Meet Michelle Francis | Singer, Song writer, Director, Content Creator

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

Hi Michelle, do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?
Over the years, I’ve learned that the habits we build truly shape not only our careers but also who we are as people. One of the most important habits I’ve cultivated is consistency. I came to the realization early on that I have a passion for writing and for impacting people’s lives through music. That passion alone wasn’t enough—I had to show up for it every single day, even when I was tired, even when doors seemed closed, even when I felt overlooked. Staying consistent has kept me moving forward when quitting would have been easier.

Another habit that has guided me is being deeply observant. It has always fascinated me to watch how individuals connect with you while you are performing—how someone’s expression changes, how they lean in, how their spirit shifts. Paying attention to those small details taught me how powerful connection really is, and it made me intentional about the way I share my gifts.

Travel has also been a big part of shaping my habits. I’ve been blessed to take my talent beyond Atlanta, performing in places like Hong Kong, Jamaica, and Guyana, and back home at well-known venues such as Club Michaels, Sandcastle, Dominique’s, Vibes, and many others. Traveling and performing in different spaces instilled in me the habit of adaptability. No two audiences are the same, and no two opportunities look alike. Being able to adjust, remain grounded, and still give 100% no matter the setting has been one of my greatest strengths.

Discipline is another core habit. Nothing in my life has ever come easily—I’ve had to fight for every opportunity and work tirelessly for every stage I’ve stood on. That journey taught me the value of discipline: rehearsing when no one is watching, writing when inspiration hasn’t hit, practicing lines or lyrics until they feel effortless. It’s the behind-the-scenes discipline that creates the moments people see in the spotlight.

Lastly, I would say gratitude and faith are daily habits that keep me anchored. No matter how much I achieve, I always pause to give thanks—for the opportunities, for the lessons, and even for the struggles that made me stronger. Faith keeps me grounded in the belief that my journey has purpose and that my gifts are meant to serve others.

These habits—consistency, observation, adaptability, discipline, and gratitude—are what I lean on every single day. They remind me that while talent can open a door, it’s habits and character that keep you moving through it. And as I continue this journey as a writer, performer, and creator, I know these practices will carry me into the next chapters of my story.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
In 2003, I started building my brand, Shellylive, before “content creator” was even a popular term. Social media became my stage, and I used it to connect with people in a way that felt both fun and meaningful. I launched a daily show called Shellylive on 285@5, where my tagline was, “If I were in lyrics mode, I would be like…” followed by a one-minute song clip. That little idea quickly grew into something people looked forward to every day.

From there, I began producing skits, motivational clips, and morning messages across platforms. I wanted to encourage people to laugh, believe in themselves, and keep moving forward. I also took my talents into the community—hosting at restaurants and nightclubs, speaking at different gatherings, and making sure my name was connected not only to entertainment but also to inspiration. What really sets me apart is my ability to connect with people instantly. Once I have an audience, I know how to make them feel seen, heard, and motivated.

That connection eventually led me to pursue a long-time dream: acting. I wanted to explore both theater and film, so I sought training with Carl Kennedy, MFA, an incredible acting coach in Atlanta who helped me sharpen my craft. In 2023, I signed with Dream Team Atlanta and Dream Team New York, which opened the door to major opportunities.

Since then, I’ve been blessed to appear in TV and film projects including Fatal Attraction, For My Man, Telensia City of AI, The Movie Acceptance, Sinful Lies, and My Pain is My Strength. On the theater side, I worked with acclaimed director and playwright Ankh T. Seshat in productions such as Under the Rug and Living for the Weakend. Each experience has stretched me creatively and prepared me for something greater.

In 2024, I decided to take the leap and write my own film, Singing for Freedom, which tells my life story—the pain, the struggles, and the triumphs that have shaped me. I partnered with my best friend of 35 years, Revonda Byrd, who believed in the vision from the very beginning. Together, we poured everything we had into this project, and we’re proud to say the premiere is set for October 4, 2025.

Looking back, I see how every step—from my early social media skits to acting on stage and screen—was preparing me for this moment. Today, as an emerging film director, actress, singer, host, and content creator, I feel incredibly grateful. My career has been about more than entertainment—it’s been about impact. My mission is to inspire women, encourage dreamers, and show people that no matter what they’ve been through, they can rise, push forward, and create something beautiful.

And truthfully, I believe the best is still yet to come.

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?
Day 1 – Welcome to the A

Brunch: The Flying Biscuit Café (iconic ATL brunch, giant biscuits + grits).

Afternoon: Walk through Ponce City Market → shop, grab coffee, and check out rooftop games at Skyline Park with killer city views.

Dinner: South City Kitchen Midtown for upscale Southern eats.

Night: Rooftop drinks at 9 Mile Station or Hotel Clermont (great views, fun vibe).

Day 2 – History & Culture

Morning: Tour Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park.

Lunch: Busy Bee Café (soul food heaven — fried chicken + collard greens).

Afternoon: Explore High Museum of Art or the Atlanta History Center.

Evening: Dinner at Two Urban Licks (live music + cool vibe).

Night: Catch live jazz at St. James Live or laid-back drinks at Parlor Cocktail Den.
Day 3 – Outdoors & Adventure

Morning: Hike Stone Mountain or walk/bike The BeltLine for murals and food stops.

Lunch: Krog Street Market — grab bites from different vendors.

Afternoon: Kayak/paddleboard at Lake Lanier or just chill in Piedmont Park.

Evening: Dinner at The Optimist (seafood hotspot).

Night: Dance night at MJQ Concourse or Red Phone Booth (speakeasy with a secret phone booth entrance).

Day 4 – Treat Yourself

Morning: Spa day at Jeju Sauna (24-hour Korean spa experience).

Lunch: Ria’s Bluebird Café (legendary pancakes).

Afternoon: Chill day shopping at Lenox Square or thrifting in Little Five Points.

Evening: Dinner at Canoe on the Chattahoochee River (romantic vibes).

Night: Rooftop drinks at Ponce City Market’s Skyline Park or Virtue Rooftop.

Day 5 – Day Trip Vibes

Morning: Drive to Chateau Elan Winery & Resort (about an hour away for wine tasting + spa).

Lunch: At the winery.

Afternoon: Scenic drive back, stop at Braselton or another small town for coffee.

Evening: Casual dinner back in ATL at Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q.

Night: Bonfire or chill game night at home.
Day 6 – ATL Energy

Morning: Explore Atlanta Botanical Garden.

Lunch: Slutty Vegan (a must-try, crazy lines but fun).

Afternoon: Tour the World of Coca-Cola or Georgia Aquarium (largest in the U.S.).

Evening: Dinner at STK Atlanta (vibey steakhouse).

Night: Party at Compound Nightclub or Gold Room.

Day 7 – Farewell ATL Style

Brunch: Milk & Honey or Atlanta Breakfast Club (shrimp & grits are 🔥).

Day: Stroll Krog Street Tunnel for graffiti art, hit up a farmers market, or pick up last-minute souvenirs.

Dinner: Bones (classic ATL steakhouse) or Mary Mac’s Tea Room (historic Southern spot).

Night: Final cheers at Whiskey Blue Rooftop Bar — toast to an epic trip.

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?
My father Vernal Lynch
Credit to Kisma Foremen for motivating me to be great
Renata Brown
My kids Jalen Gray & Naomi Lee, Harper Francis

Instagram: @theshellylive

Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/michelle-francis-1a1897a5

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lynchgraym

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shellylive

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@shellshockshelly

Image Credits
Revonda Byrd
Hilda Thomas
Paula Degree
Trecolia Arrington
Naomi Lee
Jalen Gray
Caryl Lynch
Vernal Lynch
Arlene Brightly
Kisma Forman
Renata Brown
Jason Madison
Ankh T Seshat
Aaliyah Sheffield