The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce is pleased to shine a spotlight on Shana O’Connor in our “Community Proud” series.

The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce is pleased to shine a spotlight on Shana O’Connor in our Community Proud series. Shana O’Connor is the definition of kind. She wears her heart on her sleeve, shows up for people, and is a true leader.

Shana is very good at finding common ground easily, which makes her approachable. That skill matters when you are juggling three very different companies. Shana wears many hats, and she wears them well. She handles Social Media for Grey Sail Brewing, leads Social Media and Marketing for KL Select in Stonington, a top wholesale distributor of fine equestrian products, and serves as Marketing Manager and Events Coordinator for DK Hospitality, supporting Game Time in Groton, Chapter One in Mystic, Surf Cantina in Westerly, and Chapter One in Guilford. More than ten years ago she fell into social media right as it was taking off, and she has been building brands and communities ever since.

Shana grew up in Terryville and moved to our coast at eighteen. She fell for this stretch from Mystic to Westerly. The shoreline is beautiful, the small businesses are personal, and the relationships feel real. loves trying new restaurants and exploring with her dog, Gouda. Off the clock, Shana likes to hike, camp, and bake. Her chocolate chip cookies are legendary.

Horses were her first love. Shana started riding at six, following in the footsteps of her mom, who still rides. In her twenties she worked at an equestrian center and learned that it can be pretty great when your hobby is also your job. Most of her early roles were horse related. Today she rides for joy. “When you are on a horse, you do not think about anything else. You get to be fully present in the moment,” she says. A rare reset in a world of constant noise.

Ask what keeps her rooted here and she will point to connection. The Chamber, and partners like Joe Smith and Mystic Events, make it easy to plug in, test ideas, and host community focused events. “It is an honor to be included in Community Proud,” Shana says. “I am grateful to be involved with this community and so many local small businesses, entrepreneurs, and peers. The Chamber is a resource that helps make things happen.”

What makes this place home is simple. The people. You can go anywhere and see someone you know. It feels like you are always networking, even when you are just grabbing coffee.

Shana’s inspiration is close to home. Her boyfriend, Paul, pushes her to look for the positive in situations and in people. They’re combined kindness has made it easy to find community here.

Thank you, Shana, for the heart you bring to every room, the creativity you pour into local businesses, and the steady presence you provide across our community.