Shadia Shunnara shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Shadia, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I’m wandering with intention — embracing the steep climbs and breathtaking views, learning to savor the journey instead of being intimidated by it or racing toward the destination.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Shadia, founder and director of Hummingbird Hollow, a homeschool learning pod in East Atlanta, redefining what early education can look like. After 17 years in early childhood education, I realized that children thrive most in environments rooted in connection, calm, and curiosity. Hummingbird Hollow was created to bring that vision to life — small, heart-led classrooms that feel like home while cultivating a deep love for learning.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
My dad. He was the hardest worker in the room — a pharmacist who worked long hours and devoted himself completely to providing for our family. His dedication gave us stability and opportunity, and I deeply admire the strength and sacrifice that required. I definitely inherited his drive and work ethic.
I also saw the toll that constant work can take — the moments missed, the exhaustion that comes from always providing but rarely resting. That shaped how I think about balance.
He built the foundation and now I’m working with the same passion and the lesson to keep mindfulness at the core.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear of being seen. The irony is that I’m a hobby actor — someone who performs in front of others — yet acting only ever reveals bits of me. It’s safe, in a way, because I’m channeling parts of myself through someone else’s story. But to be seen as my whole self, without a character to hide behind, feels far more vulnerable. The idea of showing up fully and being rejected for it is what’s held me back most in life. We deserve to be seen for who we truly are, not just in fragments or highlights. I’m learning that I don’t need others to approve my whole self, because I do.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
I’m Palestinian, and the cultural value I hold most sacred is the collective — the understanding that we exist with and for each other. In America, the narrative often centers around individualism- every person for themselves. In Palestinian culture, the focus is on community, hospitality, and love in action. It’s about being a source of hope and care for others — the belief that we rise together. That “it takes a village” spirit is something I carry into everything I do. Especially with the current state of the world, I believe it’s imperative that we remember that we are all one.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I am 100% doing what I was born to do. I have always been a “mother” at heart, and I always will be — whether I have my own children or not. I am deeply guided by intuition and an instinctive understanding of what children need. Their minds, the ways they learn, and the ways they grow have always captured my heart and curiosity. I’ve had the joy of working with incredible families and watching children flourish — celebrating their highs, supporting them through their lows, and witnessing both the small and big ways they develop into who they are meant to be. I am always striving to make this world a better place for them, and in the process, they show me the bigger picture: love is the source of life- if we lead with love, life is magic. Being part of that journey is not just my work — it is my passion, my purpose, and the source of what inspires me every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hummingbird-hollow.com/
- Instagram: @hummingbirdhollowalc
- Linkedin: Shadia Shunnara
- Facebook: Hummingbird Hollow
