Meet Kelly Jackson | Creative Director
We had the good fortune of connecting with Kelly Jackson and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Kelly, what role has risk played in your life or career?
How do you progress in life without taking risk? That is the ultimate question. I always thought I was different and wanted to explore life outside from where I grew up in the suburbs of West Bloomfield, Michigan. It all started at a young age for me, my parents had always immersed my sister and I in new environments from traveling, schools, activities, organizations, cultures and more. Even though I had a lot of exposure to new things Michigan was not enough, I wanted more out of life and I wanted to explore. As I was applying for colleges, I knew I wanted to go somewhere completely different with new people and experiences. I wanted to see more than the 50 black people I was use to seeing and after watching my sister attend an HBCU – Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, I knew I wanted to go too. My first risk was following my sister’s footsteps leaving Michigan to attend FAMU. It was a great experience and I met some of the most amazing people, I can call family. Once college was over, I thought to myself again, I can’t go back to Michigan, I can’t be in the cold, and there is nothing there but family, where to next. California has always been my dream location and right when I was graduating college, I was offered and blessed with a position I could not refuse. Now, I was on my way to Irvine, CA where everything changed for the better. Who’s to say if I never took the risk, I would not be living in my dream career, not have met my amazing fiancé, and have experiences of a life time.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I didn’t always know what I wanted to do, I had an inkling but I was never 100% sure of my career path. Earlier on in the interview, a question was asked about risk. My risk was moving to Cali but it came with challenges once I starting working. I didn’t immediately start in a position I liked, it didn’t fit my personality nor was I passionate about it but I was still happy because I lived in Cali. Living in Cali was how I got through many challenges because I could always count on the ocean to calm me down. After a year and half of being in a position that wasn’t for me, I went in a new position that involved traveling and learning new things which I liked because I was exposed to new places and learning new avenues of the business which ultimately built me up for the next role.
Finally, at the end of 2019 I was blessed to now be in new position I loved which is being a Marketing and Community Engagement Director. I never knew how much I loved marketing and people until I fully submerged myself in the position. Now, I knew that was it, I knew this was my dream career because it embodied my personality, creativity and joy for making people happy. Life is like the Wonkavator, there are no straight lines, you may go up, you may go down, you may slap from side to side but you can’t give up. There is always a place for you somewhere, and remember if you never ask questions the answer will always be NO.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I have experienced Cali in two ways Orange County and Los Angeles County. A quick Thursday-Sunday trip would consist of the following:
Thursday: I would take them to eat in Studio City because I know they are hungry after the long flight. Then we would swing over to Mulholland to watch the sunset.
Friday: Head to Laguna and visit the beautiful beachside restaurants and art galleries.
Saturday: Brunch at Eately, and then swing over to a day party from 88thx11mile while jamming to bops from the best dj Djrtisic.
Sunday: Brunch in Malibu, site see, and a cruise down PCH
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?
I would love to shoutout my family without their guidance, reassurance and love, I am not my full self. The second shoutout would go to my fiancé, he loves me for me, he’s my number one motivator, supporter and bestfriend. Last shout out goes to my friends from my bestie from college, to my high school sisters, they keep me grounded, and luckily I have found some real awesome ladies in Cali who make every experience memorable and fun. LOVE YOU ALL!!!!
Instagram: kelly_kells_
Linkedin: Kelly Jackson
Twitter: pyt4life
Facebook: Kelly Jackson
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