Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsey Jones
Hi Kelsey, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
For context: I am a UX designer, content creator and podcaster based in Austin, TX.
I always knew I was creative growing up. I was never amazing at art or had an interest in music, but I always loved to make things. My first dream job was actually to be a chef, and I would spend my weekends and summers as a kid baking elaborate cakes and pastries. I have always just loved creating beautiful things that people could enjoy. When I was in middle school, I picked up a camera in yearbook class, and I found a new creative outlet through photography. Naturally, I progressed into learning graphic design, and it happened to be something I was really good at, so I decided to go pursue a design degree in college. I graduated with a BFA in Design at the University of Texas at Austin in 2021. After that, I moved to NYC to pursue a design career out there, but it sparked another new love — content creation. I started making Tiktoks & posting more on IG primarily to share my life with my friends and family who lived so far away. But then it started to be more than that for me. Not only was it how I would express myself, but I started to build an online community of people who I wanted to inspire to live an extraordinary life. I moved back to Austin in 2023 after facing some health issues, but I have continued to pursue content and start a podcast to hopefully inspire people to live a life they love everyday and never to let fear get in the way of their dreams.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Of course not haha! One of the hardest battles I’ve faced was a health struggle. I was diagnosed with mold poisoning in 2023 and it almost made me give up everything. Mold poisoning is a chronic disease, categorized by digestive issues, chronic inflammation, extreme fatigue, sinus/respiratory symptoms, weight gain, and more. I felt like I was operating on 10% battery for almost 2 years of my life. I had to move out of NYC, at the risk of losing my job, and I almost even quit social media because I couldn’t stand to see myself on camera some days or I just didn’t have the mental/creative energy to post something I was proud of.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’ll share about my content creation stuff (vs design career) because it’s definitely more my passion. I create aspirational lifestyle content on Tiktok, IG & my podcast, called “What’s Stopping You? with Kelsey Jones.” I make vlogs, take fashion photos, post recipe, grocery hauls, etc; my page is about being my best self inside & out. I help others take care of their physical, mental & spiritual health. I am most proud of my perseverance through the years, as well as some cool deals I’ve done, such as working with Coca-Cola. Working in content is a hard thing, you put in a lot of work without always getting rewarded with views or followers. But it’s worth it when I get cool opportunities like that!
I would say what sets me apart from others is my personality and life in Austin. I believe that there is room for every type of creator online, but what will make you stand out is the way you present yourself online, being relatable, and also being in a niche that needs more creators. Austin is an up-and-coming city and I think it has room to grow in it’s creator community.
What matters most to you?
Integrity matters most to me. I pride myself on being the same person in public and in private, online or in person. I say this a lot with my friends, but I hold myself to a high standard (morally, professionally, etc), and I want to live a “transparent” life, where people can see into who you are by the way you live.
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