Meet Kelli Turner | Founder & Creative Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kelli Turner and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelli, we’d love to start by asking you about lessons learned. Is there a lesson you can share with us?
The most important lesson my business has taught me is to never give up on myself. Believing in myself has been the key to everything else falling into place—success, happiness, and fulfillment. I’ve learned that the only real obstacle is the hesitation within. My advice? Take that leap of faith. Start the business, write the book, follow your passion—whatever makes your dream a reality. This journey is yours, not anyone else’s, and no matter the discouragement or doubt from others, remember: your dreams are yours alone, and only you can make them come true.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Kelli Diane Designs was born from a lifelong love of purses that began in my childhood, inspired by my mom. Although I wasn’t initially interested in carrying them, over time, I developed a deep appreciation for quality handbags. In my 20s, I found myself buying affordable, lower-quality purses but always wishing for something more—something that would combine both style and durability. This passion eventually led me to design my own line of handbags, creating pieces that were not only fashionable but built to last.

What sets Kelli Diane Designs apart is our commitment to quality and our focus on empowering women through stylish, functional designs that fit their busy lifestyles. We cater to soulful, creative, working women who want bags that make a statement while still being practical. Whether it’s a purse, wristlet, or crossbody, every product is designed with the intention of helping women feel confident and organized as they navigate their day.

The journey to where I am today was anything but easy. Starting a business involved a lot of learning, trial and error, and most importantly, trusting in my vision. One of the biggest challenges was gaining the confidence to turn my passion into a legitimate business. I had to overcome fears of failure, juggle all the logistics of running a business, and learn everything from design to marketing. I’m so proud of how far Kelli Diane Designs has come, and the support I’ve received from family, friends, and customers has been invaluable.

Along the way, I’ve learned the importance of resilience, trusting in the process, and understanding that success doesn’t happen overnight. Each setback was an opportunity to learn and grow. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that staying true to my vision while remaining open to feedback has been crucial in building a brand that resonates with people.
I want the world to know that Kelli Diane Designs isn’t just about handbags; it’s about creating products that empower women and make them feel good about themselves. I want my brand to represent confidence, creativity, and authenticity.

What excites me most is the opportunity to continue expanding and designing products that reflect the ever-evolving needs of today’s modern woman. But, what truly inspires me is seeing other women carrying Kelli Diane Designs products. It motivates me to keep going and push forward with even more passion and creativity. It reminds me that my work is making a difference, and that keeps me excited for what’s to come.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting from out of town, we’d make sure to pack the week with fun, relaxation, and unforgettable experiences. We’d kick things off with a concert at either the Forum or Crypto.com Arena, where we could enjoy live music and the electric atmosphere. Next, we’d grab some laughs at a comedy show by the Ice House in Pasadena or Comedy Union in Los Angeles—it’s always a great time!

One night, we’d keep it cozy and order pizza from Prime Pizza (because it’s the best) and enjoy a glass of wine while binge-watching Netflix and pampering ourselves with facials. Another day, we’d go for a day trip to a local winery—soaking up the sun, tasting some great wine, and chatting all day.

When we’re in the mood for a chill evening, we’d make tacos and margaritas together, blast some music, and dance around the living room. Of course, there’d be plenty of time to meet up with friends and family she hasn’t seen since moving, enjoying a cup of tea, some good food, and all the laughter.

The whole trip would be about enjoying the little moments—good food, good drinks, relaxing vibes, and making new memories!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My best friends and family have been my biggest supporters. My mother was my number one fan. She fought cancer for 19 years, and no matter what life threw at her, she kept getting up and moving forward. Her resilience inspired me to do the same, especially as I began pursuing my dream. She passed away in September 2022, but her spirit and strength are the reasons I’m still here, still pushing forward.

A quote that helped me take the leap into starting my business is from Robyn Allan: ‘Many of us are afraid to follow our passions, to pursue what we want most because it means taking risks and even facing failure. But to pursue your passion with all your heart and soul is success in itself. The greatest failure is to have never really tried.’ It was this reminder to live fully, to embrace risks and follow my heart, that encouraged me to bring Kelli Diane Designs to life.

Website: https://www.kellidianedesigns.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellidianedesigns

Twitter: @kellidiane23

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kellidianedesigns

Other: I also have my coaching page www.instagram.com/therealkellidiane