Representation Matters! Bold Blind Beauty stands unwavering in the conviction that “Real Beauty Transcends Barriers,” and our March cover model, Shelley Shelke, exemplifies this profound belief.
There are many days that I asked myself why. Why am I doing this? It is hard, my vision doesn’t help, it continually pushes me out of my comfort zone, and it’s almost like riding a never-ending roller coaster. And then I’m reminded of the real reason. I hold my head a little higher and smile a little bigger because one of my favourite things about all of this is connecting with you.
~Shelley Shelke
Editor’s Note
In a world where visibility often equates to empowerment, Shelley Shelke emerges as a beacon of confidence, authenticity, and advocacy. As March’s Monthly Beauty, Shelley’s vibrant personality, passion for makeup, and unwavering dedication to disability advocacy shine through.
Her journey, marked by the realization that sharing her sight loss with others brings a sense of community and freedom, resonates deeply with our mission at Bold Blind Beauty. Shelley’s refusal to hide her low vision life and her commitment to living proudly serve as an inspiration to us all. In her own words, she sees others as her inspiration to be her true self—a sentiment that encapsulates the essence of inclusivity and acceptance.
We are honored to feature Shelley and celebrate her journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Let’s continue to amplify diverse voices and foster a world where everyone feels seen, valued, and celebrated. Enjoy!
Stephanae McCoy
Editor-in-Chief, Bold Blind Beauty
Shelley Shelke | Embracing Visibility & Empowerment
It was when I started to share my vision loss with others that I realized I’m not alone. When I began living my low vision life proudly instead of hiding it I found a freedom I had never known. Often I am told that I inspire but I truly see you as my inspiration to be me. All the time and everywhere.
Freedom Blossoms from Acceptance
Shelley Shelke’s Bio
My name is Shelley and I was born with a condition called Optic Atrophy. I spent most of my life finding hacks to hide the fact that I have low vision. I am now 43 and fully embracing who I am including my low vision. The last few years have been liberating and I have connected with so many women like myself. I have tried new things including falling in love with makeup, where I now coach other low vision and blind ladies helping then feel confident using makeup.
Connect With Shelley Shelke
- Instagram: @blindbutblended
- YouTube: @blindbutblended
- Facebook: @ShelleyShelke
Image Descriptions:
- The featured image contains the Beyond Sight Magazine cover described in the second bullet.
- Beyond Sight Magazine’s cover contains a photo of Shelley described by her. A shoulder and up selfie with my hair down and wavy and all swept over one shoulder. I’m wearing a pink crew neck ribbed top with my eyes looking very bright blue. I have a large smile on my face with pink lip gloss on and eyeshadow to match.The text reads Beyond Sight Magazine A Project of Bold Blind Beauty | March | Shelley Shelke.
- A gallery containing two photos of Shelley. 1) I am standing in a brightly lit hallways with a domed white ceiling and chandeliers with 4 tall candle like lights in each. The hallway has white panel type walls as well as ones with large white baseboards. The flooring is a beautiful mid-tone hardwood. I have long brown hair and bright blue eyes. I am smiling with a slight head tilt. I am wearing a bright pink slip dress that comes to mid thigh and a black button up long sleeves linen shirt left open. My arms are down by my side and I have on a small brown cross body purse. I am wearing black strap shoes with a slight wedged heel and gold embellishments on the top. My toenails are painted a bright, purple red. 2) A full body shot of me standing on a cement path outside and leaning on a sign with one hand while I point to it with the other hand. The sign reads Blind Corner. The sign is off the side of the path in a bunch of unruly bushes. I am wearing my hair down long and wavy and have a bewildered look on my face. I am wearing light wash denim shorts, a black fitted sleeveless top with a button up baggy army green shirt over it left unbuttoned.