Meet Shelby Anderson | Small Business Owner, History Teacher, Education Consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shelby Anderson and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Shelby, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started Extremely Retro with the idea to highlight some of my favorite pieces of history and connect with people’s sense of nostalgia. I had been involved in the WWII reenacting and vintage trailer communities and found a love for historical artifacts that I learned other people shared with me. I wanted to create something that allowed me to share a moment of joy, connection, and shared history with those that purchased my art. I decided to do stickers, magnets, and keychains, as people often want to feel that sense of nostalgia, but often don’t have the space to buy the items that my art represents, such as a vintage trailer or WWII Willys Jeep. I hoped that by creating these small items people could find positive memories in my art and take a piece of history wherever they go.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My career is marked by a diverse range of experiences that have gotten me where I am at today. I was fortunate enough to have a unique educational background where I was homeschooled K-8th grade and went to an independent study high school. My family focused on traveling, both across the United States and internationally, and learning about the work from a first hand, experience based perspective. With this focus, I learned from a young age about the benefits of taking initiative, being flexible, and approaching new information with an open mind and humility, and I have found these lessons to be a benefit to me as a professional. I look forward to collaborating with new people, whether that is museum institutions who want to connect with teachers or other creatives who would like to work together. I am a big believer in collaboration over competition and feel that we all have something beneficial we could bring to the table to create something wonderful
I also believe my experience based educational upbringing has helped me become the engaging and fun teacher that I am today as I teach AP Human Geography, Global Studies, and U.S. History at Laguna Beach High School. I am proud to be a Disney award-winning educator, recognized for my innovative contributions to the field of education. Additionally, one of the unique opportunities I have is my role as an Educational Consultant at The National WWII Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana. Having completed their Teacher Training program, I now contribute to the museum’s education program, creating lessons and providing expert feedback. In the summer of 2024 I will return to the museum to present my methodologies and knowledge on women’s military service during WWII to teachers from all across the United States.
My story is a testament to the lessons I’ve learned along the way—lessons of adaptability, perseverance, and a commitment to making a positive impact. As a board member of the Thomas Munson Foundation Scholarship Fund, I actively support education through scholarships, and as a board member for the Historical Unit of Southern California I also work to create public education opportunities to highlight our nations most important eras. The journey to becoming a High School History teacher and history engaged individual has been challenging, but it has shaped me into a dynamic professional with a deep sense of purpose.
What I want the world to know about me is that I don’t view my career as just a job; it’s a journey fueled by passion, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of making education meaningful and remembering our past. Everyday I am working on something different, and that is something I love about the path I have chose. Whether in the classroom, as an entrepreneur, or as a board member, my story is about making a meaningful difference, engaging with history, and inspiring others to find their passion.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Currently my favorite place to take friends is the Northgate Mercado in Costa Mesa! There are so many fun food options to eat freshly made, as well as plenty of options to shop in the grocery sections around the store. They also have so many beautiful artisan products such as soap, dish ware, and other gifts that represent the vibrance of the Mexican culture. I also love to enjoy the churros and bakery section while listening to live music! I highly recommend everyone take a chance to stop by!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
One of the people I would love to shout out is Dr. Jeannett Castellanos, Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies at UC Irvine. During my time at UCI Dr. Castellanos took me under her wing and became an invaluable mentor to me. She is someone who I greatly admire, respect and hope to honor with the work that I do in my own life. She is someone I still come to today with my good news and someone I could always approach with a need for guidance. From her classes and teaching I now am able to examine the world from a multifaceted perspective, and this methodology is something that I take into my business, my consulting work, and my own teachings as a high school history teacher in Orange County.
Website: ExtremelyRetro.com
Instagram: @Extremely.Retro
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelbyranderson/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8WtQlDbqzY&t=1s
Image Credits
Classroom photo with old newspapers and photo with me speaking outdoors in uniform with the American flag: Photos by Mary Hurlburt. All other product photos and photos of me are taken by me, Shelby Anderson