Shaena grew up in Pembroke, Virginia just two miles from the site of the cottage. She remembers visiting Pyne's General Store, which was located right next to the cottage, as a little girl with her family. In 2009, she turned the building into The Palisades Restaurant. She has been in the restaurant and event businesses for over 20 years. Her extensive experience includes producing high-profile worldwide events such as the award-winning 2004 International VSA Arts Festival in Washington, D.C., the 2002 U.S. Olympic Torch Relay and the 1998 World Exposition in Lisbon, Portugal.
After traveling to all of the seven continents, including Antarctica, Shaena has returned to Giles County which she considers one of the most beautiful places on Earth.