Meet Amanda Cogan | Festival Producer & Musician & Healer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amanda Cogan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amanda, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
Wild Moon Woman, You were not made to be tame.
You are an earthquake shaking loose everything that is not soul.
Shake, woman, shake.
Elyse Morgan

This quote is such a beautiful reminder that we are more than civilized physical beings.
We are meant to live loud, messy, full, free, vibrant, sensual, blissful lives, not held down by societal norms and conditioning. I believe we are co-creators of our experience on this earth. That we are powerful, creative, loving and eternal beings who are here to light the way for others to find their true selves and live joyfully. Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a festival producer, singer/songwriter, energy coach, and reiki practitioner. I love being able to bring healing in each of these unique ways and have often longed to find a way to combine them all.
After several months of meditating and brainstorming, the concept of Shake & Shine – Reveal Your Inner Divine Wellness Festival was birthed.

My vision for Shake & Shine is that through independent and community healing we may facilitate compassion, joy, and authentic connection that allows humanity to collectively heal and expand in consciousness and awakening.
These events are promoting women leadership and collaboration with the hopes of nurturing global healing.

Over the years, I have tried many different jobs and stepped into various leadership positions. I love new experiences and am excited by taking risks and learning new things. I believe this is something that sets me apart and has allowed me to accomplish many different feats in my life.

Some of the challenges I’ve had to overcome in this journey, are my self doubts, criticism by others, and my difficulty in asking for support. When you create something from your mind it is nearly impossible for anyone else to see it the same way.
That being said, I have found that when I allow others the space to contribute their own ideas and energy, it adds a vibrancy that otherwise wouldn’t have been there.
So, I guess the lesson I would say I’ve learned is that, the more I am able to cast the overall vision and intention of an event, without the attachment to the exact look and details; it turns out better than I could have imagined without all the added stress of having to “do it all myself.”

I am proud of the life I’ve led and have had many incredible experiences and some terrible ones that have evolved me into the woman I am today. I wouldn’t trade any of them. I think one of my greatest strengths is my ability to connect with almost anyone and to adapt to almost any situation. I like to call myself an “experience junkie” and I think my perspective that everything is working out for my highest good, no matter what, is something that keeps me positive and hopeful.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I LOVE this town! There are so many wonderful places, views, venues, and eats to experience. If I were to play tour guide for a week here’s a few things I would do.
Grab breakfast burritos from Nico’s and a coffee from Newbreak Cafe and sit on the wall and watch the surfers by the OB pier.
Bike along the Mission Beach boardwalk, people-watch, and grab an ice cream.
Grab poke and a peanut butter whiskey shot on the top deck of The Holding Company in OB in the afternoon and then return at night for some incredible bands!
Enjoy happy hour and a Mai tai at the Bali Hai.
Stroll through OB farmer’s market then go watch talented friends play live music on Wednesday nights at open mic at Deft Brewing.
Check out live music and delicious cocktails in a speakeasy setting at Prohibition on Sunday.
Enjoy some delicious Italian food, fresh pasta and wine at Cesarina’s in Point Loma/OB area.
Eat some fish tacos at South Beach in OB.
Take a sailboat out in the bay.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are SO many people that I feel supported and encouraged by, I feel so blessed to have such an abundant network. My first shoutout would be to one of my dear friends and life coach, Carrie Doan. She was invaluable to me in getting me clear and focused on step by step tasks to complete my first Shake & Shine Festival in 3 months and was an incredible accountability partner and cheerleader leading up to a successful first event!

My second shoutout is to the San Diego Mission Bay Boat & Ski Club for supporting me in all my endeavors and has hosted the Shake & Shine Festivals. Having such an inviting and beautiful outdoor space to setup in has been an incredible blessing and I am so grateful to the members of this club for their love and support!

Finally, I have to shoutout to all my friends and family who said yes to attending, vending, volunteering, and facilitating, the first Shake & Shine Festival. You made the festival a reality and continue to do so. You ARE Shake & Shine Fest!
I am honored to have your trust, support, and encouragement.

Instagram: www.instagram.com/shakeandshinefest

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amanda.e.cogan

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbhm6WXGqM3f-bLpYAjDvZA

Image Credits
Luz Madrigal