Today we’d like to introduce you to Keli Moore.
Hi Keli , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I grew up in Richardson, Texas, just north of Dallas, in a close-knit family with a deep love for the arts. Raised in a Baptist church, I learned early on the value of faith, community, and the power of music and creativity. I was inspired by my older siblings, each expressing themselves through their own unique form of art. This sense of inspiration and connection sparked my own journey of creativity.
From a young age, I was fascinated by music videos, often styling clothes in my room or creating storyboards for how I imagined the videos should look. I’m grateful to have parents that let me express myself when it came to my fashion choices. I also loved thrifting, which eventually led me to discover my passion for styling. After high school, I pursued a degree in Merchandising at the University of North Texas, where I furthered my education and honed my skills in the retail and merchandising industries.
As I built my career, I experienced both the highs and lows of the industry, learning valuable lessons along the way. Despite the challenges, I found a renewed sense of purpose and decided to bring an idea to life: Keli&Friends. This project is my way of creating an ecosystem where artists and creatives, especially in the Dallas area, can come together, collaborate, and showcase their work.
Keli&Friends was born out of a desire to bring my network of friends, college peers, and colleagues into a space that encourages creativity and authenticity. The goal is to help artists present their work in their own way and, ultimately, inspire others to do the same. I want to foster face-to-face connections, support local businesses, and amplify the voices of emerging artists.
What started as a simple idea has now become a thriving initiative, and this year, I’m focused on expanding those connections and helping more people find their creative community
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I definitely believe the hardest part was starting. It was scary to walk into the unknown and not know the outcome. But after creating my first video it got easier. There are still challenges but I’m willing to learn from every interaction.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Keli&Friends is an emerging online community, centered around a YouTube channel that shines a spotlight on local artists and businesses in the Dallas area. The goal of Keli&Friends is to create an inclusive space where anyone who loves to create—whether they’re an artist or simply a fan—can come together to connect, learn, and share.
Right now, I’m most proud of the small but supportive community we’ve built so far. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and I’m excited to see the growing enthusiasm for more content. What sets Keli&Friends apart is our focus on bringing back genuine face-to-face connections. I want the platform to foster deeper engagement—not just between myself and the guests, but also between the audience and each other.
Keli&Friends is a free space for all creators to come and talk about their passions, and I hope it inspires people to take that next step and put their own art out into the world.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I believe risk-taking is essential because it pushes you outside of your comfort zone. Even if the outcome isn’t what you expected, there’s always something valuable to learn from the experience. I do consider myself a risk-taker—whether it’s in my passion projects or other areas of my life, taking risks feels like a natural part of my journey.
A great example of this was during my time at the University of North Texas. I had always wanted to study abroad, but I had never flown on a plane before. When the opportunity came to travel to Europe, I decided to take the leap. I scrapped up some funds I was working part-time at Michael Kors and some how made enough to participate. The idea of a 12-hour flight terrified me, but I knew it was a once-in-a-lifetime chance. Despite the fear and tears along the way, that experience ended up being incredibly rewarding and life-changing. It reminded me that sometimes the scariest risks lead to the most rewarding experiences.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
First image- featuring Kenyah Abdul @kidken (Instagram)
Second Image- Featuring cohost of Keli&Friends Hailey Ignacio @haileyIgnacio (Instagram)
Third image- family photo featuring Keli Moore (founder of Keli&Friends)
Fourth Image- Overall summary of Keli&Friends
