Meet Michelle Francis of Fairburn

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Francis.

Hi Michelle, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born in Brooklyn, New York. My family relocated to Florida when I was six years old, and eventually, we settled in Atlanta, where I completed both elementary and high school. Growing up in a household with six children was not easy, but I was surrounded by a great deal of love and laughter. My father, Vernal Lynch, would always encourage me to aim for the moon, assuring me that I would find myself among the stars. He consistently emphasized the importance of hard work, urging me to give 100 percent of myself and to never let anyone obstruct my goals. He often sat with my sisters and me, singing traditional Jamaican folk songs, and I believe that is where my passion for music began.
I came to the realization that I have a passion for writing and impacting people’s lives through music. It has always fascinated me to observe how individuals connect with you while you are performing. I have traveled to numerous locations, including Hong Kong, Jamaica, and Guyana, and have showcased my work at various nightclubs in Atlanta, such as Club Michaels, Sandcastle, Dominique’s, Vibes, and many others.
I came to understand that I possessed a talent, and I have consistently harbored ambition. Nothing has ever come easily to me, and I have always been someone who is willing to put in the effort, regardless of the circumstances. I have always given my utmost and will continue to do so.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My father consistently reminded me that nothing in life is easily attained, and my journey has been marked by numerous disappointments, including domestic abuse, bullying, and the hurtful remarks of those who claimed I was not good enough. I discovered how to transform the harsh words of others into motivation to strive harder, and during the many nights I cried out to Jehovah God, I always implored Him to open the doors meant for me and to shut those that were not. I have taken everything I possessed and utilized it as a means to fortify my resilience.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
In 2003, I began establishing my brand, Shellylive, by leveraging social media. I hosted a daily show called Shellylive on 285@5, and my tagline was, ‘If I were in lyrics mode, I would be like,’ followed by a one-minute rendition of any song, which contributed to the growth of my audience. Additionally, I created short skits and videos offering motivational tips each morning across all platforms, utilizing every available medium. I also ventured out to restaurants and nightclubs, hosting events and speaking at various gatherings, all in an effort to promote my name and assist others. What distinguishes me is my relentless drive and my innate ability to connect with people effortlessly.
Once I successfully captivated the audience, I took the leap into the acting realm, a world I had always aspired to join, both in theater and film, with the ambition of one day writing and directing my own movie. Consequently, I sought out an acting coach and discovered an excellent one in Atlanta, GA, named Carl Kennedy, MFA. I dedicated myself to honing my skills as an actress and sought a talent agency to assist me on my journey. In 2023, I signed with Dream Team Atlanta and Dream Team New York. I have appeared in films such as Fatal Attraction, For My Man, Telensia City of AI, The Movie Acceptance, Sinful Lies, and My Pain is My Strength. In theater, I was fortunate to collaborate with director and playwright Ankh T Seshat, who provided me with the opportunity to participate in Under the Rug and Living for the Weakend, which subsequently opened up further opportunities for me in the theatrical arena. In 2024, I made the decision to write my own film, Singing for Freedom, which narrates my life story, encompassing all my struggles and pain. I reached out to my best friend of 35 years, Revonda Byrd, pitched the concept to her, and she was fully on board. We truly harnessed our inner resources to ensure the completion of this film. The movie premiere is scheduled for October 4, 2025, and we are incredibly excited. Being an emerging film director, actress, singer, host, and content creator has been an astonishing experience, and I am eager to see what the future holds for me.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
For me, finding a mentor starts with clarity –knowing what I need guidance on and the type of guidance on and the type of person who could truly help me grow. I focus on building real relationship rather than just asking for favors. I attend events, join professional group, and stay active in communities where people share my interests and values. What’s worked best is showing up prepared, asking thoughtful questions, and following up afterward, Networking isn’t about collecting business cards–it’s about making authentic connections and offering value in return. When people see passion, commitment, and consistency, they’re more likely to invest in you.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @theshellylive
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lynchgraym
• LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/michelle-francis-1a1897a5
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shellylive
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@shellshockshelly

Image Credits
Levonn Brown