Seafood Specialist Lexy Shelley, #1233, Perry, Georgia, turned personal adversity into a powerful motivator to make a difference in the lives of others.

In May 2020, Lexy had just graduated from high school and was working as a meat clerk at a mom-and-pop butcher shop and as a server. A couple of months later, her best friend passed away.

Feeling lost and full of grief, Lexy started looking for a new job, and her path led her to Publix.

“My best friend’s dad, Mark, was working for Publix as a seafood specialist at the time,” explained Lexy. “He told me to apply, and the rest is history.”

Lexy was hired as a part-time meat cutter apprentice in 2022 at #1008, Kathleen, Georgia. In January 2023, she became a full-time meat cutter apprentice, and she was promoted to a seafood specialist when Mark retired in August 2023.

“Mark taught me that helping others can alleviate my grief because it allows me to shift my focus away from my pain and gives me a sense of purpose,” said Lexy. “It has been an honor to continue to serve our customers and help people in the same way that he did.”

Assistant Store Manager Danielle Ross said, “Lexy does her best to remember each customer’s name and knows their preferences. She often gives customers recipes, offers storage tips and makes cooking recommendations.”

In August 2024, Lexy transferred to her current store and plans to continue pursuing her dream of becoming a meat manager.

Whether she’s working with meat or seafood, providing premier customer service is one of her core values. Lexy’s genuine desire and ability to connect with customers and build lasting relationships makes her a My Publix, My Part difference maker.