Please introduce yourself. What do you do? Why? What do you want people to know about you?
My name is Shelby Hedgecock! I’m a business mentor, web designer, and nonprofit founder based in Los Angeles, California. My mission is simple: inspire, empower, and impact millions of people who have big dreams to do what it takes to achieve them.
I moved from Loudon, Tennessee to Los Angeles, California in 2014 to pursue my dreams of being an actress. It didn’t take me long to realize how toxic the industry was, and that didn’t sit right with me, so I took matters into my own hands. I decided to invest in my first business coach and created “Not So Rich Not So Famous,” a reality show about a small-town girl trying to “make it” in superficial LA.
It exploded and had so much success it was pitched to networks; however, after the passing of my grandmother at the end of 2017 and surviving a sexual assault at the beginning of 2018, I slipped into severe depression. I made the difficult decision to take a step back from producing it. My mental health crisis forced me to find a way to heal – inside and out, and this is when I fell in love with fitness.
I found solace in the mind, body, & soul connection of overall wellness. I started working with a health coach and documenting my journey for “Not So Rich Not So Famous” to make a comeback.
In 2019, I went on to become a Certified Personal Trainer and was working on launching my exclusive online wellness business while completing a certification in nutrition, but in April of 2020, I was diagnosed with COVID-19, and it almost took my life. As of today, I am chronically ill and still dealing with complications from my infection such as a diagnosed brain injury and cardiovascular issues.
Throughout my journey of uncertainty as a first-wave COVID injured survivor, seeking answers, and healing I have locked arms with other patients making it a mission to spread awareness of the long-term implications of the virus. While on my sickbed, I created a nonprofit called “Blooming Magnolia” to help others. We have a mental health branch and a long COVID branch!
I have appeared on NBC, CNN, Cuomo Prime Time, Inside The Issues, Bustle, Inside Edition, YAHOO News, Freddie and Alyssa Show, and more amplifying patients’ voices in this cause. I also spoke with the United Nations in 2021! My nonprofit was recently named the winner of a bronze award in the “Most Valuable Nonprofit Response” category in the 18th annual Stevie® Awards for Women in Business!
After my 30th birthday in 2021, my creativity started coming back after my brain injury. My mind was becoming clearer and I decided I was ready to elevate my impact even further. I slowly started laying the foundation to offer my very own coaching services again – except this time, business would be at the forefront. Everything had come full circle.
I’m all about personal growth, strategy, spirituality, & energetics, and have an overall passion for empowering leaders to step into their power and own their story so they can turn their vision into reality, too. I’m a firm believer that I have manifested my own life through inspired action.
One of my favorite quotes is, “The harder the ball hits the pavement, the bigger the bounce,” and I can’t wait to empower you to do the same, no matter your circumstances!
What qualities make you different and unique from everyone else in the industry?
I’ve been out in Los Angeles for 8 years now. My journey has been filled with tremendous ups and downs, but I feel like my transparency and innate ability to transform horrible life situations to power is what sets me apart from the average person. We are going to experience very low lows, but your lowest low is proof of how high your high can go! This is something I support my clients with. Life is always going to happen, but the way we react and take control of our situation is everything.
Describe THAT moment when you realized you’re doing what you were born to do.
I remember when I was around 7 years old, having a hairbrush and standing in front of my bathroom mirror giving an acceptance speech. I knew I was always meant to use my voice. When I got to high school, my core mission was established. “Inspire, empower, and impact millions of people who have big dreams to do what it takes to achieve them. Period.” I knew at the time I wanted to start a nonprofit, so I wrote it down in a journal. Little did I know over a decade later, I would be inspired to do just that. Life ebbs and flows. Career dreams can change, but my core mission is to make the biggest impact possible, inspiring as many people as I can, and change lives. That is my dream. My goal is to create a legacy and leave my ripple in the universe.
What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve had to go through and how did you grow through it?
The road has not been smooth in the slightest. I would say my biggest most recent struggle was catching COVID in April of 2020. My world flipped upside down. I had just turned 29 and was getting ready to launch the online wellness business I had worked so very hard on. Needless to say, I was on fire.
Then, out of nowhere, I caught a virus and it changed my world forever. I am chronically ill and still battling issues to this day from the infection. I had to give up my love for fitness and completely pivot my work. I’m thankful that after two years, I’m my health is stable because many long COVID patients still aren’t.
I think that’s important to realize in life- you never know when it can change. It’s important to be present and grateful for what you have today, because it may not be that way tomorrow!
Who are the TOP 3 people you’d want to meet that could elevate your career or business? Why these specific individuals?
1. Melanie Layer – She is a top business coach, and I aspire to make waves like her within the coaching industry!
2. Gary Vee – Being able to sit down with the king of innovation & social media would be an absolute dream!
3. Dolly Parton – I would love a chance to share my story with her, and possibly work with her on my nonprofit, Blooming Magnolia!
Drop your social media links.
Email: Hello@ShelbyHedgecock.com
Website: www.ShelbyHedgecock.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ShelbyHedgecock
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ShelbyHedgecock
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ShelbyHedgecock
Other: www.BloomingMagnolia.org
Image Credits: www.KatHanegraaf.com, IG:@kathanegraaf