Shelby Hedgecock is a 26 year old Tennessee native who moved to Los Angeles one day after her 23rd birthday to pursue her career in the entertainment industry. Since then, she has launched her own lifestyle brand, “Not So Rich Not So Famous”, has the hottest up and coming show on Facebook, and has her own clothing line. She’s a breath of fresh air sharing her own authentic personal struggles and successes with the world, and she’s shaping the hearts of millions.
What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?
Ever since I can remember, I’ve had dreams & goals that went against the norm in society. My whole immediate family is made up of entrepreneurs, so naturally, I was drawn to that life. Once I realized the 9-5 wasn’t cutting it, I knew I needed to bring my ideas into fruition. I am my own business after all. Once I partnered with District Media Press, everything changed! My brand started growing, and I can’t wait to see where we are in the next year!
Tell us about your business.
My brand is called “Not So Rich Not So Famous”. It is a scripted, unscripted comedy-drama reality show. We are the hottest up and coming show on Facebook and YouTube (very soon)! Basically, it’s a lifestyle brand representing the 99%. I’m from a very small town in East Tennessee and have lived in Los Angeles for almost 4 years. My show highlights the struggles and real life experiences I have encountered while climbing to the top out here in Hollywood.
Are you currently running any promos/contests/giveaways that you would like our readers to know about?
We will be VERY soon! This is the first time I have actually said anything about this, but “Not So Rich Not So Famous” is going to have it’s own clothing line! This has been a dream of mine for quite some time, so being able to have that now is incredible. The first wave is very mainstream, but I’m looking forward to branching that into different avenues. Once we officially launch, we will have apparel giveaways!
List awards/certifications/accompli
My greatest accomplishment was having the courage to finally make the move to Los Angeles. It has been extremely difficult, but waking up each day with gratitude, realizing I’m actually LIVING my dream is amazing.
Where is your business based?
Los Angeles, California.
What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?
I had to make a lot of sacrifices. I had to cut back on a lot of things, so I could make the decision to invest in myself. Back in high school, I used to vlog constantly. I stopped after I got into a bad relationship which killed my confidence, and my dreams were put on the back burner. A few years later, finally out of the abusive relationship, I realized I did have massive talent, a message, and needed to get back at it, and I just did. Sometimes, the best thing to do is START. Don’t overthink. Everything will fall into place!
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
Relatable content. Right now, people are CRAVING authenticity. My most recent episode, “You’re not alone” has been my best so far, I believe. I touch on my depression I went through earlier this year and continue to battle as well as my anxiety. No one talks about these issues yet many people go through them. If your audience can connect with you and FEEL with you, they will be a lifelong supporter of you and they will tell others to watch as well. I represent my audience!
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
One of the biggest challenges has been money. I’m not very rich or famous after all, however, if you really want something, you’ll find a way to make it happen. It can get discouraging and stressful at times, but just take a deep breath and keep your ‘why’ your focus!
How did you overcome these challenges?
I always just take a deep breath and focus on all the positives and milestones NSRNSF is having. I like to take some time by myself to look at how far I’ve come, and how I’ve always figured out a way. I’ve slayed every single goal I’ve ever had, so tough times ALWAYS pass!
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
My circle keeps me motivated. My family and friends are absolutely amazing. My brother is an entrepreneur and races back at home. Seeing him fail forward motivates me greatly. I have a circle of winners. ​I lean on them and then reflect on my why. Sometimes I feel like I’m drowning. Life has thrown me some major curveballs recently and I feel very defeated and nervous. I feel I should back out or sacrifice due to fear of not being able to deliver.
But a very wise friend recently told me, “Shelby, since I’ve known you, you do realize everything you’ve told me you were going to do, you’ve made happen. You’ve said you were going to become a top rep, and you have in multiple companies. You said you wanted to make X amount of money a month and you are. You said you were going to live in Hollywood and you moved there. You said you wanted your own show, and you’re getting it. You forget all of these things.” I even wanted to travel across the world and I did… and he is so right. I do forget all of these things.
Even though life may be throwing me for a loop, I’m not about to give up on an opportunity I’ve worked really hard for because I’m scared. I know for a fact, whatever I need will show up for me, because it always has. I look back at all the times I thought I was going to give up on life, literally, and then I see I overcame EVERY SINGLE OBSTACLE placed in front of me. Why wouldn’t this time be any different?
How do you distinguish yourself from your competitors?
I represent the 99%. I represent the dreamers. If you turn on KUWTK, you will see they are all very rich and famous. Although their lives are very intriguing, it’s not necessarily relatable. My brand is 110% authentic and people are wanting to sink their teeth into something wholesome and real. NSRNSF is just that!
What is the best advice you have received recently?
“Stop overthinking and just do it.” My mentor and manager, Tiana Burse, has helped me so much this year. I was struggling with a concept I was wanting to touch on with a NSRNSF episode, and she told me that we seriously overthink way too much. It’s normal to, but we need to stop overthinking and just go for it. We put too much weight on perfection, but if we just stop overthinking and just execute, everything will pan out how it’s supposed to!
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
Never give up. I know it sounds so cliche, but it’s true. More than likely, you’re not going to have overnight success, but if you keep pushing, it will be all worthwhile in the end, because you’ll end up where you want to be. There will be many difficult times, and thoughts will pass through your mind of throwing in the towel, but don’t. No matter what anyone says, if you have a passion… go for it and do not stop.
What are your favorite business tools or resources?
- Dropbox
- Snapchat!
I could not live without Dropbox. My videographers and I pass footage back and forth with ease. It is so much easier than trying to coordinate a time to pass a USB back and forth.
As for FB, IG, and Snap… we live in a new economy! Business is moving to social media. Businesses are hiring influencers to market their products. Facebook is picking up shows. Snapchat is a huge platform that is amazing to gain reach. If you aren’t able to adapt, you’re going to fall behind!
What is a good article or book you have read recently?
“You Are A Badass” by Jen Sincero.
What are you currently learning about for your business or looking for help with?
I’m learning different editing techniques and I’m seeking influencers and people to collaborate with on my brand.
What are your goals for the next few months and how are you striving to achieve them?
Well, the end goal for NSRNSF is to get picked up by a major network. Until then, we will be pumping out some amazing relatable content, spreading the word, and working overtime to make this all possible. Lots of sleepless nights ahead, but I couldn’t be happier!
What social media outlets do you use? List them below.
Instagram @shelbyhedgecock, @notsorichnotsofamous
Twitter @shelbyhedgecock
Facebook www.facebook.com/shel
Website www.
Email hedgecockentertainment@
Hashtags #notsorichnotsofamous #NSRNSF