Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Ferguson.
Hi Kelly, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My passion started at home. It was my parents who always encouraged me to dream big and then stood by me, cheering me on. They were and are my “balcony people”. My mom taught me about leading a “balcony life,” devoted to bringing out the best in others and myself. So they really encouraged me to create beautiful things from the inside out, which is where my desire to design handbags was born. Since then, I have carried this into my company culture referring back to our balcony philosophy daily. Balcony people are the people standing in your balcony cheering you on, encouraging you, supporting you. Basement people bring you down, balcony people bring you up, so it’s important that every woman feels supported and encouraged at Kelly Wynne.
My grandfather, born and raised in MS, started White Construction, now family business, and my dad opened a branch in Austin back before Austin was even on the map. I grew up watching him grind it out daily, working so hard to grow this business in a place he knew no one being from Mississippi. I’ve watched him over the years create a business based on honesty, loyalty and respect, and I’ve always admired what he’s accomplished and aspire to do great work like he has done. But I did not know early on I would start my own business. Designing handbags seemed unrealistic especially since no one in my family is in the industry. I didn’t go to school for fashion design, but I felt like the Lord was calling me to do this. Even though it felt out of the blue to some, I’ve always had this innate desire to design beautiful products, specifically handbags.
I have always had a love for accessories. In college, my friends called me the accessories queen, and they would ask me to jazz up their outfits with fun accessories. After graduating from the University of Mississippi, I landed a position at a boutique public relations firm in Dallas, and I was only one of three people. I quickly figured out that even though it was a small business, it was a huge opportunity because I got to have my hands in everything, but the most valuable skillset I learned was watching my boss run her business. After working there for three years, I started to get antsy and really worry about the future and unknown of my career path. During that time, I had a career mentor I would meet with regularly. One morning we got together for coffee to check-in, and she could tell I was really frustrated and feeling the Monday blues, so I then shared with her that I felt unsettled in my job. She asked me the simplest question that ultimately led to my aha moment. She asked Kelly if you could do anything, anything at all, if money wasn’t an issue, the skies the limit, what would it be? And that was the first moment I blurted out loud, “I just want to design handbags as crazy as that sounds. I’ve always dreamt it, but I know it’s not going to happen, so let’s just move onto the next thing.” She had the calmest demeanor, uplifting voice, asking me, Why not? What’s stopping you? And she really made me answer the question beyond just because it’s not possible. Through her, I felt like the Lord was pushing me to choose courage over comfort, and I have felt Him pushing me in this direction all throughout my career. If you’re comfortable, you aren’t growing. I look back at that time and sometimes laugh because I was so naive. I really didn’t know what I was getting myself into, but that’s a good thing. If I knew the challenges I would face along the way, I may not have started.
After eight years in business, the Kelly Wynne brand is now energizing women’s wardrobes all over the world. We’ve stayed true to bold designs, unique materials, and on-trend utility offering our customers high-quality, swoon-worthy product that is guaranteed to make your life easier. We are committed to lifting our customers up and cheering them on through our product and “beyond the bag”. We want every woman to feel confident in pursuing her dreams, so when you need us, we’ll be here in your balcony (handbags in tow!) rooting for your wins.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My first big obstacle was finding a manufacturer to produce my product. I spent about a year talking with anyone & everyone to learn as much as I could about starting a business, manufacturing and selling product. I heard about a manufacturer in New Jersey that was very reputable, and I naively met with him thinking everyone was as friendly as women in the south! After I presented my sketches and designs, he stood up, crossed his arms, looked me up & down & said, “Is this a hobby” sweetie?”. I awkwardly laughed it off, killed him with kindness, and walked out the door so disappointed, feeling like a failure. Even though this was defeating, I chose to fail forward. I used this meeting to fuel my fire and grow from the experience. I knew he didn’t take me seriously because of my age & appearance. I looked really young when I started this business, which was a challenge I had to overcome, and I did. I eventually secured a manufacturer who told me, “In you, I see a winner,” which, humbly, was music to my ears after getting knocked down and turned away by so many others. I took this experience to heart and learned that I will fail at some things, but when I do, I will fail forward by learning & growing stronger because of them. Seven months after the “sweetie” meeting, I had my first collection of handbags.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Kelly Wynne is an energetic lifestyle brand known for high-quality, swoon-worthy handbags and accessories guaranteed to make your life easier.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Through our “Beyond the Bag” program, we give back to our communities and partner with like-minded organizations committed to building women up by promoting self-care, confidence, and independence. I enjoy speaking at various cause-oriented events that inspire women to find their passion and create opportunity for the next generation to achieve their dreams.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@kellywynne.com
- Website: www.kellywynne.com
- Instagram: @shopkellywynne
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopkellywynne/
Image Credits:
Brandon Hill Photography is our main Austin photographer. Some images are from photographers from destination shoots – Wendy Mills Photography and Carrie Patterson Photography
