Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsey Riley.
Kelsey is a branding and marketing consultant who uses technology to tell stories, impact people, and help brands and organizations grow. Her experience as Homecoming Vice Chair at her alma mater, Xavier University of Louisiana, paved the way for her career in event planning, social media marketing and more. As a proud HBCU grad and native of the South Side of Chicago, she enjoys giving back to her community and supporting local arts and culture initiatives. She has fortunately traveled around the world through study abroad and service programs and plans to cross more destinations off her bucket list. She has worked with youth in the street markets in South Quito, Ecuador, a village in Ghana, disabled children in Manaus, Brazil and countless young people in Chicago. Attending the university of her choice on a full-tuition academic scholarship and graduating as a first-generation college student is still a notable feat in today’s socio-economic climate. She makes it her mission to share her story with youth and inspire them to dream beyond any boundaries. She is immensely grateful to her mentors and teachers who poured into her and it is imperative that she gives back to her local community and communities around the world.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Learning about event production, project management, social media marketing in a time where technology and access are rapidly changing has been difficult. I didn’t know many people who were doing what I do without having had experience with wedding planning for example or had traditional agency backgrounds. I have been carving a very unique path and a lot of my work has been referral-based. It is so important to cherish the people you meet along the way and nurture those relationships. Networking has been crucial to my success. I also have had to juggle multiple jobs and be flexible with my schedule and open to different roles so that I can have the variety of skills and learning experiences that I have now. The work I do can take on different shapes and I have had to be open to different types of leadership styles and opportunities.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into @KRileyTips story. Tell us more about the business.
Since 2014, I have provided provide project-based consulting services to creatives,
organizations, and brands based in Chicago and remotely as well. I specialize in project management, event management, brand awareness strategies, and relationship building. My work with Art of Culture, Inc. (formerly known as Donda’s House, Inc.) as Executive Assistant and Social Media Manager helped me build a network of media personalities, event planners, marketing strategists, curators, musicians, philanthropists and more. I have been able to leverage my network to assist with amazing organizations and brands around Chicago with special events and more. Being a proud native of the South Side of Chicago, I have a unique and valuable perspective on what makes Chicago special and how to make any initiative that highlights the movers, shakers, and change agents in our communities shine.
Do you have any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general? What has worked well for you?
I encourage people to go to different events where you don’t know a lot of people in the room and ask questions. Typically networking events will have a Q&A portion or allow people to mix and mingle. Take advantage of the time you’re allowed to meet with people one-on-one and make a lasting impression. The follow-up is essential as well. Be prepared to send a quick follow-up email within 24-48 hours to ensure that you and that person remain connected and check in with them occasionally to keep the connection fresh. If you are able to research panelists or speakers ahead of time to learn about their work, I strongly encourage you to do so. It makes for a great way to keep the conversation exciting and memorable.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://about.me/kelseyriley
- Email: kelseydr@gmail.com
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/krileytips
- Facebook: http://fb.me/krileytips
- Twitter: http://twitter.com/krileytips
- Other: https://linktr.ee/krileytips
Image Credit:
Juan Anthony Photography, Vashon Jordan, Alex Brooks
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
