Rising Stars: Meet Monica Kelsey of Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Kelsey.

Hi Monica, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey started over two decades ago with nothing more than curiosity, creativity, and a deep desire to build something meaningful. I began designing websites and graphics in the early 2000s simply because I loved bringing ideas to life visually. What started as many passion projects quickly evolved into a career as I began working with entrepreneurs who needed someone who could see their vision and translate it beautifully into a brand.

Over the years, I’ve worked with hundreds of business owners, creatives, and organizations, each one teaching me something new about purpose, perseverance, and presentation. I built KRUSH Agency from the ground up, intentionally creating a boutique design house that feels personal yet polished, where creativity meets strategy and aesthetics meet impact.

My goal has always been to elevate brands through storytelling, design, and digital experiences that feel luxurious but remain authentic to who my clients are. That philosophy has opened doors to partnerships with incredible brands and people, from local entrepreneurs to high-profile names and luxury events across Atlanta.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t been a straight line, there’ve been challenges, reinventions, and moments where faith and grit were all I had to lean on. Entrepreneurship can be beautiful, but it can also be isolating and unpredictable. There were seasons when projects fell through, partnerships dissolved, or I had to rebuild from the ground up more than once. But those moments became lessons in resilience. They taught me how to trust my instincts, protect my peace, and realign with my purpose.

Every setback forced me to get clearer about who I am and what I want my work to represent. I stopped chasing validation and started focusing on alignment and creating from a place of authenticity and intention. That shift changed everything for KRUSH Agency.

Today, I’m proud to lead a brand that doesn’t just design for aesthetics, but for impact. KRUSH Agency is about helping others bring their dreams to life through design, strategy, and soul, turning ideas into brands that inspire, connect, and endure. It’s more than business for me; it’s about helping other KRUSH it in their industry.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m the founder and creative director of KRUSH Agency, a boutique design studio that specializes in luxury branding, website design, and creative strategy. My work sits at the intersection of artistry and strategy, where visuals don’t just look beautiful, they communicate powerfully.

At KRUSH, we help entrepreneurs, creatives, and brands elevate their presence through intentional storytelling, timeless design, and a deep understanding of how to connect with their audience. Whether it’s developing a visual identity for a new business, curating the digital experience for a high-profile event, or refreshing an established brand, our goal is always the same: to make your brand unforgettable.

What I’m most proud of is how personal my work has remained. Every project is approached with heart, collaboration, and precision. Clients often say working with me feels like having a “brand best friend” who can see the vision they didn’t know how to explain. Being “your creative bestie” is exactly what I aim for.

What sets KRUSH Agency apart is our ability to merge soul and sophistication. We understand luxury, but we also understand people. Every brand we touch is designed to feel, to evoke emotion, spark connection, and leave a lasting impression. Through KRUSH, I get to help others not just look successful, but feel seen in the process.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that alignment matters more than opportunity. Early in my journey, I said “yes” to everything because I was eager to grow, to prove myself, to stay busy. But over time, I realized that every “yes” that wasn’t aligned with my values or vision pulled me further away from what I was truly meant to build.

I’ve learned to trust timing, to protect my peace, and to let purpose lead. Every setback, every delay, every difficult moment taught me that what’s meant for me won’t require me to shrink or compromise to keep it. When you build from a place of authenticity and integrity, the right opportunities, people, and clients naturally find you.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.krush.agency
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/krushagency
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/krushagency
• Twitter: https://x.com/krushagency