Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelby Smith.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Shelby. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started photography when I got my 1st camera when I was barely a senior out of high school. I started taking pictures of wildlife, then rodeos, and it all led up to my 1st ever family session. I was so nervous meeting my 1st client, but when I did their photos and got to meet them it was an awesome experience!
They loved their photos! I then got to book my 1st wedding gig and that’s where everything kinda took off in a sense. I have now done several weddings, numerous family sessions, and a lot of rodeo photos across Texas. But not only do I like being behind the camera, I love being in front of it too, that’s when my modeling career started. I then did more modeling than photography. I became a brand ambassador for a number of clothing lines and boutiques in Texas.
My 1st was Country Nights City Lights out of Dallas and then I landed a nice gig with Mama & Merle Boutique which is also in the Metroplex area! I love being a positive image for brands and knocking out the stereotypes that are labeled on women models. You don’t have to be a size 0-2 to be considered beautiful. Then the most influential person I met in my modeling career was Michelle Manningham of Texiboots. She is such an inspiration and becoming a Texigirl was a dream come true for me! Her brand gives back to women entrepreneurs and supports their businesses. I love representing that kind of positivity.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road. Some of the struggles were fighting with my self-image and bullying. The brand ambassador and influencer world is a cruel place if you let it get to you. Social media can be dark and sometimes you may let the hate get to you but you have to look past it and keep focusing on you and being the best you can be. I have overcome depression and body shaming myself because I had it in my head that I wasn’t good enough or that I would never be good enough. I had anxiety everytime I was to be in front of the camera because I was so self-conscious, but I learned how to push past that mentally and emotionally. I also learned how to be a better image for brands and how to be better in ways of promoting them.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am a freelance model and makeup artist. I am contracted with several businesses to be a product model and influencer for their products. I use social marketing tools to drive sales to their products and get more people to notice their products. I am most proud of coming as far as I have. Seeing the brands, I represent grow is my greatest accomplishment. What sets me apart from others is I am humble and true to myself image. I don’t fade into the background or be too risquè just to get someone to notice me. I stay true to my morals and my values.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I feel that the characteristics and qualities that are most important to my success are dedication and determination. I have to be dedicated to my work and the image that I am trying to portray. I also need the determination to achieve my goals that I have set as well as trying to get them done. Reaching for my highest goals will take a while to achieve, but once I get there, the satisfaction from all of my hard work will be worth it in the end.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: instagram.com/southern_beauty113
- Facebook: facebook.com/officialsouthernbeauty
Image Credit:
Steven Richardson with SERichard Photography out of San Antonio; Dillon Barron my Boyfriend also my personal photographer
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