From Addiction and Loss to Leadership: How Shelby Perry Turned Her Pain into Power
From Loss and Addiction to Recovery and Strength
Shelby Perry’s story is one of deep darkness but, above all, of hope. From the young age of thirteen, she struggled with alcohol and drug use. Although she appeared to have her life together—functioning at work and maintaining hobbies—her addiction took a drastic turn during the pandemic. Alone and locked in with her demons, she drank every day and night while the world around her stood still. But it was at this lowest point that she found a way out—a path to a new beginning.
A Turning Point: From Addiction to Sobriety
In a desperate moment, during a blackout, Shelby sent a message to an old friend in San Diego. That friend, who was sober and active in the AA community, offered Shelby a lifeline: "Come here, and I’ll help you." That one choice changed everything. On April 28, 2020, she arrived in San Diego and was immediately placed in a sober living community. The first few months were tough—Zoom meetings, confronting her own demons, and working through the famous 12 steps of AA. But slowly, she began to feel lighter, stronger, and freer.
The biggest gift from that period? Self-awareness. Shelby learned how deeply ingrained her old patterns were and how to break free from them. She learned the importance of honesty—not just with others, but with herself. She discovered the power of community and the necessity of support. She made amends with her past and found a new mission: helping others who were going through the same struggles.
From Trauma to Transformation
But life had another unexpected challenge in store for Shelby. Ten months into her recovery journey, during a snowboarding trip, she suffered a severe accident. She was rushed into emergency surgery on her eye, but the damage was irreversible. On April 29, 2021—just one day after celebrating her one-year sobriety milestone—her eye was removed.
This could have broken her. In the past, she might have turned to alcohol. But now? Now she saw an opportunity to grow once more. She realized that her experience could help others. She launched Eyehesive, a global community for people who had lost an eye, creating a safe space where stories could be shared, and experiences exchanged. She organized ‘I Connect,’ a virtual conference bringing together experts and survivors to discuss self-acceptance, mental resilience, and life with a prosthetic eye.
Empowering Others to Build Their Own Communities
Shelby didn’t stop there. Through her new brand, she now helps others who have experienced life-changing injuries build their own communities, movements, and platforms. She empowers survivors to reclaim their stories, turn their pain into purpose, and create lasting impact in the world.
The Power of Resilience and Community
Shelby’s journey is the ultimate proof that even after deep lows, you can rise again. Her transformation—from addiction to sobriety, from physical trauma to becoming an inspiring leader in her community—demonstrates the power of resilience.
Her biggest lessons?
Ask for help. You don’t have to do it alone. The right people are ready to support you.
Be honest with yourself. True growth starts with self-reflection.
Turn your pain into power. What once broke you can help others heal.
Work with Shelby
If you’re ready to take your story and turn it into a movement, Shelby can help. Through her expert coaching, she guides visionaries who have experienced life-changing injuries to build impactful brands, communities, and businesses. Whether you want to create a platform, inspire change, or turn your pain into purpose, Shelby provides the tools and strategy to make it happen.
Learn more at Eyehesive.com and follow Shelby’s journey on Instagram.
Join the Phoenix People Community
Just like Shelby, you too can grow and become stronger by turning your struggles into strength. Do you want to be surrounded by people who understand and support you in your journey? Join the Phoenix People Community and be inspired by stories of resilience and growth.