Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelli Kelley.
Kelli, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Looking back, my parents knew I was destined for greatness. That’s why they named me Kelli Kelley. Ha! Seriously though, all jokes aside, my family has always been the backbone to my success. I’m very big on family, and I’m grateful that God gave me such a huge and loving one. Honestly, if it weren’t for my faith in Jesus Christ, the role models of my hard-working parents, and my supportive family, I wouldn’t be the successful and ambitious woman that I am today. The morals and values instilled in me at a young age have definitely saved me from going down the wrong path and conforming to harmful societal pressures. My success today can also be attributed to me knowing that I have younger siblings and cousins who look up to me, so I must set the bar high and lead by example.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Any successful journey that is worth taking will inevitably come with speed bumps and failures. So, I’d be lying if I said my journey has been smooth. There are days when I feel overwhelmed and discouraged. There are times when I doubt my talents and feel like my hard work goes unnoticed. But if there’s one thing I learned from my father before his passing, it’s how to hustle. How to go after what you want by any means necessary. I won’t stop moving forward until my purpose on this earth is fulfilled and I’ve blessed the lives of many others. I’m thankful for every obstacle and loss I’ve had to overcome, for diamonds are made under pressure. My advice to anyone starting a new journey is to face your fears, and remember that your biggest competitor is yourself.
What should we know about ShopKKSA? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
While my current studies at Howard University are still a top priority, I can’t deny my innate passion for fashion. I’ve recently turned this passion of mine into a business. The recent launch of my online brand, Kelli Kelley Shoes & Accessories (@shopkksa), has been a dream come true. SHOPKKSA targets young fashionable women who admire exclusivity and strive to achieve high-profile, glamorous looks at affordable prices. The shoes and accessories sold at KKSA are reflective of my personal style, which I believe to be sexy, trendy, and daring. What sets me apart from others is my unique creative abilities and the versatility of my skill set (which is often self taught). I consider myself a visionary, so my mind is constantly thinking of new creative ways in which i can push my brand forward and live out my purpose.
Do you have any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general? What has worked well for you?
Nowadays, I feel like many people view life as a competition. How can I “one up” the next person? As long as we keep up this small-minded mentality, we’ll always be divided. To fight this, I believe it’s very important that we continue to genuinely support and uplift one another. Mentoring and networking are great places to start. I have received so many great opportunities, just by stepping out of my comfort zone and networking with other people that I encounter. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself in social settings, because you never know who might be in the same room as you and how much you both could benefit one another. Also, consider it a blessing to study under an expert in your field and/or passing the knowledge on to someone who needs it. You’ll never dim your own light by sharing your skillset with someone else. If anything, it’ll build your credibility, add to your expertise, and open more doors for you.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shopkksa.com
- Email: shopkellikelley@gmail.com
- Instagram: @shopkksa
- Facebook: @shopkksa
- Twitter: @kellikelleyyy
Image Credit:
Detriana Edwards
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