Clever Creative

?? Today’s My Birthday—and I’m Owning Every Minute of It ? ?? March 23rd is a moment for me to pause—not to count years, but to honor the minutes and moments that make this life mine. My 28-year-old self set out to build something big, buzz-worthy—an empire. I took risks, followed instinct, and poured my whole heart into building Clever. At 49 today, mission hasn’t changed, but the meaning behind it has deepened. Today, I’m building a life and career I love, surrounded by people who value my creativity, my heart, and how I choose to lead—with integrity, empathy, and passion. I don’t measure success in followers, likes, or awards. I measure it in meaning. In moments. In showing up fully for the people and work that matter. To those who’ve supported, lifted, loved, and seen me—thank you. You know who you are. ?? And to those who doubted, dismissed, hurt me with their words or actions, challenged my character, underestimated me, or took parts of the path I paved—I do not live in the rearview mirror. I know what it took to get here, putting it all on the line from day one, and I’m proud of every step, leap and speed bump I have had the vision to build, nurture and cultivate. I’m Shannon Gabor. Fierce Aries ? . Loving mom. Fun-loving wife. Creative founder. And a woman who’s still growing, glowing, and doing what she loves. Now going to have my cake today and eat it too! ?? #BirthdayReflection #AriesSeason #FounderLife #DoWhatYouLove #QuietConfidence #CreativeLeadership #Gratitude #FierceFemaleEnergy

What if you treated your customers like guests in your own home? What would that feel like? What would it look like? The brands that win make every interaction feel personal. Because customers don’t just remember what you offer—they remember how you make them feel. Is your brand earning real loyalty? ?? #BrandLoyalty #CustomerExperience #CreativeStrategy #CleverCreative #YourAllyNotYourAgency

Agencies that collaborate grow.? Agencies that isolate struggle. The marketing world is uncertain. Clients demand more, competition is fierce, and trying to do everything alone is a losing game. The best agencies are not just adapting. They are teaming up to create bigger opportunities. We recently joined forces with a media company because media planning is not our strength. Instead of walking away, we unlocked a new opportunity for both teams. The same applies to RFPs, resource sharing, and creative problem-solving. Success is not about doing it all. It is about knowing your strengths and finding the right partners to amplify them. WHO has something to collaborate on? Clever is here...

So fun to attend the Barbie ? x UnBrush launch event and see these brands come together in such a playful way! ??? As a Mattel alum who once worked on Barbie, it’s a full-circle moment to now see our client, FHI Heat, bring their styling expertise to this iconic brand. Loved seeing influencers show up in style, everyone toast to Barbie’s birthday, and—unexpectedly—reuniting with a Clever Creative alum, Julie Stephens who now works with our client too---such a great surprise and so fun hanging out! And let’s be real, we all need the perfect brush to get that high pony just right—Hi Barbie! ??????♀? Cheers to the teams who made this happen! #BarbieXUnbrush #PowerOfPartnerships #BrandFun

? Looking Back, Looking Ahead—Always Carried, Always Carrying ? As I look back on my journey—from 1998 to today as we celebrate #InternationalWomensDay —I see the faces of the incredible women who have shaped me and countless others. Mentors, friends, staff, peers, and trailblazers who shared their wisdom, lifted me up, and reminded me that creativity isn’t just a skill—it’s a force. And then, there are the women who have been part of my team—the ones who have come, gone, stayed, and left their mark. Each one has shaped Clever Creative in ways big and small from day one in 2005 (I see you Kristen Adams Kim Moran) leaving behind ideas, energy, and an imprint that still lingers in the work we do today. I carry these women (and so many more that exist on photos not my iphone) with me, just as they carried me. And together, we carry others. It’s a glorious circle—one that keeps growing, expanding, and embracing. In the highs, the lows, and every moment in between, this network of women is like the world’s biggest hug—holding each other up, cheering each other on, and showing up when it matters most. Today and every day, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of women everywhere. Because when we lift each other up, there’s nothing we can’t do. ???? #InternationalWomensDay #LiftAsYouClimb #WomenWhoLead #TheCircleContinues #lifteachotherup #IWD25

The loudest voice you hear is the one in your own head. So make sure it’s saying something that lifts you up, not holds you back. Be kind to yourself. Speak to yourself like someone you love. Let that voice remind you of how far you’ve come, where you’re headed, and just how incredibly built you are—in resilience, in experience, in purpose. Every challenge you’ve faced, every step you’ve taken, has shaped you into who you are today. Keep moving forward. Keep believing in the voice that pushes you toward the next great thing. #Mindset #Growth #SelfBelief

How do you integrate AI in a way that actually works? There’s a lot of curiosity (and some trial and error) around using AI to free up production time and make space for creativity. But here’s the thing—AI alone won’t solve all your creative design and production needs. You still need the talent behind the tool to get the results and solutions that move the needle. At Clever, we love stepping in to collaborate, helping teams work smarter and more creatively. Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about the technology—it’s about how you use it. If you’re a brand team navigating smaller budgets this year, let’s chat. We’ve got smart, flexible ways to help you get the most out of your resources without sacrificing creative impact. https://lnkd.in/gwWxkwZr