"Life is short, precious and I want to live it to the fullest." Shannon Green

Shannon Green, designer jewelry business owner in Naples, Florida

“I’ve always known it was in me to own a business.”

Shannon Green Collection in the Naples Design District

Naples is on the Gulf of Mexico in southwest Florida between Miami and Fort Myers. It’s been voted multiple times as the number one place to live. Collier County has 17 miles of unobstructed views of the ocean situated on sugar, white sandy beaches. It’s described as a happy and joyous place to enjoy the beach, retire, and be healthy. In fact, the spread of the coronavirus remained at such low rates, restaurants continued to stay open during the pandemic.

One of the most interesting attractions in Naples is the sunset. If you’re downtown by the ocean around this time, magic might happen. As the sun hits the horizon, onlookers can experience a meteorological optical phenomenon called the ‘green flash’.  When the conditions are right, a distinct green spot is briefly visible above the upper rim of the sun's disk; the green appearance usually lasts for no more than two seconds. It’s an incredible sight to see.

The Shannon Green Collection shimmers and shines like the ‘green light’ effect, except the boutique nestled in the Naples Design District has lasted more than a few seconds. In fact, Shannon opened her fine jewelry boutique nine years ago. It’s one of the ‘true loves’ that really brings her joy. 

Shannon always had that sparkle. Even in elementary school, all the girls wanted her as a friend and the boys wanted to date her. She was beautiful, bright, and outgoing. She was everybody’s friend, kind to animals, and an all-around good person. 

In the ’70s and ’80s, the Paducah city school district had a larger student body than any of the surrounding suburbs. In the early ’80s, Paducah Tilghman High School (10th - 12th) had over 1,000 students. Since those days, PTHS enrollment has significantly declined. 

During Shannon’s formidable years in high school, she played tennis, participated in drill corps, and a sorority. Her senior year, Shannon was the majorette on the drill team. A majorette sets the stage and the tone of the dance. The skill requires leadership both in spirit and in keeping time. The PTHS Drill Corp had over 50 plus young women on the team dancing to the tunes of the football marching band before every home game. It's a very interesting part of the school's heritage. 

In addition to leadership roles in extra-curricular activities, Shannon was the football homecoming queen. Students selected her for the homecoming court and the football team chose her as their queen.

Shannon's daughter Lydia

Shannon's parents and Lydia

Part-time jobs were part of student life during high school years. Many students tended to their studies, participated in clubs and school activities, plus worked part-time for some extra spending cash. Shannon spent her Saturdays at Albritton’s Pharmacy in midtown Paducah. “My first part-time job was working with Lawrence Albritton. He was a fantastic mentor,” said Shannon. 

Albritton’s Pharmacy was down the street from Clark Elementary, Brazelton Junior High, and six or seven blocks from the high school. Many in the Westend filled their prescriptions at the local pharmacy. Once Lawrence retired, his son Edwin took over as the pharmacist. After school, junior high kids would stop by the business to purchase candy or a soda. It was a special family-owned staple for those living in the area. 

After graduating high school in 1982, Shannon left the area to attend Florida State University studying social science. She continued working part-time here and there, trying her hand at waitressing for tips. Shannon worked at an oyster bar which turned out 'not to be' her cup of tea. 

Shannon’s senior year of college, she studied in London, England. After earning her Bachelor of Science Degree, she stayed behind and started working as an Assistant Accessories Buyer for a large company called Jacques Vert. “It was a fabulous job. I worked with interesting and creative people and traveled a bit in Europe,” she said. 

In 1992, Shannon moved back to Paducah working as sales manager for ‘the original team’ of selling cellular phones and services at Cellular One. She also participated in the Rotary Club. Rotary is a global organization that brings together businesses and professional leaders to provide humanitarian services and advance goodwill and peace. 

Before leaving for Naples, Shannon’s daughter Lydia was born. “She’s my pride and joy,” said Shannon.

After starting a new life in Naples, Shannon worked part-time for two different businesses in the jewelry industry. She represented a German Jeweler selling at trade shows and trunk shows as well as working for a buyer at Bigham Jewelers. 

Obviously, her flair for the industry was clear. As she learned more and became acclimated to life in Naples, it was time to take the next step. “I’ve always known it was in me to own a business,” she said. In 2012, she established Shannon Green Collection. 

Shannon and Lydia

Shannon Green Collections

The boutique sells fine jewelry designed from different places. “The business is small but has a good following,” Shannon said. The primary designers are Maria Aaron, Suzy Landa, Paul Morelli, Erica Molinari, and recently added Eden Presley. All of these designers have their own companies and most are out of New York. Their creations are incredible, just like the selection carried in the boutique. 

In addition to selling jewelry, the business offers repairs and custom work. “We do a lot of repurposing and refurbishing of old and heirloom pieces. I’m very fortunate to have one of the best goldsmiths ever,” said Shannon. Be watching for the launch of the Shannon Green Collection online service coming this summer. 

Lydia graduated from high school in 2018. She is now a junior at SMU (Southern Methodist University) in Dallas, Texas ‘the city of big ideas and big opportunities.’ “She’s in a sorority and has a nice social life. Lydia seems very happy and is thriving. I predict she’ll stay there,” said Shannon. 

As an empty nester, Shannon is building a house. She stays busy with the shop and doing her thing. Of course, she misses Lydia but it’s every parent’s dream to see their child spread their wings and do well in this crazy, beautiful world.

Shannon makes it this way to Paducah to visit her parents and brother Ben ever now and then. “My parents are still healthy and active,” she said. Her mom, Judy still plays tennis, bridge, pickleball, and Mahjong.  Mahjong is a tile-based game that was developed during the Qing dynasty in China and spread in popularity throughout the world during the 20th century. It’s a great memory game and can even be played online as Mahjong solitaire. 

Shannon’s dad, Benny still hunts and fishes. He ‘reluctantly’ retired from his construction company B.H. Green and son that established itself in 1955. Brother Ben runs a farm in Livingston County. The family is doing great. 

“I love my hometown Paducah. I always call it the 'center of the universe' because everywhere I go, someone is connected to it or knows someone from here,” said Shannon. She said that a lot has changed though much remains the same. “Many of the small family-owned businesses that make a small town charming have closed. It’s still a beautiful small town and I love Midtown Market."

Some of Shannon’s interests are interior design, art, travel, and her three dogs: Milly, a Standard Poodle; Bentley, a Shih Tzu; and Jilly, a Morkie.

Part of Shannon’s art collection includes Artist Tim Jaeger. Jaeger is a native of Paducah and has paintings in several local businesses in downtown Paducah including Cynthia’s Ristorante and the Yeiser Art Center. “I’ve collected his art for a while. People come into the shop and love it,” said Shannon. She’ll be partnering with the Humane Society and a local restaurant as an introduction to Jaeger's artistry to the Naples community. The event is on April 22.

​Currently, Jaeger lives in Sarasota, Florida. He’s a graduate of the Ringling College of Art in Sarasota. He has a website for those interested in learning more about his pieces. 

Shannon said, "My favorite vacation spot is Harbour Island in the Bahamas, and I can’t wait to go back." Her ideal day includes a workout at the gym, a quick juice and breakfast, outside by the pool and hanging out at home, maybe dinner and a movie. “Simple really,” she said. 

Whether it’s working at her boutique, visiting with her parents, watching her daughter blossom, playing with her dogs, or taking excellent care of her body, mind, and soul, “Knowing that life is short and precious...I want to live it to the fullest.” Shannon Green