Shelley Sykes Wikipedia, Biography
Shelley Sykes is a British-born Australian author, inspirational speaker, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, often referred to as the “Happiness Guru.” She has a diverse professional background, including roles as an actress, producer, director, voice-over artist, singer, and television host. Sykes holds an MBA, a PhD in Psychology, and a Bachelor of Science in IT and Journalism.
She is the founder of Happy Charity, an organization dedicated to offering “hope, happiness, and health to those suffering.” Sykes has authored several books, including “Callum’s Cure,” an autobiography detailing her experiences with her son, Rory, who was born blind and with cerebral palsy.
Tragically, in January 2025, her son Rory Callum Sykes, aged 32, passed away during the Los Angeles wildfires when their Malibu property was engulfed by flames. Despite Shelley’s desperate attempts to save him, Rory succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Early Life and Background
Born on July 29, 1962, in West Yorkshire, England, Shelley Sykes was raised in a family that celebrated shared milestones; notably, she, her mother Pauline, and later her son Rory, all share the same birthday.
Education
Sykes pursued a diverse educational path, reflecting her wide-ranging interests. She attended Brighouse Girls Grammar School and later earned a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg. Furthering her education, she obtained an MBA by the age of 22 and studied Journalism at the University of Bradford, receiving a Diploma in Journalism. In 2008, she was awarded an honorary PhD from the University of Sharjah, UAE, for her creative works with Edward de Bono.
Career
Early Career
Sykes’s professional journey began in the fashion industry, working for her grandmother’s haute couture business, Langs Gowns. By 16, she had secured modeling contracts, and at 17, she was singing in a band. Her early career also included roles in IT with IBM, banking with Standard Bank, journalism with Knaysna Press, and various positions in travel and public relations.
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Transition to Entertainment
Encouraged by celebrity guests during her tenure as an Entertainment Manager in Crete, Greece, Sykes trained as an actress at the London Regent School of Acting. She secured roles on Yorkshire TV’s “Drama Scene” and appeared alongside Catherine Zeta-Jones in television shows.
Entrepreneurship and Writing
Demonstrating entrepreneurial spirit, Sykes founded a chain of beauty spas located in five-star hotels across the UK and Australia. She authored several books, including her autobiography “Callum’s Cure,” which won a National Indie Excellence Award. Other notable works include “The Happiness Bug,” “Hats to Heels,” “Sexy Single & Ready to Mingle,” and “Words of Inspiration,” with several receiving accolades in their respective categories.
Philanthropy
Motivated by her son’s health challenges, Sykes co-founded Happy Charity in 2005, an organization dedicated to offering hope, happiness, and health to those suffering. The charity is entirely volunteer-run and has been instrumental in various global initiatives, including the celebration of Global Happiness Day.
Personal Life
In May 1989, Sykes married Leigh, a programmer, in Acapulco, Mexico. The couple had one son, Rory, born on July 29, 1992, but divorced in early 1994. Sykes and her son moved to Sydney, Australia, in 2001.
Tragically, in January 2025, Shelley Sykes’s 32-year-old son, Rory Callum Sykes, lost his life during the Los Angeles wildfires when their Malibu property was overtaken by flames. Despite Shelley’s valiant efforts to rescue him, Rory sadly succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Awards and Recognitions
Sykes’s contributions have been widely recognized. In 2009, she was nominated for Australian of the Year, and in 2012, she received the Susan B. Anthony Award for her charity work.
Net Worth
While specific figures regarding Sykes’s net worth are not publicly disclosed, her successful ventures in entertainment, entrepreneurship, and writing, along with her philanthropic endeavors, suggest a substantial and diversified financial portfolio.
Conclusion
Shelley Sykes’s life is a testament to resilience, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of happiness—not only for herself but for others. Her multifaceted career and philanthropic efforts continue to inspire individuals worldwide, embodying the ethos that happiness is indeed a choice.
FAQs
Who is Shelley Sykes?
Shelley Sykes is a British-born Australian author, motivational speaker, entrepreneur, and philanthropist known for her works in happiness research and advocacy. She is also a multifaceted professional in entertainment and media.
What is Shelley Sykes famous for?
She is renowned as the “Happiness Guru,” for her best-selling books, inspirational speaking engagements, and philanthropic efforts through her organization, Happy Charity.
What is Shelley Sykes’s educational background?
Shelley Sykes holds a Bachelor of Science in IT, an MBA, a Diploma in Journalism, and an honorary PhD in creative works.
What are Shelley Sykes’s notable books?
Some of her famous books include Callum’s Cure, The Happiness Bug, Words of Inspiration, and Sexy Single & Ready to Mingle.
Did Shelley Sykes act in movies or TV shows?
Yes, Shelley trained as an actress and appeared in television shows, including a Yorkshire TV drama alongside Catherine Zeta-Jones.
What awards has Shelley Sykes received?
Shelley has won multiple awards for her books, including a National Indie Excellence Award for Callum’s Cure, and accolades for her contributions to happiness and creative works.
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