We’re looking forward to introducing you to Shellsy Malveaux. Check out our conversation below.
Shellsy, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: When was the last time you felt true joy?
I’ve recently introduced something new into my life: intentional solitude. It’s the practice of doing things for myself, by myself. From solo dates to museum walks, self-care has become a real pathway to my joy.
The last time I felt true joy was on a solo trip to Dripping Springs, Texas. I stayed at a glamping retreat called Lucky Arrow with an influencer group called Hummingbirds: an agency that connects brands and community. It gave me the space to step away from my everyday life and do something just for me, rooted in what I love most: creating and connection.
After the retreat, I stayed in Dripping Springs for some solo excursions and did my own personal winery and distillery tour. And let me tell you, the experience was nothing short of amazing. The wine flights, the personalized distillery tour, the tastings… it was honestly one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi everyone! I’m Shellsy, a creative entrepreneur, writer, visual storyteller, and the founder of Unconventional Spaces. My work is rooted in connection and helping people see the world in new ways. I support individuals, organizations, and communities by bringing their stories to life through content creation, writing, storytelling strategy, and meaningful activations that bring people together.
What makes my work unique is my commitment to creating experiences that feel personal, grounded, and honest. I believe deeply in the power of storytelling to heal, build connection, and spark possibility. That belief shows up in everything I do, from community-focused events to helping brands share narratives that truly resonate.
Right now, I’m focused on growing Unconventional Spaces by collaborating with mission-driven organizations and creating more opportunities for people to feel seen through their stories. I’m also working on production for a new web series, so definitely follow along to stay tuned. My work is all about crafting moments, big or small, that remind us of the power of creativity and connection.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
One person who saw me clearly before I could see myself was my 7th and 8th grade Advanced Art teacher, Ms. Pitre. She didn’t just teach me about the Renaissance or introduce me to greats like Monet and Degas. She pushed my creativity by exposing me to techniques and mediums like charcoal, watercolors, acrylics, and pointillism.
What made it even more meaningful was that I didn’t expect to learn such rich and beautiful things about art while growing up in the hood. Yet there she was, bringing all of that history, culture, and possibility straight to us. I’m still sincerely grateful for that.
She also challenged me to submit my work to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo art competition. I ended up winning second place in my division, and my piece became an audience favorite. She even encouraged me to apply to the Glassell School of Art at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston.
I didn’t apply, and sometimes I still wonder where my life might have gone if I had. But what stays with me is how consistently she believed in me. I’ll never forget the way Ms. Pitre acknowledged my talent and nurtured the artist in me long before I fully understood that part of myself.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I stopped hiding my pain when I realized how many people around me were quietly carrying their own. That realization is what inspired me to create Intimate Conversations: a co-ed healing space where people could speak honestly about the hard things: trauma, identity, relationships, and the parts of our stories we usually keep tucked away.
My own journey played a big role in that. I’ve lived through sexual violence, abuse of power in the workplace, identity struggles, and dysfunctional relationships. For a long time, I kept those experiences to myself, thinking silence equaled strength. But the more I buried them, the heavier they became.
Intimate Conversations was my turning point. I wanted a safe, intimate space where people could begin their healing journeys, and I needed that space for myself too. Sitting in a room with others who were brave enough to be honest showed me that vulnerability is not weakness. It’s connection. It’s release. It’s the start of real transformation.
That’s when my pain shifted from something I hid to something I used. Not in a way that defined me, but in a way that allowed me to hold space for others. Sharing my truth helped me reclaim my voice, my identity, and my purpose as a storyteller and community builder.
My pain became my power the moment I realized it could help someone else feel less alone.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies in my industry is that numbers and followers are what matter most. In the events, entrepreneurship, and influencer space, people are often told that the creators with the highest follower counts automatically deserve the best opportunities, the biggest partnerships, and the loudest praise.
But that simply isn’t true.
Having a large following doesn’t always mean someone produces quality work, shows up with intention, or carries themselves with integrity. I’ve seen people with smaller audiences create deeper impact, stronger communities, and more meaningful connections …all because they lead with authenticity.
What people are finally starting to realize is that REAL storytelling, genuine character, and honest connection are what actually sustain a brand or a creator. Numbers can be inflated or manufactured. Authenticity cannot. And the industry is slowly shifting toward valuing the people who show up with purpose, not just popularity.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say, “Shellsy gave it everything she had for what she wanted to do for us.” That’s the legacy I’m working toward a life poured out in service, creativity, and connection.
My goal before I leave this earth is to be empty. To use every idea, every gift, every story, every spark I’ve been entrusted with. Even as I write this, I’m holding so many concepts and visions that I believe can genuinely change the world. I don’t want to leave any of them behind.
I want people to remember me as someone who showed up fully, loved deeply, created boldly, and gave her all so that others could feel seen, supported, and inspired in their own personal journey.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unconventional_shell/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shellsy-malveaux-49041a57/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/unconventional_spaces/
Image Credits
Shellsy Malveaux, LaGina R. Harris, UnoNunoMedia
