My Story

Shalane Hopkins is an author, creative strategist, and life coach who empowers individuals to overcome challenges and grow authentically. After walking 3,000 km along New Zealand’s Te Araroa trail, she has become known for translating the lessons of resilience and authenticity into tools for everyday life. She is the author of One Step at a Time and speaks on topics including personal growth, storytelling, and goal-setting.

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Hi, I’m Shalane (shuh-LANE) — passionate about helping people live in alignment with their authentic selves.

My path to Otago, New Zealand has been anything but linear. I’ve worked in disability care, hospitality, event management, dairy farming, and web development — and started more than a few businesses from scratch along the way. I’ve walked away from toxic relationships, moved house more times than I can count, and learned to balance motherhood with my own identity. I also know what it means to shape your life around others’ expectations — and the courage it takes to undo that. Each season of life has reminded me: growth requires change.

The adventure of walking 3000 km along Te Araroa challenged me physically, mentally, and emotionally. It taught me that grit and resilience are essential to any goal — and that the hardest journeys often lead to the clearest truths.

Now, I work with people and businesses ready to step into alignment with who they truly are. My focus is on empowering authentic growth through facing hard truths, creating practical strategies for achieving goals and celebrating your wins along the way.

You don’t need to have it all figured out — just the courage to take things one step at at time.

Ready to take that next step?

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