My Self Reliance – Shawn James
Shawn James is a popular YouTuber with a diverse range of interests. He is best known for his YouTube channel called “My Self Reliance,” where he shares captivating content about various topics such as Log Cabin Building, Woodworking, Bushcraft, Survival Skills, and Off Grid Living.
Born on April 10, 1970, James falls under the zodiac sign of Aries. He hails from the beautiful country of Canada, which is also the backdrop for many of his outdoor adventures and projects. With his passion for nature and self-reliance, his channel has garnered a large following of viewers eager to learn from his experiences and expertise in these fascinating areas. Through engaging videos, he inspires people to connect with nature, acquire essential survival skills, and embrace a simpler way of living off the grid.
James Is A Happily Married Man
Shawn James is a married man, and while he hasn’t revealed much about his wife, he offers advice on marriage and finding a life partner. In his videos, he shares valuable financial advice and expresses concern about the challenging real estate market, particularly for young individuals facing high rents that hinder their ability to save for a down payment.

James emphasizes the importance of having stable relationships and how they can bring financial stability through shared costs and support. He encourages young people to focus on personal growth during their search for a partner. Drawing from his experience, he shares how he went through a difficult period but eventually found a supportive spouse who played a significant role in his success and financial well-being. His story serves as a reminder of the invaluable benefits of having a loving and committed partner in life.
Shawn James’s Net Worth
Shawn James’ net worth is estimated to be around $2 million, primarily earned from his successful YouTube channel. His videos consistently attract an average of 300,000 views per video, and he uploads approximately four videos monthly. This high viewership allows him to generate an impressive income, earning more than $21,000 monthly from ad revenue alone.
In addition to his YouTube earnings, James also sells merchandise like t-shirts, hoodies, tank tops, beanies, and tote bags, which further contributes to his financial success. His engaging content and dedicated fan base have played a significant role in building his thriving online presence and financial stability.
Father Of Two Daughters
James, the talented YouTuber and loving father, cherishes his role as a dad to his two daughters. While he openly talks about his family life and shares glimpses of his experiences with his audience, he has chosen to keep certain aspects of his children’s lives private. This decision is rooted in his deep love and concern for their well-being and privacy.

As his younger daughter, Emily Aisling, follows in his footsteps and becomes a YouTuber herself, she also respects the importance of maintaining a level of confidentiality. Her channel’s focus on lifestyle, health, and the outdoors allows her to express her passions while still preserving the personal boundaries she and her family value. With the support of their father and each other, the James family continues to create meaningful content, spreading positivity and inspiration to their dedicated viewers.
Was Already Building Shelters As A Kid
Shawn James’ passion for building shelters began at a young age. Even when he was just 12 years old, he demonstrated a remarkable talent for construction by building winter shelters using pieces of split-rail fences. His ingenuity didn’t stop there; he even slept in the shelters he created. This love for crafting shelters was ignited by the book “Two Little Savages,” which told the story of two adventurous boys venturing into the woods and constructing shanties.
The tale captivated James’ imagination, inspiring him to embark on his shelter-building journey. As early as 11 years old, he teamed up with a friend to construct these fascinating hideaways. Little did he know that this childhood interest would later flourish into a fulfilling career as a YouTuber, sharing his remarkable building skills and connection with nature with millions of viewers worldwide.
Read about Matthew Cremona, another YouTuber who is into Woodworking
Also Does Chaga Business
In addition to his endeavors as a YouTuber and devoted father, James is also involved in the Chaga business. Chaga is a type of mushroom known for its potential health benefits and is highly sought after by health enthusiasts. He has developed his product called “Chaga Chunks,” which features 100% wild-harvested Canadian Chaga. This special mushroom grows naturally in the wild, specifically on birch trees in the serene Canadian forest. Besides he also sells Chaga powder.

To ensure the utmost quality, the Chaga is carefully hand-harvested, allowing for a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to production. With a passion for nature and a commitment to providing top-notch Chaga, James takes pride in sharing this incredible natural product with the world, promoting both wellness and a connection to the beauty of the Canadian wilderness.
James Is A Foodie
James’ passion for food goes beyond just being a foodie; it has also inspired him to become a skilled cook. His preferred method of cooking involves using an open fire, which adds a unique and delicious flavor to the dishes. Over time, he has mastered the art of cooking various mouthwatering recipes like bannock, sourdough bread, wood-fired pizza, and a wide range of delectable fish and game recipes as mentioned on his My Self Reliance website. The best part is that he loves sharing these culinary creations with others.
Whether you’re on a backcountry adventure or simply enjoying a weekend camping trip, many of James’ recipes can be easily prepared over a campfire, making the outdoor dining experience even more enjoyable. With his love for food and cooking expertise, he continues to tantalize taste buds and inspire fellow food enthusiasts to explore the joys of outdoor cooking.
About James’ YouTube Career
Shawn James’ YouTube career has been a remarkable journey filled with dedication and unexpected opportunities. While selling his business, he discovered that Maddie, his business partner’s daughter, was earning a significant income of $2500 per month from YouTube. Intrigued by this potential, he decided to take YouTube more seriously. He initially created his YouTube channel, “My Self Reliance,” on 23rd April 2013, but it wasn’t until May 2015 that he fully committed himself to it.
However, it was a video James published on 10th January 2018 that changed everything. Titled “Log Cabin Building TIMELAPSE Built By ONE MAN Alone In The Forest,” the video went viral, even catching the attention of ABC News, (the news channel that Elizabeth Vargas used to work for) which featured his incredible work as mentioned in an article by Youth Motivator. This extraordinary exposure kickstarted his YouTube career, and since then, his channel has soared, attracting over 2 million subscribers and accumulating more than 444 million views.
Previous Work
James’ journey into the working world took a unique and adventurous path. Leaving high school at the age of 17, he embraced a different lifestyle and began living in his cabin, immersing himself in nature. At 21, he embarked on a sheet metal apprenticeship, learning the ins and outs of the trade while working alongside his father. For about eight years, Shawn honed his skills in sheet metal work within commercial settings, gaining valuable experience in the industry.
However, James’ entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish his commercial roofing sheet metal business later on. While running the business, he faced challenges and encountered some setbacks, leading him to make the tough decision to sell it. Despite the obstacles, his resilience and determination have been constants in his life, guiding him through various ventures and shaping him into the resourceful individual he is today.
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