Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelly Mcwilliams
Hi Shelly, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
After 33 years of separation, I found my Korean biological mother-only to learn she didn’t want a relationship. The pain of that rejection was very heavy, but I refused to let it define me. Instead, I chose to rise above it, finding healing in the things that bring me joy. Specialty coffee became more than just a drink; it became a ritual of comfort and connection to those around me. Houseplants, with their quiet resilience, reminded me of my own strength.
As I move forward into 2025, my heart is to grow on social media, sharing more of my story and the things that bring me joy. I hope that by doing so, I can inspire and encourage others to pursue their dreams and not let life’s hardships hold them back. There is always a way forward, and I want to be a voice that reminds others of that.
Along the way, I also plan to dive deeper into my Korean roots-learning more about my heritage and practicing the language so I can feel more in tune with my Korean identity. Though the path hasn’t been easy, I’m embracing the journey, growing in ways I never expected, and finding belonging on my own terms.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
This journey has been anything but easy. Facing the loss and rejection of my biological mother after 33 years brought a kind of pain I never expected. On top of that, being half Korean has always made me feel like I don’t fully belong anywhere. I have wrestled with my identity for as long as I can remember, and learning to love myself has been just as hard.
But through it all, I’ve come to realize that my mothers choice doesn’t have to define me or affect how I live my life. I am enough as I am. My identity isn’t something to fit into-it’s something to embrace, in all it’s complexity. And no matter what, I deserve to live a life filled with joy, love and purpose.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
For most of my young adult and adult life, I’ve worked in customer service with a short time working in childcare, but I never really felt like I fit into the traditional 9-5 mold. I’ve always craved something different-something that allowed me to express myself in a way that felt true to who I am. That desire for something more led me to travel overseas, even spending three months living in Mozambique, Africa, which opened my eyes to the world in ways I never expected.
At my core, I’ve always had a creative brain. Social media has always intrigued me, not just as a platform but as a way to connect, inspire and create. Now, I am finally stepping into that passion, ready to build something of my own.
One of the things I am most proud of is that I have been able to see parts of the world that many people only dream of visiting. Traveling has given me a new perspective on life, and getting to visit Africa, Haiti and Mexico has shaped me in ways I never expected. But my biggest dream is to raise enough money to travel to South Korea for the first time in my life and finally connect with the place that’s part of who I am.
Right now, I work at Home Depot , but my hope is that this year brings success in social media. I’ve always loved creating- filming, editing and sharing stories in a way that resonates with people. More than anything, I want to build a life where I can do what I love, travel the world, and inspire others to chase their own dreams.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
One of my favorite childhood memories is traveling with my dad, brother sister and ex-step mom to North Carolina to visit my Grandmother and Great-Grandmother. Along the way, we would always stop at South of the Border, a quirky tourist attraction filled with cool shops and fun sights. Those road trips were full of laughter, adventure, and the excitement of seeing family, creating memories that I still cherish today.
Pricing:
- N/A
- N/A
- N/A
- N/A
- N/A
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/made.with.seoul_/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@made-with-seoul
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@made.with.seoul_
Image Credits
N/A
