Meet Red Carpet Shelley: Caribbean Media/Radio Personality

We had the good fortune of connecting with Red Carpet Shelley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Red Carpet Shelley, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind my success and that of my brand is my Caribbean heritage. I am first generation Caribbean American. My mother and father came to the United States as immigrants and their hard work and love of God was the leading factor in my success. I saw my father work multiple jobs when necessary and watched my mother go to work sometimes in tattered shoes to give her children dance, tennis and music lessons, vacations and more. This taught me the value of working hard. About a decade after migrating to the United States, my parents achieved the American dream and purchased their first home. All of these factors, laid the foundation for my future success. 

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My work consists of delving into the Caribbean culture and promoting it locally, nationally and throughout the Diaspora. I’m most proud of the many red carpets that I was able to cover as a Caribbean media personality. Many times, Team Red Carpet Shelley was the only Caribbean media outlet at some of these events. In terms of my professional achievements, much of it was a result of what I learned prior to my media endeavors. I was employed with Goldman Sachs for many years and much of what I learned about business proved very valuable in media. It was never easy and I overcame challenges by being persistent. Lesson learned was never accepting “no” as a final answer. I want to the world to know that I am passionate about my Caribbean heritage and sharing it with the world.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Whenever friends visit me in Atlanta the first stop is WRFG and Caribbean Runnings. They get to witness me on air and in the zone. After the show, its time for dinner, drinks and fun. One of my favorite Atlanta dinner spots is a Thai restaurant called Nan. Nan is located near Atlantic Station so sometimes afterwards, I will suggest visiting Atlantic Station and getting drinks at Twelve. If we’re really looking for some Caribbean party vibes we can head to Stone Mountain to Bliss Lounge. Friday nights are poppin at Bliss and, often times, there’s an artist performance. Sundays are always better with Rum Punch Brunch at the Soundtable. (Due to COVID-19 ‘Rum Punch Brunch’ is temporarily suspended). Its Caribbean brunch menu, the best Caribbean DJs and the rum punch is flowing freely and perhaps overproof! For a nice, upscale Caribbean meal with ambiance I head over to Negril on 10th Street. For first-time visitors, this is Atlanta, so we have to pay homage to its civil rights history with a visit to the Martin Luther King Center and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights Museum. Lastly, after dancing the night away at a Caribbean party we might end up at Mango’s Caribbean Restaurant for a late night bite and watch the streetcars go by on historic Auburn Avenue.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First shoutout goes to my parents. As mentioned, they migrated our family to America and fiercely lead by example with hard work and determination. Next up, my sissy aka my sister Sandy. In fact, Red Carpet Shelley probably would never have existed without her. My sister Sandy coined my media name “Red Carpet Shelley” (which, I might add, I found exceedingly pretentious!) and she created my namesake website. My sister didn’t stop there, all along the way she has been my biggest cheerleader and my business manager. So shoutout and biggups (a Caribbean shoutout) to my sister Sandy! Next shoutout goes to my son Nigel who taught me the definition of unconditional love and sacrifice. There is nothing stronger than the strength of a mother. Shoutouts also to Team RCS which includes festival reviewer Sandra “The Duchess” Edwards Esq. and fashion editor Dawn Holloway of DH Style. Their significant contributions helped to build brand Red Carpet Shelley. I am forever grateful to them both. My radio career got started thanks to WRFG and the Caribbean Runnings crew. Shout out to Jason Skywalker who brought me on to the Caribbean Runnings program and to all the co-hosts and DJs I’ve worked with throughout the years including Warrior Queen Martine and DJ FireArmz. Shoutout to my TV colleagues Caribbean Life TV and CaribLife ATL. Last but not least, big shoutouts to my lifelong girl gang and travel crew, Renee, Raylene, Kylla and Lisa.

Website: https://RedCarpetShelley.com
Instagram: @redcarpetshelley
Twitter: @redcarpetshelle
Facebook: facebook.com/RedCarpetShelley
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/RedCarpetShelley1
Other: shellebrityshop.com; shellebrityy.com

Image Credits
RicoVibes Photography, Kylla Herbert, Lawrence Prescott Photography