Her Story
About Kelly
I've spent 13 years in the restaurant industry, starting from an entry-level position and working my way up to training coordinator for corporate, where I report directly to corporate leadership. In my role, I travel to new store openings and spend about 15 hours a day for 2 weeks training groups of 5 to 8 people, getting them as trained as possible so they're ready to run the store when I leave. At my home store, I work in management focusing on front of house hospitality, running our day-to-day business while also coordinating catering, school lunches, spirit nights, fundraisers, and pop-up events at places like jazz festivals and churches to really get out into the community. What really drives me most is helping people grow. I enjoy mentoring others and building confidence in new team members because I was really shy myself, and I can really thank this place for bringing me out of my shell. It's really helped me with a lot of things in my adult life. I enjoy creating that environment where people feel supported and valued. One thing I've learned about leadership is that it's not really about having the title, it's about showing up consistently, supporting others, and continuing to grow through challenges. I'm proud of the resilience that I've developed through life's ups and downs, and I hope my experiences can encourage other women to help recognize their own strengths and potential. I really enjoy helping people believe in themselves because I had a lot of issues growing up, just having a lot of self-doubt, so this has really helped me feel better, and seeing other people grow and learn - I love it. You never really know what kind of day someone is having, so it's really all about how you speak to people. Even just a compliment can really go a long way and make someone's day and completely change their thought and outlook on stuff. Leading effectively while being authentically myself means focusing on communication, empathy, and accountability. It's all about building relationships, not battles, and using your strengths even when you're underestimated.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kelly
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the resilience I've developed through life's ups and downs and my commitment to helping people grow. I was really shy growing up and had a lot of self-doubt, but working in this industry for 13 years has brought me out of my shell and helped me become who I am today. What I've learned is that leadership isn't about having the title - it's about showing up consistently, supporting others, and continuing to grow through challenges. I focus on creating environments where people feel supported and valued, because I know how much that matters. Communication, empathy, and accountability are what allow me to lead effectively while being authentically myself. It's all about building relationships, not battles, and using your strengths even when you're underestimated. I also believe that you never really know what kind of day someone is having, so how you speak to people matters - even just a compliment can really go a long way and make someone's day and completely change their outlook.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Know your value and speak with confidence. Even if you feel like you're the only woman in the room or one of the only few, you have to have that confidence and recognize your own strengths and potential. It's all about building relationships, not battles, and using your strengths even when you're underestimated. Focus on listening and coaching others. I had a lot of self-doubt growing up and was really shy, but I've learned that helping people believe in themselves and creating environments where people feel supported and valued is what makes the difference. Leadership isn't about having the title - it's about showing up consistently, supporting others, and continuing to grow through challenges.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are hospitality, community, creativity, and lifelong learning. I'm all about creating positive experiences for both guests and co-workers and making it seem like we're family. What really drives me is helping people grow and building confidence in others, creating environments where people feel supported and valued. I believe in showing up consistently and supporting others, because you never really know what kind of day someone is having - how you speak to people matters, and even just a compliment can go a long way and completely change someone's outlook. Outside of work, I'm passionate about community, whether that's through the music festival community I've been part of since I was young, or through volunteering and donating to causes like the Humane Society and battered shelters. I'm also focused on health and wellness, learning about the body and nutrition so I can do good for people. I only have one life to live, so I want to enjoy myself, spend time with friends and family, be outside in nature, and live and love my life.
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