Meet Shelby Nunn | Actor – Dancer – Performer

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

Hi Shelby, how do you think about risk?
I believe that risk is an integral part of life as a whole. To truly live life well and fully, risk demands to be taken. Now risk and faith can sometimes be interchangeable or become one here. In my own life and career, I have seen so clearly that there is such reward and blessing on the other side of taking that leap of faith which undoubtedly is risk.

One of my “faith risk” moments was deciding to move to Los Angeles to pursue acting as well as dance. I grew up only seeing and labeling myself as a dancer, but I always felt I was meant for more. I was just too afraid to vocalize it. After studying dance in college in NYC and the pandemic bringing me back home to Houston, it was the time for me to sit in the stillness and ask God “what do I do?” and “where do You want me?” This required me to reflect and really think about what I felt called to. After lots of prayer and time, it was clear as day after so long being in the dark. This revelation required faith and risk. I decided to move to a city I’ve never lived in and begin to pursue a career I never thought I’d actually pursue. It was the greatest leap of faith, but it turned out to be exactly what I needed producing the greatest rewards that are still unfolding.

The best part about “faith risk” is it’s not just for those big moments. It’s in the daily choices of choosing to be brave and take that step toward whatever God is calling you to.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Ever since I could walk and talk, I’ve been pulled toward performing. It is who I am innately. I love to tell stories whether that’s through dance, acting or even singing. The feel of connecting to an emotion, story, audience or a beautiful piece of music is unbeatable. I knew from a very early age (10 years old) that this is what I wanted to do. It has not been an easy road and is still not at times, but I feel honored that I get to be a performer. I love that both acting and dancing connect and mesh in ways that are hard to define and explain. That is what makes my brand unique. I’m not just one thing; I contain multitudes as a performer and desire to continue to grow in my art, always. My main purpose in all of this is to be a light for Jesus and let His Love shine on the world. In everything I do, that is the driving force.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’ve been living in Los Angeles for almost two years now, so I am by no means an expert… But I do have favorite places I have collected over time:

Best matcha: Maru in Los Feliz
Favorite Dinner: Pace in Laurel Canyon
Favorite Brunch: République on La Brea
Favorite Hike: Ferndell Trail
Fun Night Out: Harlowe West Hollywood
Favorite Theater: New Beverly Cinema

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?
I would not be where I am today without the never ending love, support and prayers from my parents. I’ve been blessed with the best mom and dad who have encouraged me through every season of life. Especially with a career in the entertainment industry, having that support is not always a thing. I’m very fortunate that it has never crossed my parent’s minds to make me have a “plan b”. They believed and continue to believe in me. It’s the greatest gift.

Website: https://shelbynunn.com

Instagram: shelbynunn

Image Credits
Matt Marcheski
Lee Gumbs