Shannon Cassinelli Head & Heart, LLC.

I am Shannon Cassinelli and I currently live in Florida. I Stumbled into alcohol art by accident a couple of months ago. I started painting with acrylics about seven years ago and wanted to try something more fluid. People join the military for various reasons. Some join to prepare for the future, to genuinely serve their country, or to escape their current situation. Some may not have a clear path and might sign up on a whim after passing by a recruiter’s office. MSgt. Cassinelli retired as the Deputy Airfield Manger at Duke Field Air Force Base in Florida. She grew up in Rockford, Illinois. She joined the Air Force just before the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States.

Although, Cassinelli created a successful business doing something she loves, it has not been with out it’s challenges. Cassinelli said, “In 2005, I had my first deployment with the Army, and it was a completely different environment that what I expected. I was told that nobody was going to listen to me because I am a woman in the Air Force.” MSgt. Cassinelli added, “They did not appreciate women, and that made the environment very challenging.”

Despite the initial struggle, MSgt. Cassinelli did not give up on her career. Like most Airmen, she had a mentor to help her along the way. To cope and stay motivated, MSgt. Cassinelli turns to art. It is a way for her to express herself without having to talk about her life. “They are all part of who I am as a person on the inside because I don’t share who I am. “MSgt. Cassinelli turned her art therapy into a small business, Head & Heart LLC. Her online Etsy store sells custom jewelry and home décor. She says, “Promotion paintings are my favorite because they’re usually commissioned by an Airman’s supervisor. That shows just how much love and support that Airman has.”

The Florida VBOC office assisted MSgt. Cassinelli with establishing a Florida Limited Liability Company, getting an EIN Number, opening a business back account, and providing marketing advice on growth for her veteran-owned small business in Northwest Florida.