{ Biography }
Michelle N. Barnes also known as Shelly was born in Queens, New York and raised in Long Island or, as it is lovingly referred to as, “Strong Island”. Michelle has been creatively inclined since she was young and was always deemed wise beyond her chronological age. She began reading at the age of 4, absorbing any book she could get her hands on. She was also musically inclined. She took several dance classes, played the piano and the guitar, wrote poetry and long stories, and also even envisioned and began creating an abstract fashion clothing line.
Interests
. This . Reading
. That . Modeling
. Then . Improv Sketches
. Them . Stage & Camera
{Modeling}
Michelle became interested in plus modeling in 2008 and by 2010 she decided to go professional. She enrolled herself at The Plus Academy, founded by former plus model and now founder of Full Figured Fashion Week NYC, Gwen Devoe. The Plus Academy is where she blossomed and learned the ins and outs of being a professional Fit Model and, in 2018, Michelle placed first runner-up at the Ms. Full-Figured USA Pageant in the “Plus” category. Michelle has also been featured in Full Blossom Magazine as a model as well.
Michelle went on many fashion go-sees, walked many prestigious runways shows, and did a few commercials. She was signed to two professional boutique modeling agencies during her career that later led to fittings for well-known fashion clothing lines including Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger.
As one of her biggest highlights to date, Michelle had the pleasure of being the fit model and muse for the Marc Jacob’s gown and coat that singer, songwriter, musician, and performer Lizzo wore to the 2019 MET Gala. You’re welcome Lizzo; can I borrow that coat though?
{Writing}
Michelle fell in love with writing as an adolescent and began finetuning her skills in High School joining both the Journalism and Yearbook Clubs. The importance of Academia was instilled in her at a young age coming from two well-educated parents, both with careers in Academia, so it comes as no surprise that Michelle went on to receive her undergraduate from Hofstra University in Psychology in 2006. In 2013, she completed her Master’s Degree from Yeshiva University. She gave a call to action graduation speech after being chosen by many of her peers at Yeshiva. She graduated with credits towards her PhD in Social Welfare.
Michelle later decided to put a pin in PhD candidacy to pursue her creative passions. In doing so, Michelle applied for and was later awarded three separate scholarships to attend Upright Citizen’s Brigade (UCB) in New York where she completed their Improv program. Then, in the beginning of the 2020 year, she completed UCB’s Sketch program after moving from New York to Los Angeles with plans to take the entertainment industry by storm. Michelle’s sketches have since have been featured on the UCBLA main stage in their inaugural UCB Spotlight Presents. Likewise, she is also a member of Don’t Pass the Peppa Sauce Sketch and Improv Group which features shows that take place at The Tank NYC and features comedy from a Caribbean perspective. This team was recently featured in Caribbean Life News for their works. In addition, you can also see Michelle’s work exhibited as a featured writer and assistant editor in Full Blossom Magazine.
{Stage . Camera . Print}
Michelle has performed Improv with several teams based in New York and attended countless workshops including those at The Magnet, The Pit, UCB, and The Tank NYC. Michelle also performed in the Off Broadway Show A Sketch of NY, landed the national Bare It All campaign, where her photos were featured on billboards all over Brooklyn, NY and NYC subways, booked a commercial with Clairol’s Color Crave campaign, and landed a National Bridesmaid Segment with Bustle Magazine where she asked the important question, “Is this a dress or a carpet?” Also, Michelle was also seen during a Makeover Segment for Plus Women on The Wendy Williams Show.
Currently, Michelle writes original television series that are female character driven about non-nuanced authentic black experiences focusing on familial relationships for the purposes of bringing awareness and healing.
It is safe to say that what Michelle wants, she is determined enough to make it happen. She brings professionalism, organization and efficiency to every project while simultaneously making it a fun experience for everyone involved.
She loves to get the job done and is consistently finding ways to challenge herself. Michelle continues to refine her many crafts and attracts a band of new followers everywhere she goes because she is just that magical.
Learn more about Michelle N. Barnes’ career at her Linkedin profile.