Brief Introduction
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Imagine a powerhouse Image Consultant with over 25 years of experience. Now, picture her platform, a vibrant space where "Real Conversations Happen." That's Ms. Kelly K. Armstrong.
Through her captivating YouTube channel, Straight Talking with Kelly Podcast, Ms. Kelly ignites conversations that empower a diverse range of voices. It's more than an interview series; it's a springboard for the brightest minds to be seen and heard. But Ms. Kelly doesn't stop at conversation. She's passionate about helping you "be your best, by looking and feeling your best" – in every way. From skincare and makeup to presentation skills and job interview prep, Ms. Kelly's expertise equips you to radiate confidence from the inside out. Recognized for her exceptional service, Ms. Kelly is a recent 2023 Jefferson Award Winner. This is just a glimpse into the remarkable impact Kelly K. Armstrong has on individuals and communities. |
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1. Why did you choose the career you are in?
Whenever I’m asked why I chose my career path, I have to laugh and ask which one. Choosing a career path was difficult because I had many interests, natural skill sets, and abilities. Sometimes, I felt I was cursed with so many talents, especially when I was around people who only did one thing. Some people would tell me I should pick one talent and focus on it. Little did they know, I couldn’t decide because I loved everything I did. I remember being called a “jack of all trades,” and by the spirit, it was said was not a compliment. I learned later that the last part was often left out. The entire quote is “jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one, which is meant as a compliment.
A turning point for me was when I read Refuse to Choose by Barbara Sher; it gave me permission to use my passions, hobbies, and interests to create my dream career. I now consider myself multitalented with skills, aptitudes, and abilities in multiple areas. I have enjoyed careers in public relations, fashion, music, community relations, coaching, makeup artist, entrepreneurship, to name a few. Other terms used to describe a person like me are polymathic, someone with expertise in multiple fields, and the state of having many talents, any one or more which could make for a great career, is called multipotentiality. Here’s a piece of advice: if you are multitalented, don’t let others dictate how you pursue your career path.
A turning point for me was when I read Refuse to Choose by Barbara Sher; it gave me permission to use my passions, hobbies, and interests to create my dream career. I now consider myself multitalented with skills, aptitudes, and abilities in multiple areas. I have enjoyed careers in public relations, fashion, music, community relations, coaching, makeup artist, entrepreneurship, to name a few. Other terms used to describe a person like me are polymathic, someone with expertise in multiple fields, and the state of having many talents, any one or more which could make for a great career, is called multipotentiality. Here’s a piece of advice: if you are multitalented, don’t let others dictate how you pursue your career path.
2. How did you raise funding or financially prepare for the Primed & Prepped Program you created at the Bayview YMCA?
In 2013, I founded and launched Primed & Prepped, A Hospitality Management/Culinary Arts Training Program for at-risk youth to mitigate barriers to employment. I raised over $550K, trained over 200 students, implemented a catering component, and secured a catering van for further growth opportunities before I left in 2018. The first step I took toward raising funds, awareness, and support for the program was to have an Interested Parties Meeting held at the Intercontinental Hotel. The goals were to bring attention to the need for a program geared toward young black men and secure fundraising partnerships. Networking and building relationships are the building blocks of career development and one of my strong skill sets. Furthermore, I had some fundraising experience, having worked at the American Heart Association as Program Director, Heart in the Black Community Health Program, and the American Red Cross as Interim Volunteer Manager, so I knew what to do. I invited colleagues, businesspeople, and community leaders. This amazing group of people was a source of valuable information, referrals, and support throughout my career journey. Start your networking plan by setting clear goals. Ask yourself what you are looking to achieve by networking. It could be to explore new opportunities, build relationships, advance in your current job, or find a job. Your goals should guide your networking strategy.
3. What are your favorite hobbies that you turned into a business?
Sewing is my first love! I taught myself to sew at 15 and have continued to this day. What excites me most is that I ended up teaching in the Fashion Department at City College of San Francisco for 22 years; I retired in 2023. Working with incredible colleagues and teaching creative and talented students was a dream job. My sewing skills have turned into business opportunities. I had a company called Unique Pillows, where I sold hand-painted custom pillows. It was my first attempt at starting a business. I soon found out that there was so much I didn’t know and needed to learn quickly. It didn’t last, but it gave me the courage and confidence that I could make it work with more training. I became a student at the San Francisco Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center, which provides business training, counseling, and more. My company is called Artist Development/Imagemaking and is designed to create a nurturing and educational environment to develop, hone, and refine skills for performing artists, assisting them within the critical areas of music, image, and marketing.
4. Ms. Kelly's Bio:
Ms. Kelly K. Armstrong provides a platform for the brightest minds across a spectrum of industries to be seen and heard with her YouTube Channel-Straight Talking with Kelly Podcast, “Where Real Conversations Happen.”
With more than 25 years of experience in image consulting and public relations, Armstrong enjoys helping people “be their best, by looking and feeling their best” in body and spirit by advising about skincare, makeup, grooming, overall personal appearance, presentation skills, and job readiness training.
She retired in 2023 after 22 years of teaching in the Fashion Department at City College of San Francisco. Moreover, she is the founder of Primed & Prepped: A Hospitality Management/Culinary Arts Mentoring and Job Training Program at the Bayview Hunters Point YMCA. The program aims to help mitigate the barriers to employment for young males and females of color. Lastly, she is a recent 2023 Jefferson Award Winner for outstanding community service.
With more than 25 years of experience in image consulting and public relations, Armstrong enjoys helping people “be their best, by looking and feeling their best” in body and spirit by advising about skincare, makeup, grooming, overall personal appearance, presentation skills, and job readiness training.
She retired in 2023 after 22 years of teaching in the Fashion Department at City College of San Francisco. Moreover, she is the founder of Primed & Prepped: A Hospitality Management/Culinary Arts Mentoring and Job Training Program at the Bayview Hunters Point YMCA. The program aims to help mitigate the barriers to employment for young males and females of color. Lastly, she is a recent 2023 Jefferson Award Winner for outstanding community service.
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