Life and Work with Kellye Mapp

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kellye Mapp.

Kellye, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started my styling career back in 2011. I was Assistant stylist to Future for his Pluto album cover. It’s was my first time being on set and I loved it. Over the next few years, I assisted several stylists and being to build a clientele of my own. In 2014, I took my talents to tv/film. Working on several commercials and pilots. I also went on to team up with one of my favorite photographers and started doing a lot of creative direction and editorial styling work that we had published that year. As I was working on building a name for myself in fashion, my husband (who is also a creative) and I were also nurturing what has evolved into a creative agency called EverydaysFriday. Where we house legendary clients like The World Famous Magic City and new staples such as the S.W.A.G. Shop barbershops(owned by Atlanta’s own Killer Mike and his Wife Shay Bigga) which recently opened its doors in the Statefarm arena. Being able to create unique activations and brand experiences is a dream come true for my husband and me.

In 2016, our daughter CoCo Mahogany was born, which opened up so many channels for my husband and me personally. We started doing so much research and learning a lot about birth and what we wanted our experience to be like. Realizing that our culture could use more education in the subject of birth and parenting infants, Melanin Mommas was born. Melanin Mommas is a show for millennial Mommas, talking about everything from co-parenting to continuing to have personal goals after kids. This show and anything related to being a mom has become a true passion for me. I recently started a podcast with my son Karter who’s 12 called “getting to know our little people.” Starting a healthy dialogue between teens and their parents. My entrepreneurial journey has taken me many places, but it’s only the beginning.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
This road has absolutely NOT been smooth for me, but I have also been majorly blessed with people and opportunities. If I can be honest, I have probably stood in my way more than anything or anyone has. Fear and doubt are so prominent these days. It’s really tough to fight past that sometimes. Opening up about my own challenges, I noticed that many women are suffering in a similar way. I would suggest young women find a mentor. Someone in the field of interest doesn’t always have to be, but someone you trust that could help guide you both personally and professionally.

Please tell us about EverydaysFriday.
The work that I’m most proud of can’t be measured by followers or likes or even clicks to my site because you can find me and my work on many many platforms. But I’m most proud of the work that’s being done in and around my home and community. That’s where I make my biggest impact. Being a mother to my children and being a voice for Mommas. Next month, I will be hosting a support group for mothers.

I believe that the thing that sets me apart is being so multifaceted. I’m sooo good at so many different things. From being a stylist, and putting together dope looks to cooking a delicious meal for my family and having my daughter bathed and in bed by nine. I’ve been told “I make being a mom look cool,” lol!

There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that a lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
I’ve entered a new space in my life where I feel like I also need a new mentor, so I’m currently looking for one. But I would tell someone else to go and meet new people. Go to the events and the meetups. If there’s something going on in your field of interest, make it your business to be there. Speak up, telling people what you do, or what your aspiring to do and see what happens. And after you leave these functions, have a strong follow-up game. Shoot an email or text. Stay in the loop!

Contact Info:

• Website: Kellyebstyle.com
• Phone: 4045799856
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: Atlantakellye

Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.