My name is Shelby, and I’m a Bel Air native. I attended Prospect Mill Elementary, Southampton Middle, and I graduated from C. Milton Wright in 2012. I have been working in the restaurant industry in Bel Air since I was 15 years old. I have worked for all locally-owned businesses who I have always held dear – Half Pints Pub, Sean Bolans, and Independent Brewing Company. I knew I wanted to stay in Bel Air for life – it has so much to offer. I bought a house in the town limits in 2019, and finally landed the most amazing opportunity to open a restaurant in Bel Air as a part of the ownership team for Das Bierhalle just last year! I try to be actively involved in community events in whatever capacity I am able – professionally or personally. I also foster dogs for an amazing local rescue group. I’ve got a loaded plate but that’s what fuels my fire.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My family is spread out along the east coast, but at home it’s just myself, my partner Eric, and our dog Cali! I have several siblings who live in the area as well, which is such a privilege!
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I am one of the proud owners and managing partners with Das Bierhalle in Bel Air! I have always loved the service industry and working with people. About 3 years ago I realized that I wanted to do more than just take care of guests personally – I wanted to teach the next generation how to succeed in the industry as well. I love getting to work alongside my team in a leadership role, and help them learn how to be the best versions of themselves.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Aside from Das of course, I absolutely adore One Eleven Main and Savona. The owners are incredible people who provide only the best products and experiences for their guests. They have been incredibly inspiring for my journey!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I was born and raised here – but I’ve also worked in Bel Air for half of my life. I just turned 30 in January and my very first day of work was 15 years ago this past May. Time flies!
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
There are so many amazing people to meet in Bel Air, in every industry and community we have to offer! While it’s incredibly difficult to narrow it down to just one person, I think former interim chief of police Jack Meckley is by far one of the most selfless, funny, and all-around interesting people I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
This is always such a tough question! I’m a sucker for a good love story, so “A Star is Born” is definitely on my list for movies. As far as TV goes, nothing makes you feel as good as Ted Lasso.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Surround yourself with people who believe in you, support your ambitions and dreams, and bring out the best in you.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Sharon’s Shaved Ice. I have so many core memories of eating snowballs with my friends – whether it was during a parade or at the Farm Fair, or just a warm summer night. There’s nothing quite like ooey gooey marshmallow on an egg custard icy delight.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would absolutely take Taylor Swift to lunch at Vagabond for a cold beer and a Mamma’s Turkey Wrap. She is so inspiring to me for so many reasons and I would love to hear about her career, and talk to her about all the ways she gives back to so many different communities. It’s truly amazing!
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
My favorite thing is meeting someone new in town and figuring out all of the ways that we’re connected. It’s often amazing to me when I’m introduced to someone that I feel like I already know based on mutual connections or by being familiar with their business… it’s like instant friendship in this community.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I’m just getting started! My life is going to be here in Bel Air for as long as the universe will allow – so I would think that 5-10 years from now I’ll have more than just one business… I’ve got a couple ideas in the works!
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Oddly enough, the “fun fact” about me that not too many people know is that I worked for Disney World in Florida for a year! I was a part of their college program, studying marketing and advertising. I decided that being away from home wasn’t for me, so I declined their offer to extend and stay, but it was an absolutely lifechanging experience for me! Aside from that, I was an All-County and All-State choir singer in high school.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
My friends.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
The people who don’t want to see me succeed. There’s nothing better than proving someone wrong with hard work and determination.
Q: What community service or volunteer work do you participate in for your local community?
I foster dogs for a local rescue, volunteer for community events such as the BBQ Bash, and donate my time to charity fundraisers like golf tournaments or bull roasts. I’ve even coordinated large fundraisers for groups like the Ulman Foundation!
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Comfort, Laughter, Love.
