Shelby was born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina getting her start in acting when she was cast in her college's rendition of Little Women. Her role as Jo March landed her a nomination for The Irene Ryan Acting Award.
She went on to be cast in various lead and supporting roles in productions like The Music Man, The Bald Soprano and Romeo and Juliet.
Following college Shelby bought a one way ticket to Los Angeles where she enrolled at Bang Comedy Theatre studying improvisation. She graduated at the master level and was featured in a season of the live improv show, The Periodicals directed by Peter Murrieta. Simultaneously Shelby performed live as a part of The Big Show, headlining with the eight person improv group, Huzzah!
Shelby is now an advanced Meisner technique student enrolled in ongoing classes at The Houde School of Acting.
The beginning of Shelby's acting journey is featured in the documentary, Hollywood Stories(episodes 2 and 3).