Shelly King is a vibrant, purpose-driven woman who embraces her individuality and uses her voice and image to uplift others. King is a native of Wilmington, North Carolina and relocated in 2012 to the DMV area in search of a better life for herself and her biological mother.
Shelly is a graduate of Webster University where she earned her Masters degree in Business Administration and Bachelor’s degree from North Carolina Wesleyan College.
King is a living testimony that you can accomplish anything that you put your mind to as long as you have faith and place God in the forefront. At age 8, Shelly was placed in foster care for 13 years residing in over 100 documented foster families with her siblings.
The system referred to her and her siblings as “the trash bag kids” referencing all of the belongings Shelly and her siblings owned were carried in a trash bag. Shelly advocates for the protection and rights of underprivileged foster and adopted youth in the U.S. foster care system and is determined to make a positive impact in the world.
Additionally, Shelly has worked to make a name for herself and has been featured as a plus-size model and actress on several television networks.
Shelly has been featured on The Dr. Oz Show, Fox 5 DC, The Food Network, Fox 45 Baltimore, the Learning Channel (TLC), Black Entertainment Television (BET) and The Sundance Channel to name a few.
Shelly has also walked the runways as a model in California, Atlanta and New York City and even caught the eye of Cynthia Bailey of the Real Housewives of Atlanta as the #3 Finalist for the Curvy Model Search.
Shelly relies on Gods strength, determination and resilience as key components to success. Shelly’s dream is to become a best-selling author and producer intentional about expanding her story into scripting for a movie, a conversation starter within the school system through curriculum creation focusing on unique family structures and anti-bullying.
Shelly’s best quality however is humility and volunteerism to troubled youth across the world to include the “Ending Period Poverty Initiative. A program designed to help school girls in Africa who are in desperate need of access to sanitary products, education, and resources to manage their period and their poverty while attending classes.
Shelly’s life purpose is to make a positive impact in the world instilling that you can indeed go from tribulation to triumph. As a passionate advocate for self-love, body positivity, and authenticity, Shelly confidently represents plus-size beauty with grace and poise.
Her most recent involvement as Ms. Maryland Plus America 2025 to 1st runner-up in the Miss Plus America Pageant highlights her commitment to inspiring others through representation and resilience.
Shelly’s creativity shines through her visual storytelling—whether it’s through striking professional headshots, powerful double exposure photography, or curated fashion choices that express elegance and strength. Her regal presence and thoughtful communication make her not only a compelling public figure, but also a natural leader and role model in the plus-size communities.
