International Showgirl Superstar – Playmate Shelby Doll
with Shelby Doll / @officialshelbydoll
Photographer Miles Long / @mileslong4real
Makeup @gypsecouture
We’re happy to have you featured on the cover of Playboy! Can you give us a bit of a background on your career and where it all started? I have been a performer in one capacity or another my entire life. I entered the touring showgirl circuit after leaving military service. Since then, I have had the opportunity to perform over a decade of full tours spanning several countries and have performed in nearly every state and province in North America as a headliner. It’s been a great journey. I have met some wonderful friends and performed for or with some amazing celebrities and musicians. So many opportunities have sprouted from this work and I can’t thank the fans enough for their support. None of this would have been possible without so many industry and nonindustry folks’ support and help.
Having a full schedule must make it difficult for you to get much alone time. Talk to us about how you fit in some well-deserved downtime. I work a lot. Most days are 18-20 hours. It’s in the little moments I find peace. The plane ride to Las Vegas where I put aside my laptop and just let my mind wander. When I get the rare opportunity to sit back and relax. I like to be outdoors or spending time doing simple things at home. Sometimes, I make a point to mix business and pleasure. Ensuring to surround myself with folks I love and extend opportunities and networks to friends.
What does it mean to you to be seen as a strong, intelligent, ambitious woman? I guess I have earned the nickname ‘boss lady’, although it’s not entirely accurate. In my work life, I am often in a position of power. However, at home, I like to care for things. I think being a strong, intelligent, ambitious woman also means embracing the moments when you’re needed as support and being able to handle both dynamics. You must have balance. Be able to take the reigns and lead, but also follow. There’s no shame in being a good listener, lover, supporter, and caretaker. If you can be both a powerful, independent, commanding force and a delicate supporter and lover, I think you are truly the strongest of women. I think it’s also important to note it’s in the moments I sit back and take the passenger seat that I often learn the most.
What are some of the biggest misconceptions people have about what you do? Mostly, people believe this is all you are. A poodle, dressed up for an image looking for some deep pocket to adopt you. This is wrong. Most of the women of the cabaret or modeling circles are strong amazing forces that hold resumes in business, academics, and life that smoke most of those making derogatory assumptions.
What does freedom of self-expression mean to you? The ability to create without barriers. I like performance art, music, and drawing because the rules for an artist are different. We live in an abstract world of play and discovery and it’s liberating.
We absolutely love your Instagram, your content is very dynamic, inspirational, and downright sexy. Could you perhaps tell us what your personal experience as an influencer has been like? It’s a lot more work than people realize. From coordinating travel, booking shows, networking, investing in stage sets, and training. The good thing about social media is it gives artists like me an opportunity to showcase some of the behind-the-scenes content and demonstrate the grind that exists for touring artists of all kinds. I like being able to interact with fans and hear their amazing feedback in a manner that is so casual.
3 things that you can’t go a day without. Some KISS tunes, something sweet to eat, and talking with my best of friends.
Now we’re sure you experience a lot of male attention on and offline, any advice you would like to give to men out there who are hoping to catch your eye the right way? It’s important to be confident. that’s really attractive. I think a lot of guys are too upfront. Sending me gross explicit images without consent isn’t sexy, it’s classless. Come on boys, step up the chivalry.
What is the absolute worst thing a man can do to completely put you off? Lie to me.
That said, what advice would you have to give to all women out there when it comes to love and relationships? Take your time and remember that money doesn’t buy love.
Thank you so much for sitting down with us and letting us get to know you! Any last words for our readers out there? I’m so excited to be announcing my 2024 tour schedule which features performances with the Rik Reese band. Anyone who wishes to follow the exciting year can check out my Instagram @officialshelbydoll or subscribe to my OnlyFans @officialshelbydoll.
