Meet KELLY MOTLEY | Lash Artist & Salon Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with KELLY MOTLEY and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi KELLY, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I think for me it was the lack of control when working with corporate America. The more and more I worked the less control I felt I had over the things I wanted to do with my life. I found myself canceling plans because I couldn’t get the vacation time or feeling the stress of living paycheck to paycheck with no room for savings.

I never really imagined it would happen for me. I have always worked, since I was 16. Staying busy has never been a problem for me even in high school. I prayed for the opportunity to pay all my bills with my lash business but never really put much more into it. When I was laid off from my job and in school part time for Esthetics, I knew God was lining up everything to work out in my favor. I made the decision to focus on school while being laid off and put my extra time into building my brand and finding out what I really wanted my business to look like.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My career as a lash artist has been all over the place. I started doing extensions for fun one day, then became intrigue by the process and science behind it all. After a few months of practice I couldn’t believe how fast I was learning. I started to research this industry more, learning I needed to have a full esthetics license to legally practice in the state of TN. I worked full time and had responsibilities at home that stopped me from attending beauty school even at night. When I was so graciously laid off, that is when it all started to mold together for me. I took that free time to spend every extra minute in school, getting my hours complete nearly 2 months early! I was now a Licensed Esthetician. Within 2 weeks a space opened up that was perfect for me. I was scared, I thought the rent was so high and I was so nervous but I didn’t doubt myself any longer, I knew this was the path for me, I prayed for it, I cried for it, I put all my hard work into being a full time lash artist. I promise myself to never second guess what was meant for me. I told myself to never again doubt the dreams I pray for because when it’s your turn to dance, you have to have your shoes laced! I want the world to know — the Kellymade brand is built off compassion, the love for confidence and the craving to build meaningful relationships with other kind hearted individuals. I do what I do for the love of “making a way” I spent so many nights dreaming of this life I’m living.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My favorite spots in the city would have to be the Greenhouse Bar on the West End area of Nashville. They are an actual greenhouse that was turned into a full bar and food spot. You can sit inside or outside, they have really done the patio nice!

I also love the newest addition to the city called Putt Shack, which is a virtual putt putt course that is design for all ages. To top it off the restaurant/bar has amazing food! The girls and I always have to make a stop at the Donut Distillery, who doesn’t love mini donuts dressed to perfection?

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would firstly like to thank all my family and friends who never doubted my ideas or dimmed my light when I was doing everything possible to shine. I must shout out Lash Reality and the owner Carlee, who has always supported my brand in providing me with high quality lash products to help me enhance my technique and learn valuable lessons within the lash community. Traci Odom, a special shout out to my Esti Bestie. We met in school and have been attached at the hip ever since. She shared my first solo salon space with me and together we were able to also build her a beautiful brand that is flourishing.

Website: www.poplme.co/kellymade

Instagram: @kellymade.mb

Facebook: Kellymade Lash & Wax