Meet Shelby Cummings | Shelby Cummings | Digital Strategist & Podcast Host

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

Hi Shelby, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
In April 2021, I launched The Travel Connect Podcast. It’s a podcast that’s dedicated to sharing others’ travel stories, experiences and lessons learned. It’s also a way to connect with other travel lovers and learn from others how to travel like a pro. I’m a corporate professional who works a 9-5 that I love. Outside of work, I absolutely love planning travel and creating new memories with family or friends.

As I traveled more and more, people would ask me simple questions, or I would strike up a conversation with another travel lover. I wanted to create a space and community where anyone who loves travel, food, and creating memories could come to learn something new, share their story, or be inspired. The Travel Connect Podcast is such a passion of mine because I absolutely love sharing others’ stories, and tips, and helping others travel better.

Thinking back, my thought process was just to create a community as well as a resource for travel lovers. Whether a beginner, intermediate, or a seasoned travel pro could refer to learn about all things travel or just have something to unwind and relax to in the background. I wanted to create a space that allowed me to show my personality as well as my love of travel. I sat on the idea of launching The Travel Connect Podcast, and finally decided to take the leap and just do it. I’ve always had an interest in media and entertainment, and this podcast is my way of staying true to myself in doing something in this industry.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a digital strategist for an agency located in Dallas, TX. I absolutely love my job, and what I do. I do a variety of things such as digital strategy, content marketing, social media planning and posting as well as a bit of project management. When I first began working in a corporate setting, I worked a job I disliked for longer than I’d like to admit. After being impacted by the pandemic in April 2020, I vowed that my next position would be something I loved with colleagues I liked, doing work that really matters. I’ve always wanted to get into strategy because it’s always interested me. A few months later, I got the opportunity to be a digital strategist and it’s been amazing.

I’m the type of person who will outwork you. I work so hard. I show up the best I can every day and give it my all. I push myself to be better for myself as well as my colleagues, always learning, being open and implementing constructive feedback, and keeping up with industry practices. I’ve had to overcome imposter syndrome. I constantly remind myself that I belong in any room I walk or log into. I have the skills, knowledge, and education to be in every room I’m invited to.

I’ve learned so much. The biggest things I’ve learned are no one knows it all, be open to constructive feedback and implement it when applicable so you can become better, stay up to date on best industry practices and what’s going on in your industry, ask for feedback from your colleagues every once in awhile, and find ways to make your organization look good + more money. Lastly, the more well-rounded you are, the better asset you are to your organization and the more value you have in the job market.

I want people to know that I’m such a multifaceted woman, I’m not just one thing. I can manage multiple passions and still be successful and happy. I’m a corporate professional who has a passion for content creation and podcasting. I can do whatever I want, I’m not limited. Whatever I want to do or want my life to look like, I can create that reality for myself.

I’m so excited to be in a job that a love, doing something I’m passionate about. I’m excited about growing my podcast listenership as well as launching a new business venture by the end of the year!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting the area and I wanted to show them a good time, I would create an itinerary for our weekend. It would be a mix between chill and not chill. I would look for any exciting events that are occurring in the city such as (but not limited to) sports activities, art exhibits, bowling, top golf, bar hopping, or a wine tasting in Downtown Grapevine, TX. In regards to food, I’m a huge foodie so it would depend on the vibe. Some of my favorite food spots are Sixty Vines, The Woolworth, Stir, Pappadeux, Yardbird, Vidorra Dallas, Social House, and Pietap Pizza Workshop + Bar.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are several individuals that have contributed to my success in life. My mom, my aunt, and best friends have encouraged me to show up as my authentic self and follow my dreams and desires – no matter how wild or crazy. I remember when I first thought about starting The Travel Connect Podcast, everyone in my tribe encouraged me to do it and supported me fully. Their confidence in me showed me that I should share my ideas, personality, and the gift of curating and storytelling with the world. Forever thankful for the women and men in my life who show up for me, pray for me, encourage me, share my episodes, and just go hard for me.

Another thing that encouraged me is reading Shonda Rhimes ‘The Year of the Yes.’ This book shares how Shonda said yes to everything that she usually wouldn’t or was scared to for 1 full year. The more she said yes and tried things, it allowed her to receive more opportunities. This made me realize by not saying yes to my dreams and aspirations, I was really the hold-up in my life. So I started saying yes more and just trying things.

Also, S/O to DFW Shoutout for giving me the opportunity!

Website: www.shelbybrenna.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetravelconnectpod/

Twitter: https://www.twitters.com/shelbybrenna_

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=95ibACDKLNCHyMInYR4U5A

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shelbybrenna_? Personal IG: https://www.instagram.com/shelbybrenna_/

Image Credits
Rosita Palmer of Rosita Palmer Photography