Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Parks.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I moved to Austin in 2012 to attend business school at UT with the goal of doing something entrepreneurial. Instead, I ended up spending 10 years working in tech in various product marketing and product management roles. About two years ago, post-COVID burnout prompted me to take a step back and reevaluate what I wanted for the second half of my career. I kept coming back to an idea I’d had for over a decade: women’s pajamas need a major upgrade!
Most sleepwear is still the same button-down, menswear styles that haven’t changed in generations. On top of that, many women have to throw on a bra or an oversized sweatshirt – or change entirely – if they’re staying with extended family, answering the door, or taking the dog for a walk. Fabrics also aren’t designed with women’s needs in mind, especially when it comes to staying cool and comfortable at night. So I finally decided to follow my entrepreneurial dreams and create the sleepwear I wanted for myself!
After a year and a half of product development, fabric sourcing, manufacturing, branding, website design, and photo shoots, I launched SHANNON Sleepwear this spring—a modern pajama brand designed to be comfortable enough for sleep and stylish enough for real life.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not! I’m quickly learning that entrepreneurship is anything but a smooth road. No matter how much planning you do, something unexpected always pops up.
One challenge came just as I was placing my first fabric order. The new tariffs had just gone into effect, and I discovered that while I was working with a supplier in Canada, the fabric itself originated in China—which meant China tariff pricing. The supplier and I scrambled to get the fabric across the border before the tariffs took effect at midnight, but we couldn’t make it happen, and I ended up paying significantly more than I had planned.
Another memorable setback happened when I received my very first production run. I was so excited to finally have inventory in hand, only to discover that the care labels printed inside the garments washed off after a single wash cycle. It turned out the manufacturer hadn’t applied enough heat during the application process, so everything had to be sent back and redone, causing weeks of delays.
Challenges like these are super frustrating, but they’ve taught me that building a business is really just about constant problem-solving. Something will always go wrong. You have to figure it out, find a solution, don’t let it deter you, and keep going.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about SHANNON Sleepwear?
SHANNON Sleepwear is a modern sleepwear brand designed for women who want to be comfortable without looking like they just rolled out of bed. Our styles look more like elevated athleisure than traditional pajamas, making it easy to wear them beyond the bedroom.
We use incredibly soft, breathable fabrics that keep you cool and comfortable throughout the night. Our biggest differentiator is comfy, built-in coverage in all of our tops, which means women can feel confident answering the door, walking the dog, staying with extended family, or running a quick errand without needing to throw on a bra or an oversized sweatshirt.
We also pay attention to the little details that make a big difference: wide, flattering waistbands without the annoying drawstrings, functional pockets, and mix-and-match separates so you can create your own set based on your size, style and color preferences.
What I’m most proud of, though, is the brand itself. SHANNON isn’t about luxury or perfection. The brand is authentic, relatable, and designed for real women living real, busy lives. Women are constantly juggling family, work, friendships, pets, chores, errands, and everything in between. Our pajamas are made for the rushed school drop-offs, the last-minute dash to the curb before trash pickup, the morning coffee while you check emails, and the wine nights at home with friends.
At the end of the day, we’re creating pajamas that are made for sleep but designed for life.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I’ve worked incredibly hard to build this business, but I’ve also been fortunate in so many ways. I’ve always felt lucky to have amazing parents who gave me a strong foundation of love and support, and at the same time, always encouraged me to explore the world, pursue my passions, and take risks. I’m also grateful for the education and career opportunities I’ve had. I’m a big believer that education — in whatever form it takes — is one of the biggest drivers of success.
As for bad luck, I try not to spend much time thinking about it. Entrepreneurship – and life – is full of unexpected challenges, setbacks, and obstacles. You can call it bad luck, but I’ve found it’s more productive to just think of it as problems to be solved. At the end of the day, what you choose to do with the “good luck” or “bad luck” is ultimately what matters most.
Pricing:
- Our products range from $64 to $88.
- While we’re positioned at a premium price point, I’ve worked hard to ensure customers feel like they’re getting exceptional value for their investment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shannonsleepwear.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannonsleepwear/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonparks24/
