We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shelby Nunn. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shelby below.
Shelby , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
One of human’s most common desires is to find purpose. The word “purpose” can be triggering to some, cliche to others or a huge question mark asking “who or where does it come from?” For me personally, I believe purpose doesn’t come from people or things; not your work, your finances, your family, your friends or even yourself. I fully believe my purpose is found in Jesus. The things of this world are fleeting & temporary. With worldly things, you can have the highest of high and the lowest of lows, but these things will never fill you with true significance. But the things of Heaven? Those will never let you down because the things of Heaven belong to Jesus. He gives me purpose and He is the reason I’m here doing what I’m doing. No matter how difficult or disappointed I am by the world or people, I know my trust, faith and purpose cannot be shaken when Jesus is the one fulfilling me every single day!
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m a performer through and through! The main mediums I use to showcase this is acting and dancing. What makes me unique is I’m a 20 year (& ongoing) trained dancer in all styles as well as a trained actor. I also sing! What I love more than anything is storytelling… so any chance to do that and connect to an audience? I’m IN!
I’m very passionate about always being a student, so the training for me is constantly ongoing. I also know as an artist in the industry that work is rarely consistent. With that truth, I’m really keen on only doing side jobs that correlate to what I actually want to do with my career. My side jobs include being a fitness/pilates instructor, working admin at my acting studio and teaching/choreographing. These jobs help me stay financially stable in LA and also beautifully blend with my passions.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Tenacity. Work Ethic. Delayed Gratification.
I believe the combination of these 3 will make you unstoppable no matter what you want to do. Tenacity grants you the passion, grit and determination to keep going even when you don’t want to. Work ethic is your constant that gives you the edge. Delayed gratification helps you stay focused in your lane and allows you the freedom to not expect anything from what you’re doing. It manages your excpecations.
My biggest advice for anyone starting anything they’re passionate about is to do what you need to do to stay passionate about it and make it about the work always! Especially in the entertainment industry, don’t get caught up in the noise of comparison, gossip and trends. Stay focused on your work and stay in love with it.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
There are too many impactful things my parents did (& still do) for me to try to answer what the “most” is, but I will give a few:
They pray for me. Every single day I know I’m wrapped in prayer. Even when they are worried or concerned, they cast those cares on Jesus and trust Him to guide me. Knowing that I’m always covered in prayer brings me the most peace.
They have always believed in me. My parents never question my passions, talent or my crazy (delusional) dreams. They support me and cheer me on constantly.
They sacrifice for me. My dream was to go to the performing arts high school in Houston for dance and the only way that was possible (after hopefully getting accepted) was my parents driving me 45 minutes in Houston traffic every morning and evening to and from school. They made the dream real for me and never complained about it. In fact, they said how precious that time in the car was with me and we had some of our best memories in those car rides. My dad drove the Uhaul to move my stuff out of NYC back to Houston and then a few month later drove with me from Houston to move to LA. My mom never missed a dance competition or convention growing up and would wake up at crazy hours, pick up food for me and always was there cheering me on.
My parents constantly sacrifice time, money and themselves to provide for me. I will forever thank them and do all I can to honor them everyday!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shelbynunn.com
- Instagram: @shelbynunn
Image Credits
Matt Marcheski
Lee Gumbs
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
