Shjonna Petersen is a 21 year old woman selling cars in an industry that is primarily dominated by men. She graduated from Arrowhead in 2020 where she was active with the Cheerleading Program. An All-American Athlete by the UCA (Universal Cheerleaders Association), she also coached a youth cheerleading team (K through 4) at Hartland Athletic Club. She is independent with a “can do” attitude. Shjonna enjoys paddle boarding in the summer, especially on Beaver Lake, and the CycleBar in Oconomowoc has become a huge part of her life.
About Shjonna Petersen
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am one of 7 half siblings. My dad is a charter fisherman on Lake Michigan. My mom owned muscle cars and knows how to fix a lot of things.
Q: Please tell us about your life and what you do (whether working in our community, a business owner, volunteer, etc.). How did you choose that path?
I was actually going to school to be in the FBI and clearly got a little off track. I had thoughts about going into criminology or maybe forensic psychology within the medical or police services. Ewald gave me an interview even though I knew nothing about cars and was hired. I put energy and focus into learning about vehicles and am now one of the top performers at Ewald in Oconomowoc. I do a ton of volunteering in the summer with Ewald and our partner HAWS.
Q: What do you love most about what you do?
My customers and the relationship I have with them.
Q: What was the most difficult challenge in getting to where you are now or in your life?
I never give up. I have a tattoo that says: wherever life plants you, bloom with grace. Words to live by. I also am BIG on flowers, particularly Dahlias, Daisies and Roses. Living with an undiagnosed autoimmune disease as a teenager, and being told “you’re too young to be tired” or “it’s all in your head” taught me to enjoy the moment. It also forced me to persevere.
Q: What is the most rewarding part?
Seeing my success even when I thought it wasn’t possible.
Q: What are some of your future goals? Do you have anything exciting coming up that you would like to share?
Future goal is hard, I kind of like to live in the moment.
Q: What advice would you give to someone interested in doing something similar to what you have done/are doing?
Go for it! Worst thing that can happen is you take a few steps back.
Shjonna Petersen & Our Community
Q: What is your favorite thing about our community, favorite thing to do, or something unique about our community that you love? (Feel free to share as much as you’d like!)
Everyone here is so nice! I moved here my sophomore year of high school in 2017. As I mentioned, CycleBar has become a huge part of my life.
Q: Who is an interesting person you’ve met here in our community, and how have they inspired you?
I haven’t met a ton of people but the customers I meet that live local are awesome.
Q: Do you have a favorite coffee shop, cocktail shop, or restaurant?
River Coffee for sure!
Q: What 3 words would you use to describe our community?
Strong, kind, positive.
For Fun
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I was all American in high school for cheerleading and also have a black belt.
Q: What is your favorite book, TV show, movie, poem, or song? Why?
I am a huge Miley Cyrus fan. Have been since I was a kid.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My grandpa. He was such a hard worker. Interestingly enough, he bought and restored Volkswagen’s, and upon his passing, he said to me “Sell lots of cars!” He was a big part of my life and an inspiration.
Q: If you were a drink (can be a coffee drink, alcoholic, non-alcoholic, etc.), what would you be?
An Alani energy drink.
Q: If you could have lunch with anyone, who would it be with? Why?
Definitely any of my family members who passed.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
To go out of the country to a place that is totally unfamiliar. I like to live and experience a wide range of people and cultures. I love to people watch.
Q: What makes you the happiest?
My cat, Fitz, that we adopted from HAWS in December.
Q: Any general life advice you would like to share?
Wherever life plants you, bloom with grace!
Where to Find Shjonna Petersen
Email: Shjonnapetersen@gmail.com
Phone: (262) 751-0071
