My Story
A path shaped by people & planet
A native New Yorker who has lived on 4 continents, always drawn to the intersections of cultural heritage and sustainability.
Where it began
Shannen began her academic journey as a biologist in Napa Valley, studying the degradation of the redwood forest. This instilled a profound appreciation for nature's resilience that would shape everything that followed.
Luxury meets responsibility
For graduate school, she moved to Paris and immersed herself in the heart of luxury fashion — studying the intricate balance between high-end design and environmental responsibility.
The turning point
She ventured to the textile districts of Southern India, witnessing firsthand the devastating effects of the pollutant fashion industry on both people and the environment. This was the moment she committed her professional life to sustainable development.
Building the ecosystem
Now based in Biella — one of the world's most prestigious textile manufacturing regions — Shannen combines her scientific background, luxury fashion expertise, and deep appreciation for cultural heritage to lead the Kaylia Group: an ecosystem dedicated to decarbonizing and decentralizing the design industry's value chains.
Roots & impact
Shannen's Grenadian ancestry inspired her to establish the Council on Sustainable Fashion and Design of Grenada (CSDFG) — empowering local women artisans by bridging traditional craftsmanship with global sustainability networks.