was always something missing. I wanted to work for a cause I could stand behind. Something I was truly proud of. Miraculously, I found it through a Facebook post I made on a Vegan Atlanta group. I have been a vegetarian since about 2005 and went vegan in 2017. I wouldn’t say it defines me, but it is a huge part of who I am and who I have been.
So, that leads me to now. I work for a local small business. Revolution Gelato. It’s certified organic and dairy free, kosher, and freaking delicious. It is hard work working for a growing small business, but incredibly rewarding. Especially when you have such great bosses like Jared and Leah. Since I started my work career straight out of high school, then went traveling, I never went to college. I didn’t feel like it hindered me in the workforce until the last few years. I have learned so much with this company, that I no longer feel behind. I’m thankful every day to learn so much from them and still have so much fun.
There are honestly a million more details and stories I could share, but it would turn into a book really quickly. My life has been a roller coaster, but every decision I’ve made, whether carefully thought through or just winging it, has brought me to where I am. And right now, I’m loving where I am for the first time in my life. I have made friends all over the country and seen so many places, but I always have come back home to Atlanta. I love the culture, diversity, and southern hospitality. But most of all, I love how many strong women are here supporting each other. Keep on kicking ass ladies, you’re amazing.
Has it been a smooth road?
It’s never a smooth road!
Never underestimate yourself.
Build a support system.
Work hard and don’t procrastinate.
Make time for yourself to do things you enjoy.
And get a dog or a cat. Or both. They’re great cuddles.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into your business story. Tell us more about the business.
I currently work Operations for a local small business, Revolution Gelato! I started out as the festival manager, and over the course of time, they created a position for me to be full time. This is truly the first time I’ve ever been happy and proud of my job. I’ve taken on a lot since joining, and they teach me something new pretty much every day. I still manage our festival season, handle sales accounts, do production at our warehouse, manage social media, and taking on more every day. There are only three of us; the founder Jared, his sister Leah, and myself. We all take on as much as we can.
I’m proud because they have strong morals and really care about the environment as well. We recycle and compost everything, use organic ingredients, non-toxic and organic cleaning solutions, etc. Not only do they practice this for the business, but in their personal life as well. They have worked so hard to bring such a great product to so many people. Whether you have a special diet or not, it’s great for everyone.
It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
Apps: Zero: Intermittent Fasting Tracker. I love this because it helps me see my goal and make sure I am eating within a proper time frame. I’m really bad about eating super late, mainly out of boredom. It’s keeping me in shape and I’m actually starting to lose a little weight.
Books: Charles Bukowski, Siddhartha, Vegan Cook Books, House of Leaves, and anything else scary I can get my hands on.
Podcasts: My Favorite Murder! My bestie and I have SSDGM tattoos on our forearms.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.revolutiongelato.com
- Email: shavonne@revolutiongelato.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avocadodo/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shavonne.dunn
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
