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

Hi Kelly, why did you pursue a creative career?
I started dance when I was 3 years old and I fell in love with everything about it. It helped me process the world around me, and gave me a place to put all the emotions, feelings and thoughts I had. And all without having to say a word. It was my everything, all I wanted to do with my days, was to sing and dance. See, I grew up poor. Both my parents worked very hard and I learned from them, from a young age that if I wanted anything in life I would have to go out into the world and get it. That no one was coming to save me or put the work in for me. I learned I had to risk the life I had for the one I wanted, learn to use my talents and work hard towards making them better. So once I started thinking about a career, naturally performing arts was the only thing I could ever think about spending an education on, and a career I see myself being able to excel in and enjoy for the rest of my life!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My life has never been easy. I will say as I grow, it has become much more normal, because I have worked very hard in support groups, therapy and on myself to be a good person. To not let my past define me, to be successful and not be a product of my circumstances in life. I believe we all have the power to be whom we want to be with the right mindset and work. As I shared before, I grew up poor and with drug addict parents. Though they were loving parents, my home life wasn’t what you’d consider normal. From a young age I learned lessons far beyond what my years should have, and I knew I was different, despite all the chaos around me. I just really wanted to shine and to be a light in the dark world. I have a long history of sexual abuse from outside my home, due to this I was very lost and suicidal by the time I was 15 years old. I was failing in school though I tried my hardest and loved learning, but the only thing I was really ever gifted at was song and dance. So, I made the promise to myself that I would be the first of my family to graduate college and in something I loved! After graduating, I moved to Chicago 3 days later as I was so eager to get out of Flint, Michigan and create the life I wanted for myself for so long as a performer. Fast forward 15 years later I have a voice studio, am a top their fitness professional, a 5 time consecutive World Champion and a singer/song writer!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First we would go out to the lake front to watch the sun rise over Lake Michigan. It truly is a site to behold. Then we would get brunch at one of the many amazing restaurants here around Chicago. After that we’d hit up the museums and beautiful parks along Lake Shore drive. Maybe take a bike ride along the lake front until the sun sets behind the stunning Chicago skyline. At which point we’d get dressed up and go out on the town for some dinner and dancing. Hitting up multiple downtown hot spots to dance the night away.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My success first goes to God, he is the one who’s truly gotten me here. Then thereafter is the mentors, teachers, coaches, schools, family and friends who have all been intricate and key to my overall success. My coaches Liza Gazdziak, John & Gerri Clark, Bill Jones of Team Noble Bodybuilding, my amazing organization UFE shows and the owner Sean Everingham. My husband and fellow fitness competitor Matt Good all taught me, inspired me, supported and uplifted me to where I am in bodybuilding. They also inspired me to seek further education and mentorship that was vital to my success in fitness. As for the performing arts side of my success, I truly owe that to the University of Michigan. And to the teachers and staff there that helped me learn how to be a true performer! I struggled through college, academics didn’t come naturally to me, but the performing side did. I was blessed to have some instructors who really invested in me. Had it not been for these influential people, I don’t know if I would have been able to graduate much less excel in school.

Website: www.KellyGoodStudio.com

Instagram: @Kelly_S_Good

Linkedin: Kelly Good

Facebook: Kelly Good UFE Pro

Youtube: Kelly Good Studio

Image Credits
Don Bersano

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