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Women’s History Month: Kelly (Kelbo Moom)

We spoke to Kelly, founder of Kelbo Moom to get an insight into her experience of leaving a full-time teaching job to pursue a creative career! As one of our newest resident-studio artists, we were so excited to hear what she had to say! 


What do you do? 

My role within the creative industry is an Illustrator. I create a range of different pieces, but my speciality is creating Memory Maps, one off pieces that characterise a rending of people, their loves, lives and families.    I also run educational Art and Creative workshops and Children’s Arty Parties. Where I’d like to think I can inspire and light little fires of love and passion for Art and creativity! 

What is your favourite thing about working in the creative industry? 

There are so many amazing things about working in the creative industry, but one of my favourites has to be meeting so many like minded people. I love getting to know the people that I create work for, I feel privileged for them letting me have access to their most precious memories and the trust they give me to interpret their lives visually in my style.  

What has been the biggest challenge of your career so far?

The biggest challenge of my career so far, has been making the leap! I left a full time teaching job to pursue this dream job and I’m not going to lie, it was scary! It was also exhilarating, liberating, exciting and I have never looked back!

What has been the biggest highlight of your career so far?

Is it cheesy to say every day is a highlight?! How lucky is it to be doing what you are most passionate about and love the most for a job? How many people can honestly say that?!

Who is the most inspirational women to you, did they inspire you to pursue a creative career?

The most inspirational women in my life was my Nan. She faced so many challenges in life, despite being paralysed down her left hand side from a Stroke she had giving birth aged just 24, she learnt to walk and talk again, she beat Cancer and even went on to have more babies. She always approached life with positivity and with a massive smile! Although she didn’t directly inspire me to pursue a creative career, she did inspire me to make the most of life, pursue my dreams and to smash through any barriers that dare to present themselves along the way and to do so wearing a smile. 

What is your advise for women who want to start a creative business or pursue a career in the creative instustry?

 Believe in your fabulous self and your own fabulous work, don’t compare yourself to others, there’s truth in the saying “Making comparisons with others only breeds insecurities” – we all have enough of those! If you want a career in the creative industry its simple... take control, be proactive and make it happen! If you already have a full time job, start building yourself up in your spare time and at weekends. Make yourself visible and raise your profile. Begin by creating pieces as gifts for friends and family, ask them to post, share and tag your work on social media. You can also create pieces for charity auctions and raffles. Understand that it can take time, but with consistency and a positive mind set you can do it!

You can do anything you want to and don’t forget to do it wearing smile, a smile goes along way  !  

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