Shelley Yates
Inweekly, 1/11/2007
The Pensacola product grew up in advertising, she says, spending many days at her father Cooper Yates’ firm. Today, she heads marketing and advertising for two of Pensacola’s premier restaurants, Atlas and Fish House. Here she reveals her love for the opera, hunting wild boars and reading children’s books.
What is your greatest extravagance?
I am a huge fan of Pensacola Opera performances, working out at fitness one-on-one. as well as my “life-changing” new European sleep system from Decadence Down on Ninth Avenue.
What is your favorite journey?
The time I spend with my companion, James Thomas. We have one adventure after another. Whether it’s saltwater fishing, wild boar hunting, traveling, or building things together, he always treats me like I am capable of doing anything he can. He knows how to live life. His whole life is an amazing journey. I am thankful that I get to go along with him.
What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
None of them are—or should be—overrated as far as I am concerned. Since you are asking, people should review them on a daily basis. I think the most underrated one is diligence. People quit too soon.
When and where are you most comfortable?
Pensacola. I have lived other places, but I consider my hometown similar to a favorite pair of blue jeans. I love looking out at the bay, eating Grits à Ya Ya, cheeseburgers from Jerry’s drive-in, running into childhood friends and talking with them like you never missed a minute together. Pensacola is a special place, abundant with beauty and kindness.
Which talent would you most like to have?
It would be fun to play the piano. I took lessons as a girl, but my piano teacher told my mother to keep her money.
Who would you want to play you in a movie about your life?
If she were alive and would be willing to bleach her hair, I would have to say Vivian Leigh.
What was your most embarrassing moment?
One time, I accidentally caught myself on fire, while giving a presentation to a small group of people. I didn’t get hurt and it was really, very funny. But, for an instant, I was completely mortified.
What is your dream job (not your current one)?
One where I’m paid to spend time hunting, fishing and exploring the world.
What is your favorite song?
“Feeling Good”—Nina Simone
What do you most dislike?
Weasels. People who are weasels.
If you could change one thing about your family, what would it be?
I would want my father to still be alive.
What have you learned in life?
So far…life is way too short. Don’t worry about things you don’t have control over—surely the universe is unfolding exactly as it should. Gravity always wins. Be happy. Never give up.
What is the last book you read?
“Thomas the Train Goes Fishing.” I read it to my son, Samuel Cooper, and then the next day he read it right back to me. It was the first book he read on his own.
What super power would you like to have?
Of course I would like to have America. Who’s really gonna give me all of America? I suppose I would have to take Russia. I don’t know what I would do with it, though. All kidding aside, I would like super-strength. You know—so I could stop a jumbo jet from crashing or stop a speeding train. Something like that. Anything really—as long as I could wear a cape with my initial.
What is your motto?
My mother told me this once: “The thing about having a pity party is-nobody wants to come.”
