Shay Stafford grew up in Tarragindi, Brisbane, and attended the local Catholic primary school, and the local all-girls high school. After a career in dance touring Japan and Malayasia, Stafford auditioned in 1997 at the Moulin Rouge in Paris. After three years at the Moulin Rouge, she moved to the famous cabaret venue, the Lido. After a twelve year career as a Paris showgirl, Stafford and her family recently (2010) returned to live in Australia.
