Rising Stars: Meet Shelby Finley of Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelby Finley.

Hi Shelby, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
As someone who has been overweight my entire life, simply existing in society is exhausting. A society that doesn’t appreciate or accommodate people in larger bodies. One that believes that “fat” is the worst thing a person could be. After shrinking myself for years and trying not to take up space because the world thought I shouldn’t have any, I grew tired and resentful. I absolutely hated the way I was treated for being fat. I was constantly ignored, minimized, and overlooked. People were rude for no reason at all and often times decided who I was before I opened my mouth to say anything. I decided that I was done with accepting that “This is just the society I live in”. I decided that no one would EVER be able to tell me what was or wasn’t true about me! I decided to stop crying about it and start fighting against it. So, I started showing up to random fitness classes. Before I could afford a gym membership, I would make up my own work outs and exercise in the gym’s parking lot. I was determined to determine my own truth, for myself! I kept doing things that scared me, things that made me uncomfortable! Things that I didn’t even know if I was capable of or not. I learned that where there’s a will, there is ALWAYS a way. Though I might not have been able to do exactly what everyone else was doing when I showed up, I’d always do my best at what I COULD do. And through making it work for me, I created a space for myself and others who look like me.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My greatest struggle has been my mental health. I struggle with imposter syndrome. To this day, watching my old videos always motivates me because I don’t see myself when I’m watching them. It’s as if I’m watching someone else. This, along with other mental barriers, has tripped me up almost every step of the way. I’ve often endured cycles of self sabotage that only ever leads to binge eating, bad decisions and laziness. ESPECIALLY when I am close to a set goal. It’s as if I don’t believe that I’ll actually do it, or maybe it’s that I get scared knowing that if I do achieve, I’ll have to set another goal, which will require even more effort, discomfort and transformation.

In addition to my mental health, I am also in a constant process of reprogramming my mind, Teaching myself new habits that challenge those of which that feel innate. As a kid, I honestly thought a gym membership was a luxury only for the rich. I was taught how to take care of my Hygiene, but I wasn’t taught how to care for my body. Fitness and health weren’t things that I was taught. They were actually things that I discovered as I became an adult and started to form a life for myself outside of the habits and ideologies that I learned as a child. It is true that laziness is a disease, as well as a lack mind set. At every turn, I’ve had to fight my initial programming to become someone different. Sometimes it’s difficult because it feels like it’s in my blood. I still struggle to not do things that contributed to me being almost 500lbs. And honestly, sometimes when I’m down, those bad habits creep up and consume me. But at some point, I always snap out of it because I absolutely refuse to be who I was. I’ve came a long way and am still fighting to never return to who I’ve been.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m generally known for being seen somewhere on the internet sweating, making a way for myself, doing something I was initially scared to do, defying social norms or moving massive weight. What sets me apart? I have a hard time with answering this question because I don’t think anything sets me apart from others. Sure I am overweight and fighting for a better quality of life, but that is the story of so many people that I have met and have even led into finding themselves within the midst of making a change. Atlanta is a really big city and when I am recognized in public, I not only speak but actually make connections with people. The only reason I kept recording my journey was because I was told that it truly helped and inspired several thousands of people. No matter where I am in my journey, no matter how big or small my following becomes, I still have a responsibility to those who need to hear my many messages, for as often as they need! I am most proud of the fact that #1: even after falling short more than a million times, I ALWAYS return to fighting for my health and #2 even with the support of thousands of people, I remain relatable, accessible and respond to people who seek support, whether that be advice through a DM or meeting up to work out.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I love about this city is that there’s so much to get into here. It truly helped me find my way! Every day I was learning more about myself and the things that I both liked and disliked. I wouldn’t have gotten this far without the opportunity to switch thing up. Also, there are open minded people everywhere! Some of which who don’t see me as “Fat”, but capable and able! I’ve had the opportunity to meet entire spaces of people that are accepting and have pushed me past limits that I created in my own mind. People who don’t judge based off of my appearance, but rather my work ethic.

One thing I like least about Atlanta is that it can be very shallow and superficial. Because I don’t necessarily fit within societies general beauty standard, sometimes it is difficult to connect with people and navigate new spaces. I’ve experienced this mostly outside of fitness spaces, but also within certain fitness spaces. I’ve learned that sometimes its more about aesthetic that it is hard work and dedication.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelbyy_renee/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580022652232