When Shell Shaw relocated from New Zealand with her husband and four children to Broome, Western Australia for a year, she didn’t anticipate that the move would spark the beginnings of a business. Amid the slower pace of life, she identified a clear gap in accessible, empowering support for parents. Drawing on her background in education and adult learning, along with over a decade of hands-on parenting experience, she began developing what would eventually become Together – a values-driven parenting program now making a meaningful impact in New Zealand. What started as a personal passion has grown into a trusted resource helping parents build confidence, connection and resilience in the everyday realities of family life. Here Shell talks to The Natural Parent Magazine about the passion behind her business, how she balances work and family life, and the challenges she has overcome along the way.
The launch: How did you start out in the beginning?
The story of Together began when my husband, our four kids and I moved to Broome, Western Australia, for a year with his work. It was a year of adventure – a chance to explore the wonders of WA, spend quality time together, and enjoy a slower pace of life. If you’ve never been to Broome, it’s a must-see. Put it on your bucket list!!!! – absolutely stunning!
While we were there, I noticed a real gap in the market for a parenting program. I began developing ideas for a course, and as I started building the content, life threw us a curveball: COVID hit. The momentum was put on hold, but I didn’t stop working behind the scenes. I’ve always had a passion for research and program creation, so I kept refining the course in the background, knowing that one day it would come to life.
When we returned to New Plymouth, an opportunity to facilitate the course through a local not-for-profit organisation came up. A few years later, we were able to film the course, which was a game changer – it took Together to a whole new level, and it’s been growing ever since.
The passion: What inspired you to set up your business?
I never really saw myself as an entrepreneur, but when I think back, I did start my own personal training business in Sydney before launching Together. I’ve always loved a challenge and the freedom that comes with owning a business, especially when it allows me to maintain a work-life balance while raising my four kids.
What excites me most is the opportunity to create and visualise ideas, then watch them evolve. For me, Together is more than just a business – it’s been a powerful tool that has helped me focus on how I approach parenting. It has fuelled my passion to support other mums and dads on their own parenting journeys, and that’s what drives me every day.
The innovation: What was the biggest breakthrough for you with your business?
The biggest breakthrough? Well, this is actually a bit of a funny story. I was at my son’s cricket game one Friday evening when a lady from the other team came up to me, thinking she knew me. She didn’t – we had a good laugh about it – but we got chatting. She asked what I do, and I told her I’d developed a parenting course. Turns out, she was a kindy teacher! One thing led to another, and by the next term, I was in her kindergarten running the course for her parents.
It’s now been running there for over two years! She absolutely loves it and loves that her parents have access to it too. Just one of those unexpected little moments that turned into something really special.
Not long ago, she sent me a message that honestly just filled my tank. She said:
“You, Shell, are providing a changing service to our people. You are a blessing for our kindergarten community”.
I mean – how’s that for a reminder when imposter syndrome sneaks in? I should probably stick that quote up on the wall for those days when self-doubt creeps in!
Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
Balancing work and family is something I’m always mindful of. I can usually tell when the balance is off because I start feeling more irritable, my emotions get the best of me, and I notice it affecting my communication with both my husband and my kids. It’s a sign that I need to bring things back into balance.
To maintain that balance, I make sure to carve out time for self-care. I’ve found that meeting up with friends for a walk or a run helps me recharge. Having it scheduled regularly each week ensures it actually happens! If self-care is something you struggle with, I recommend planning it ahead of time and making it a habit! Whether it’s early mornings before the kids wake up or a walk with school mums after drop-off, these moments of exercise and socialising help lift my spirits and give me the energy I need to stay focused at work.
When I’m at home with the family, I make a deliberate effort to put my phone away and be fully present with them, rather than checking work emails or taking calls. It’s such an important practice. When you work for yourself, work can easily spill into every aspect of your life, so setting clear boundaries and sticking to them is crucial.
