Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Anderson.
Shannon, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Hi! My name is Shannon & I am the heart behind Black Fig & Co.
What started as a small idea has grown into something so meaningful & beautiful that I still have moments where I pause to take it all in. I am incredibly proud of what this business has become, but even more than that, I am deeply humbled by it. Every day, I have the privilege of connecting with people in my community while being invited into some of their most intimate & special moments – That trust is something I never take lightly.
Before Black Fig & Co., my life looked very different. I was working as an administrative assistant at an insurance agency while pregnant with my son. I had a lot of responsibility, and honestly, I loved it. I had that office – You know, the one with the window & the view. It was my little corner of the world, & I poured myself into it.
When I was pregnant, I spent so much time preparing that office to return to after my son was born. It became an extension of our home. I had a couch, a fridge, & personal touches to bring a baby back to. I invested not only my time, but my heart & money into that space. I was deeply committed to my career & truly believed I was building something long-term.
Then my son was born & everything changed.
I will never forget being in the hospital after my son was born, holding him in one arm & handling payroll in the other, waiting to be discharged & head home. Less than a month later (21 days to be exact), despite having what I believed was an ironclad maternity leave agreement, I was terminated from my position due to “downsizing.” Just like that, my role was gone.
It was devastating. I felt disposable. I felt betrayed. And, I felt shattered. Not just as a professional, but as a new mother trying to find her footing in a season that was already overwhelming + emotional.
In that moment, I made some decisions.
I was going to do one of two things: fully focus on this beautiful new addition to our family but I also knew I would never again place my livelihood so casually in someone else’s hands. Being let go so easily changed something in me. I promised myself that whatever came next, I would build it on my own terms.
For the next three & a half years, I gave myself space. Space to heal. Space to grow. Space to figure out who I was becoming as a mother & as a woman. I quietly dreamed, planned, & imagined what my future could look like if I trusted myself enough to build it.
And then, in May of 2025, Black Fig & Co. was born.
I vowed to always remain a present, intentional force in my son’s life & in my family, but I also vowed to create a business that lit me up, fulfilled me, & allowed me to build something truly mine. A business rooted in beauty, connection, hospitality, & care. A business that reflects the way I show up in the world.
What Black Fig & Co. has grown into today is more than I ever imagined. It is proof that something beautiful can come from moments that once felt impossible. It’s a reminder that loss can plant seeds & that sometimes the most painful chapters lead you directly to the life you were meant to build.
This business is my heart on a table. I am endlessly grateful for every client, every celebration, & every moment that brought me here.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the biggest obstacles in my business has simply been showing up, consistently, even when life is pulling me in a thousand different directions. There have been growing pains & a real learning curve as I’ve learned how to balance being fully present for my son, being a supportive wife to a husband who travels for work, & also showing up wholeheartedly for the clients who trust me with their most meaningful moments.
Building Black Fig & Co. has required me to be very intentional with my time + energy. Implementing routines has been essential, not just to serve my clients well, but to make space for myself, my family, & the self-care that allows me to keep going. Finding that balance between the people I love who need me & the business I’m deeply committed to hasn’t always been easy, but it has been necessary. It’s an ongoing practice of grace, boundaries, & remembering that I can’t pour from an empty cup.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I always like to joke that I grew up in the kitchen. I come from an Italian background & the kitchen was truly the heart of our home. We gathered there for everything – Sitting on the counters, grazing, chatting, & laughing. Those moments of connection shaped so much of my childhood, & they’ve deeply influenced how I view this business today.
Black Fig & Co. is my way of recreating that same warmth + sense of togetherness. I specialize in elevated charcuterie & event styling. I create thoughtful, beautiful grazing experiences that invite people to slow down, connect, & feel at home. Based in Ponte Vedra, I serve the surrounding areas with offerings ranging from seasonal treats & curated charcuterie boxes to charcuterie boards & full grazing table experiences. Every detail is crafted with heart & designed to elevate each occasion.
Inclusivity is incredibly important to me. I’ve had a gluten intolerance since I was 17 & I know firsthand how uncomfortable it can feel to walk up to a spread & realize there’s nothing you can enjoy. Because of that, I make it a priority to thoughtfully accommodate food sensitivities. Any of my clients will tell you, I ask a lot of questions. I never want anyone to feel left out. Everyone deserves a seat at the table.
I’m also very intentional about sustainability. All of my packaging & products are biodegradable – Every board is served on an eco-friendly wooden tray. From sourcing to presentation, I’m mindful of making choices that are both beautiful & responsible.
What I’m most proud of, brand-wise, is the heart behind Black Fig & Co. Everything is fully customizable & thoughtfully designed around my clients + their guests. My goal is to recreate that cozy, kitchen-centered feeling I grew up with – Creating moments that feel warm, meaningful, & just as delicious as they are beautiful.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My advice for anyone just starting out is to constantly remind yourself why you began & what you came here for. This business you’re building is your big, beautiful dream. It’s yours. There will be moments when people question your process, challenge your choices, or offer opinions that don’t align with your vision, but none of that takes away from what makes you uniquely you.
Stay true to yourself + confident in your purpose. You don’t have to look like anyone else or build your business the same way someone else did. There is room for all of us & we each deserve a seat at the small business table. Lead with heart, trust your instincts, & keep showing up for the dream that started it all.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.blackfigco.com/
- Instagram: blackfig_co
- Facebook: Black Fig & Co.
