Meet Shanda Amundsen | Owner/CEO

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shanda Amundsen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shanda, what is the most important factor behind your success?
God is the most important factor behind the success of G.R.A.C.E. Elderberry Co. and the success of my brand.  God has been behind every success in my life.  I know if I keep Him in the center of my life and my business, and seek for His direction, wisdom, and guidance, He will direct my paths.  He always has.  G.R.A.C.E. stands for God Restores All Children Everywhere. We are all children of God.  God will never fail or leave anyone in their walk in life.  If you seek Him, you will find Him.  His love, grace and forgiveness are for each one of us.  It doesn’t matter how many times we mess up in life, His forgiveness and grace will cover us each time we fall. I would want the world to know that my brand and story is a business built on integrity, honesty and good character that is a reflection of my walk with Christ.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a small business owner, you take care of the business from A-Z, from marketing, manufacturing, etc.  All of it keeps me busy professionally.  I am always learning something new, I am always being stretched outside of my comfort zone and I am growing personally and professionally because of it.

I am most proud that we just celebrated 3 years of being in business and that G.R.A.C.E. Elderberry Co. continues to grow.  I am in the process of building out my own manufacturing facility.  I am very excited to see all of it come together even through all the blood, sweat and tears.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We both are lovers of nature and the outdoors. We don’t get to see each other often with our busy lives and miles in between us, but, when we get together it was like we just caught up yesterday. I would take her on day trips to explore and hike the Cuyahoga Valley National Park as well as the different Metroparks in the area. We would explore all of the different coffeehouses in the suburbs of Cleveland. I would take her to look for sea glass along the Lake Erie shores. She is a hippie and a literary professor. I would definitely make sure we hit some great bookstores, Coventry, Tremont and Ohio City.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would dedicate my shoutout to Joyce Meyer. She is a world-renowned preacher, author and speaker and her life story resonates with me personally. A friend gave me CD’s of one of her teachings back in 2005. Those CD’s were a light in my darkness at that time. Joyce’s books, audio teachings, sermons and devotions have helped me grow in my walk with Christ, and they have helped me heal from my past. 

Website: https://graceelderberry.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/g.r.a.c.e._elderberry_co/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanda-amundsen-b122a31a/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/g_elderberry

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GraceElderberryCo

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@graceelderberryco