Shelby G.
Hometown: Dallas, Texas. However, my family and husband are from Jackson, Mississippi, so I consider that my hometown.
"After meeting Oprah, I stepped out on faith and began conducting empowerment seminars for women, which led to me writing my first book. To date, I am an award-winning author of four books, a motivational speaker and a life coach."
What is your favorite OWN show?
Oprah's Lifeclass.
What is your hidden talent?
I'm actually a really good cook. My family loves to give me a menu, and I just pull it together. I can pretty much cook anything, from soul food (I did a Sweetie Pie's menu last Sunday!) to Italian, Indian, Greek—you name it. The best part about it is that I do it all on a budget!
What do you like that most people dislike?
If it's regarding food, peanut-butter-and-banana sandwiches. I don't know why I like them. My grandmother used to give them to me when I was little, so I still eat them. My family and friends are grossed out by it. Aside from food, soap operas. I don't have one friend that likes to watch the soaps! Y&R and General Hospital are my faves.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
My biggest pet peeve is when people make excuses and blame others for their mistakes. I just can't handle that. Own it, learn from it and move on! I have so much respect for people who admit to their failures up front without being coaxed. I'm a straight shooter, which comes from my military upbringing. My Army father would never accept excuses, only solutions.
What would you like to learn to do?
I would like to learn to speak another language. I know a little Spanish but would love to speak it fluently. When our family was stationed in Stuttgart, Germany, when I was little, I came back speaking fluent German. I wish I had kept up with it. I think it's wonderful to be bilingual, and Spanish has definitely become the second language in America.
What are you particularly bad at that your friends tease you about?
Hanging out with the girls and turning off the life coach in me. It's hard for me not to be the Olivia Pope (the fixer) of the group! If anyone is expressing frustration about something going on in her life, I am trying to fix it. I'm getting better with this now, but it's still tough! :-)
What are your three favorite things?
(1) My Keurig coffee machine. I've got to have coffee in the morning to keep my pleasing personality! (2) My yoga pants (yes, I said that!). Since I left the corporate world to run my own coaching business, I have discovered this wonderful clothing item. No, I don't do yoga per se; I just love the way they look and feel on me! (3) Sprinkles cupcakes. I absolutely love these cupcakes. They make me very, very happy.
What would your superpower be?
If I had a superpower, it would be the ability to teleport from place to place. I hate driving in traffic. Dallas traffic is really bad during rush hour, and when it rains...you're getting to your destination next week.
