Shawn Killinger, a familiar face on QVC since 2007, has captivated audiences for 17 years with her warm and uplifting presence. More than just a television host, Shawn has become a relatable figure, sharing her life experiences with honesty and humor. Her journey, marked by both personal triumphs and profound challenges, resonates deeply with viewers, particularly women over 50. This article explores Shawn's story, highlighting her approach to life, career, and personal growth, emphasizing her authenticity and resilience.
Early Career and the Pursuit of a "Big Break"
Shawn's path to QVC was not a straight line. With a degree from the Midwest, she initially ventured into the world of news, working for CBS News after a stint at the David Letterman Show. She then transitioned to local news, becoming a reporter and anchor. However, her creative spirit yearned for something more.
Seeking a "big break," Shawn explored reality television. She auditioned for a show, eventually landing a spot on a spinoff of the Donald Trump show, focusing on creativity and lifestyle, aligning more with her interests than hardcore business. Despite not winning, she views the experience as a valuable lesson.
Embracing Authenticity: A Turning Point
Shawn Killinger's journey toward authenticity was gradual. She admits that until the age of 38, she lived behind an "artifice," not fully embracing her true self. This changed as she navigated life's challenges, including difficult relationships, struggles with infertility, and the aging process.
Shawn realized the importance of being genuine. As she puts it, "My greatest superpower is letting it all hang out - that’s my battle cry." She stopped trying to cover up her "warts and flaws," choosing instead to be confident in who she is, imperfections and all.
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Navigating Infertility and Loss
Shawn's personal life has been marked by challenges, including infertility struggles and the loss of a baby girl at almost 5 months of pregnancy. She openly shared her experiences with viewers, acknowledging the pain and trauma she endured. "I have always shared ‘my everything’ with you, always been humorously over-honest, unapologetically the over-sharer," she wrote in a blog post. "But my need for privacy is causing worry, speculation, uncertainty, and in a few isolated cases, fueling some rumors. A few weeks ago, Joe and I lost a baby, a beautiful baby girl. We were almost 5 months pregnant."
This openness resonated with many viewers who had faced similar struggles. She took time off from QVC to mourn and heal, returning to the air in September.
The Age of Possibility: Embracing Life After 50
At 51, Shawn Killinger is a strong voice for women over 50, embracing the "age of possibility." She believes that it's never too late to pursue dreams and create new opportunities. "At 51, I love getting older; I feel more awesome now than ever," she says. "Before, I was uncomfortable in my own skin; I had no self-confidence. I was a hot mess express and had no idea who I was."
Shawn's career is thriving. She has her own line and was featured on the cover of First for Women magazine. She embodies the idea that life can be fulfilling and exciting at any age.
Finding Strength in Adversity
Shawn emphasizes the importance of resilience in overcoming life's challenges. She believes that difficult experiences can either harden or soften a person. In her case, she says, "struggle, difficulty, pain, all of that… softened me. And God was, like, taking a chisel and breaking the shell away so that then the real Shawn could, like, be free."
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She encourages others to reflect on past challenges and recognize their ability to survive and thrive. "I’ve found that the best way to get through tough times is just to look back at the thousand other times that didn’t kill you," she advises. "If you reflect on all the times that you got back up, survived, thrived, landed the 10.0 dismount, you’ll see how you actually ended up way better on the other side."
The Power of Simple Things and Introverted Nature
Despite her outgoing on-screen persona, Shawn identifies as an introvert. She recharges her energy through quiet activities like meditating, writing, watching TV, and enjoying a cozy atmosphere. "I love meditating, writing, binge-watching something on TV, lighting a fire in the fireplace and pouring a glass of wine," she shares. "It’s serene and cozy."
She cherishes the simple things in life and recognizes the importance of self-care.
God's Plan and the Importance of Surrender
Shawn believes that opportunities and blessings come when the time is right, often when one has found themselves and surrendered to God's plan. "God brings you opportunities and blessings when it's your time, and sometimes it's your time, not when you're at your hungriest, but when you've been able to find yourself and surrender," she explains.
She encourages others to be willing to wait and collaborate with God's plan, even if it means taking a path that seems less desirable in the short term.
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