We had the good fortune of connecting with Shelly McWilliams and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shelly, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I’m from Georgia, but I was born in upstate New York. My parents divorced when I was 4 years old and I have not seen my Korean biological mother in 34 years. For a long time, there was a part of me that felt missing-like I was searching for a deeper understanding of who I am and where I come from.

Just recently after, 34 years, I found my biological mom. She didn’t want a relationship, and while that was incredibly hard, it became a turning point in my personal growth. It led me down a path of healing, self-reflection, and identity.

Growing up mixed and navigating life with unanswered questions shaped me to be resilient, open-minded, and creative. My background continues to influence how I connect with others and how I express myself today.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is deeply personal. Whether I’m creating videos, designing visuals, or bringing stories to life through plants or coffee, everything I make is rooted in emotion, culture, and connection. I don’t create just to create—I do it to feel seen, to process, and to help others feel less alone.

What sets me apart is that I pull from real life—my mixed identity, my search for belonging, my healing journey after finding my biological mom, and the deep love I have for community. My brand, made.with.seoul_, is more than a name—it’s a reflection of soul, intention, and the parts of me I’m still learning to love.

Getting here hasn’t been easy. I didn’t have a traditional path. I’m self-taught in almost everything I do—from videography to editing to running a business. There were times I wanted to quit because it felt like no one understood my vision. But I kept going, kept learning, and kept telling my story, even when it felt scary.

What I’m most proud of is that I’ve stayed true to myself. I’ve built something from scratch, piece by piece, with nothing but passion and persistence. Every challenge—every closed door—taught me how to pivot, how to trust the timing, and how to create space for others like me.

If there’s one thing I want people to know, it’s that your story matters, even the messy, unfinished parts. And through my work, I hope people feel inspired to find beauty in their own journeys too.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting, I’d make sure they experienced the perfect mix of culture, comfort, and vibes. One of our first stops would be Koreatown—it’s a must. We’d browse the Korean market, pick up some snacks and cute finds, and maybe grab a quick pastry and iced coffee to fuel us up.

Then we’d head out for Korean BBQ—because nothing says bonding like grilling meat at the table and wrapping it in lettuce with all the sides. After that, we’re hitting the Korean karaoke bar. I’m talking private room, neon lights, singing our hearts out to old-school R&B and K-pop classics.

The rest of the week would be a mix of exploring local gems—maybe a walk on the BeltLine, checking out plant shops and coffee spots, and ending the day with sunset views and deep convos. I’d also take them to one of my favorite greenhouses or creative markets—somewhere they can see what inspires me.

Atlanta has this beautiful mix of cultures and creativity, and I’d want them to feel all of that—food, music, laughter, and good company.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
To my dad—your love has been my foundation. You’ve held it all together when life was heavy, and I’ll never stop being grateful for the way you’ve shown up for me, time and time again.

To my grandmother and grandfather—I feel your presence in the quiet moments. Your love shaped generations, and your absence is felt just as deeply as your impact. I hope I’m making you proud.

To my brother and sister—thank you for being my first friends, my anchors, and my heart. No matter how life shifts, we’re forever tied together by something unbreakable.

This is for all of you. You’ve given me the courage to keep becoming.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/made.with.seoul_/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@made-with-seoul

Other: Tiktok | https://www.tiktok.com/@made.with.seoul_

Lemon8 | https://www.lemon8-app.com/@made.with.seoul_?region=us

Image Credits
Shelly McWilliams

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.