Shannon Wilson

Shannon could never drive, because of epilepsy. At the age of 32, she broke her neck and ribs in a seizure. She stayed home for a week then continued her job at Wegmans in a neck brace. She received the VNS implant, and at the age of 40 drove her bike to the DMV to get her license. OH, and she began Artigiana… mic drop.

Read her story below and follow her at @artigiana716

What made you start or brought you where you are today ? Tell us your Story. What makes you a Buffalo Boss Babe?

My culinary/baking story started in 7th grade. My mother was gifted an amazing cookbook with gold lined pages. I remember thinking the pictures were beautiful and brilliant at the same time. At that moment I became in love with food. I adore how fantastic food makes people smile, laugh and gather. That book had become an amazing distraction from my epilepsy. Yes, at the age of 7, I had my first grand mal seizure. Which turned out to be the start of countless more! Please remember there wasn't a food network, or internet, just books and dreams. So, I began my culinary adventure with these tools and some soulful healing came from this. During school I went to Boces for Culinary and then to college. Although I did not make it far into my college career due to having many seizures. I left school to go back home. The next priority was to find a job that would provide medical insurance. In the meantime, I was always cooking and baking at home. Fast forward. I spent 10 years at Wegmans learning some valuable kitchen skills. While riding my bike to work as I did not drive because of seizures. Yes, unfortunately epilepsy is still a big part of my life. During that time, I became fascinated with sourdough! It was simple and complex. I wanted to know all about it. I always had flour, water, salt, at home. So, it was easy to make it as a non-driver. Then one day after 37 years of being epileptic, I was able to manage my epilepsy. With the help of my husband and a phenomenal doctor. I had the VNS implant. Similar to a pacemaker, but for your brain. My husband told me he would support me and the dream of Artigiana. After years of practice with sourdough bread it was finally perfect. Artigiana is a dream come true. Yet still a process in the making.

Who are your favorite people to follow ?

Anthony Bourdain (sadly he is gone), Massimo Bottura, Rene Redzepi, and Proof

What are your favorite things to do in the area ? Buffalo and greater WNY

I love to ski at Holiday Valley, fish on Lake Erie, and most of all visit restaurants downtown.

Tell us about your favorite collaboration or dream collaborations ?

My favorite collaboration has been with Chef Darian. I have been knocking doors with samples. It's always intimidating and sometimes scary. Chef Darian and his team were so welcoming and delightful. They loved all my sourdough. When I deliver to The Plating Society the conversations are always about food.

If you could have coffee with anyone in the world who would it be?

Chad Robertson

What are your hopes, dreams, goals. Big or small?

I hope to build Artigiana to be a successful business to pass down to my grandchildren. I dream of having a space where families can come and enjoy fresh bread, various types of sourdough focaccia, cured meats, fermented spreads, and Sunday sauce always available. A cozy warm place that feels like Italy. As Artigiana is an Italian name for female Artisan

Tell us about your family?

My family is small. As most extended family has gone in different directions. My core family is my husband Matthew and my son Brodie. My husband and I will be celebrating 20 years of marriage this year. Sometimes I wonder why he picked me. I was having so many seizures when we met. I wouldn't be who I am today without him. My son is the most amazing person. He is 14 and is more than I could ever imagined. As a young boy he always took care of me when needed. He rode his bike everywhere with me. We went grocery shopping, Tim Hortons. But he was always positive and helping. During my worst moments he said, "I know you're really sad right now, but I am not worried. You always get right back up". My guys (husband and son) are everything. They are so excited to see Artigiana grow.

FEEL GOOD FAVORITES

Restaurant in Buffalo:

Lucia's on the Lake

Color:

Black

Super Power:

Empowering people in the kitchen

Animal : *

pitbulls (My dog Paisana)

Season of the year:

Fall

Favorite thing about Buffalo / WNY:

Buffalo Bills