Glamography Magazine aims to feature everyday women and their stories. Our mission is to give these women the opportunity to break out of their day-to-day, get glammed up a little, and celebrate their true, authentic selves. This is Shelby's feature from the upcoming issue of Glamography:

I could write a book on my story and experiences, but I don’t want to bore you. I have never considered myself to be “beautiful” in the traditional head turning, center of attention way. I follow my own path. Sometimes it’s dark and lonely and sometimes it’s bright and blissful, but it is always transparent. I am Shelby first and foremost and that is why I am beautiful.

I would say I am rare. I am a liver transplant recipient. I am left handed. I am a lifelong student and a destined educator. I am a sister, daughter, granddaughter, aunt, friend, colleague, girlfriend, dog mom. I am a cook, scrapbooker, seamstress, organizer, advocate, patient. I am independent, strong, hardworking, and focused.

I am powerful because I know who I am, I am comfortable with who I am, and I view my individuality as a strength.

I would define beauty as being happy and healthy. My dad has always said those are the 2 most important things in life. Beauty starts within. Confidence, self-esteem, and self-love all stem from health and happiness.

Do I feel beautiful most days? Yes and no. I deeply value health and happiness. I have an extensive medical history, which includes anxiety and depression. I have not always been “healthy”.

It takes a conscious and constant effort for me to be relatively pain-free, functional, and out of the hospital. I have had 14 surgeries, 9 of which have been on my belly. I have lots of scars. I say “no” because health and happiness do not come to me naturally. However, I think my determination to achieve health and happiness is beautiful.

I did a photoshoot with Cory in October 2022, and it was a wonderful experience. He was very kind and welcoming, and he made me feel comfortable. When the opportunity came up to do another photoshoot, I took it.

I had a great experience. It was a lot of fun to get my hair and makeup done and put on beautiful gowns. I don’t usually wear extravagant dresses and spend so much time doing my hair and makeup, so it was an act of self care to do so. I felt like a princess!

When I saw my photos for the first time I was very shocked! I tend to be hard on myself, and I don’t consider my appearance to be one of my strong points. I thought I would look out of place in the pictures, but I love the way they turned out!

I recommend other people do a photoshoot because everyone is beautiful and deserves to feel that way. Taking the time to do something different, perhaps out of our comfort zone, is what leads to growth. Doing a photoshoot is more than fun. It shows people that they are all beautiful, worthy, and deserving of love and admiration.

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