everyone meet: shelby robinson

Today, millions of people meet each other on the internet, but myself, I'm a novice. I've never tried internet dating, or joined a chat room. I never thought it was a way in which I should meet people. Now, I'm finding out that it in fact can be a great way to open new friendships.

Each and every week I share my beliefs, my photography, my interests, and peeks into my life here on Numie. What I do serves the same purpose as a diary, and at times I don't even notice that it reaches other people. I do it for myself - to document moments, gather inspiration, and to work out thoughts. That bubble of ignorance has kept my work genuine, and slowly but surely, like-minded people have taken notice. People that I in turn, am also inspired by. 

And that, is how I met Shelby. 

Shelby and I have been fans of each other's work for some time now. It started with little comments on each other's blogs, developed into hearts on Instagram, and then turned into emailing. Finally - oh finally! - it became a meeting in person. Shelby came to Philly, so we decided to meet up and go where I find myself almost every weekend: Queens Village. We grabbed lunch at my favorite cafe, Redhook, shopped Philadelphia's best boutique, Moon & Arrow, and then grabbed some quick blog supplies at the independently-owned health & grocery store, Essene. 

Although we live hundreds of miles apart, I'm so happy to have met this girl. She oozes with a creativity that I find fresh and inspiring, and has exciting experiences to share in conversation. If it weren't for Numie - for putting myself out there - I never would have met her. I must thank the internet and social media for introducing us. It opens my eyes to the beauty of blogging - the beauty of being genuine and finding others who are as well. 

But enough blabbering, let me introduce you to this lovely girl! Everyone, meet Shelby.

Shelby, my love, you just graduated college, what is next?

Yes! Right now I am trying to soak up all of these good feelings and discover the next adventure that’s pulling me its way. I am exploring a few opportunities to teach English abroad, specifically in Asia. I have this deep desire to fill up my passport so going abroad to learn and grow feels so right.

We’re both souls bitten by the travel bug, and immediately connected over that. What places top your list to visit in the next year?

I have always enjoyed connecting with people who have the same desire to travel. Two places I am really looking forward to exploring this year are Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (Lake Superior is unreal in the summer) and Asia (Thailand, South Korea, Taiwan) as I mentioned before. There’s something so culturally different and intriguing about Asia that draws my heart in.

 In talking with you, I kept getting glimpses of what a rad lady your mom is. Tell us a bit about her, and what your upbringing was like. How do you think it has shaped you as human being?

My mom’s creativity, selflessness and kindness are the things that inspire me the most about her. When I was younger, there were always small projects going on at our home, from painting and fixing up old garage sale finds, to decorating with fresh-cut flowers and building forts in our woods. Exercising your creative spirit was always encouraged - as well as taking time to connect with nature - and I am so thankful for that. I think this ultimately made me realize the importance of nurturing your creative soul and also why I chose to go into a creative field.

It seems like you’re always working on cool creative projects. What is one that you’re focusing on right now?

I recently got a DianaF+ lomography camera as a graduation gift that I have been playing around with. Film photography is so different from digital photography! It really allows you to get back to the basics of what photography is meant to be – simple and powerful. Once I get the film developed, I plan to create a small book to remember some of my favorite memories of summer. Artifact Uprising has these beautifully designed books that I am obsessed with and must get my hands on!

And what is one that you’ve worked on in the past that you’re really proud of and would love for people to check out?

The creative outlet that has been the most powerful and meaningful to me is Instagram. It’s just one big, ever-changing project, and I am so amazed by the beauty of the Instagram community. To me, it’s a collection of positive and talented and beautiful people from all over the world just trying to share good vibes. I am so blown away by how much I’ve learned and how my creative spirit has expanded. An ever-changing and growing project, in a way.

In a snapshot, what does your perfect day look like?

An early morning filled with yoga and a yummy breakfast with French-pressed coffee would be so ideal. I would spend the rest of the day exploring some of my favorite places around me, either on Lake Michigan or further north in Charlevoix, taking photos and walking the beach. I live for simple days like this: my camera, good people and the outdoors.

Lastly, I’d love to know, who’s playing on your headphones these days?

I have been revisiting a lot of classic rock lately! Tons of Fleetwood Mac, the Eagles and James Taylor, as all of these jams remind of me of summer and road trips headed north. My good friend Katie also just introduced me to Sylvan Esso’s latest album….and I am totally hooked.

Thank you, Shelby!

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Be sure to check out Shelby's blog & Instagram!

dyl

Even if she doesn't mean to, she will brighten up any experience by putting a smile on your face. Dylana Suarez is a friend that I know is a rare breed. She's absurdly light-hearted -- easy-going and just so fucking funny, you have no idea where she came from. Opening my email, and reading her responses to these questions, I laughed, I agreed, and I nodded; all things that I am happy to find in a a friend. She isn't lying when she says she's optimistic, Dylana is always dependable to be looking on the bright side. As easy as it is to say, it is as equally difficult to do, and so it is appreciated. I can't say enough, read on...

//Growing up in California has made me a very relaxed person. Because of my home, I appreciate miles and miles of endless space and beautiful weather. I think I smile more because I am from California. I secretly want to be a San Diego beach bum. Cali love foreva. // My mother is like like my sister. Not a secret goes unshared. // And my dad is a lovable rock star at heart, that will jump over mountains and seas for the the people he loves.// I started blogging because I wanted to inspire and be inspired. And I wanted and needed an outlet to share my passions. // My life has been full of ups and downs, but has always been wonderfully surprising. In the end, optimism always brought me back up from anything. // I laugh the most when I'm with my friends.// The most exciting place is Malaysia. You never know what to expect. // I bought my camera nearly four years ago and haven't set it down since. That camera changed my life. // I take pictures because I like to capture the beauty in everything. // When I wake up in the morning the first thing I do is rub my eyes and stretch and look forward to an interesting day. // I keep fit by moving my body to the music I love. // Writing is comforting, nostalgic // I would want to be famous for doing a lot of different things and putting ideas together that others can be inspired by. // I will always remember to look on the bright side of things. // In life you have to dream big and not follow the crowd. // The last movie I watched was Clueless (duh) // One day I will see the whole world. // Not many people know that I have two metal rods running along my spine, and that the scar from my scoliosis surgery is my symbol of strength.// You can never eat enough Vietnamese pho. // I couldn't live without my family. They are my heart and soul. // The best feeling in the world is complete and utter happiness. Some people just need to... chill. // People say that I am funny and charming. // If I wasn't working at Free People I would be traveling the world and taking pictures. // My wardrobe consists of a lot of color, pattern, and texture. // Without fashion life would look a little too boring. // Right now, I really want to eat some cereal but am too lazy to get out of bed and go downstairs to get it. Wanks.//

I'm sure you already do, but follow Dylana @ Color Me Nana