Shirley Lam was born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia, to a Chinese Canadian father who served as a soldier in the Canadian Army during World War II.

Growing up in Vancouver's historic Chinatown, she attended both Strathcona Elementary School and Chinese public school. From an early age, she developed a deep appreciation for the Chinese language and culture, cultivating an interest in Chinese opera and cinema, which helped reinforce her mother tongue.

Shirley also has a strong passion for dance, particularly ballroom, Chinese classical dance, and line dancing. Additionally, she practices tai chi and enjoys working with tai chi sword and fan.