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

Hi Chris, what role has risk played in your life or career?

When I think of risk taking, I come at it from a place of “what’s the worst thing that could happen” balanced with “what if I don’t take this risk?” I have taken great risks in life and business. Some worked out in my favor and others turned into lessons. From the lessons, I always learn something important about myself and usually others. I know for sure, when my time to leave the earth comes, I don’t want to have any regrets and for that reason, I will continue to take calculated risks. I encourage everyone to understand, tomorrow is not promised so go do the damn thing! Start the business, learn something new, fall in love, see the world.

Where there is a will, there is a way. Every risk begins with a decision. Make yours and see what happens…the how will unfold. You don’t need the plan to start but you do need to commitment to a decision. As a result of taking risks, I have been able to develop a skill that has turned into a career which allows me the privilege and opportunity to do what I love and travel the world while also independently raising an empowered young lady. I love with no regrets. When I am not writing I can be found walking at the beach in North County or exploring Italy taking cool photos and living my best life.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

I knew in sixth grade that I had a natural gift for storytelling (not like untruths but captivating fact based stories). In college, again, I was reminded of my natural ability but life took a different path as an entrepreneur. In 2010, I wrote and published my first nonfiction against the advice of numerous people who told me that being an author is not a way to pay the bills. They were not wrong based on the little income I saw from book sales but at the time that wasn’t what it was all about for me. It was an accomplishment that I was told wasn’t possible. Underestimate me, that’ll be fun. Don’t listen to people who inadvertently might squash your dreams.

In 2016 I finally decided to put myself out there in a different writing capacity. I wanted to write for the HuffPost (at the time still the Huffington Post). It seemed almost like an outrageous dream as a commercially unseasoned and unpublished writer.

I had to start somewhere which ended up being a little story of my life as “The Mom in the Car” that was first published on a now defunct suburban mom blog. Someone saw this piece I shared on Facebook and within 18 hours that post led to an invitation to be a contributor to…you guessed it, the Huffington Post. When people ask how long it took to become a writer, I reply, “a lifetime and then 18 hours.”

That little story has led to many others stories being published and promoted on HuffPost. Some controversial (after all I don’t fit in a box so this is no surprise) with a couple of them going viral. These stories gave me street cred and confidence to apply for a staff writing position with a newspaper. I landed the job. I have gone on to write for magazines, newspapers, private client websites, sales pages, email marketing newsletters and social media as a copywriter. As for the HuffPost, my bio now reads “On Assignment HuffPost” which means when a story I pitch to the editor is selected, I’m paid. My first articles were not but became as valuable as a paycheck for my future. Take the opportunities as they come, this is grit.

The biggest lesson I can share is that a closed mouth doesn’t get fed. Pay attention to your social media, nurture relationships and connections; ask for what you want and never give up.

As for client copywriting, what sets me apart is my innate ability to write compelling copy in the voice of my clients as if they wrote it themselves and it does its job of converting readers into customers.

I am also a digital marketer and micro-influencer on Instagram always open to collaborations. I love helping people achieve their dreams! I am a solution finder…where there’s a will, there’s a way.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

As a result of frequent international travel, I do know a lot of people from Europe, specifically Italy who are fascinated with San Diego and southern California. A week long itinerary would be loose and fluid yet action packed so they could get a feel for the vibe just as I do when I travel, get to know some people and experience places as an unconventional tourist.

My favorite places as a native San Diegan and what I feel are must see spots are:
Balboa Park, the Carlsbad Flower Fields, La Jolla Cove, Coronado and Carlsbad beaches and Liberty Station.

Day One: Balboa Park and Little Italy, grab a pizza and sit in the piazza watching people. If it’s a Saturday, take in the Farmers Market.

Day Two: Coffee and a stroll around Seaport Village, a drive around Shelter Island, fresh seafood lunch at Pt. Loma Seafood, a walk and shopping at Liberty Station with dinner at Liberty Station Brewery.

Day Three: La Jolla Cove, a real taco from The Taco Stand and a stroll in La Jolla proper, an appertivo/light dinner on the balcony at La Valencia Hotel followed by a show at The Comedy Store or an aerial yoga show at Trilogy Sanctuary.

Day Four: Head north, stopping in Encinitas at the Self-Realization Meditation Gardens and watching some surfers at Swamis. Lunch of fresh oysters at Kings Fish House and then to the Flower Fields. Personally I enjoy just going to the street above the fields for the best view. Daylight hours remaining, stop at the Strawberry Fields then head over to check out the waves at the beach and take a walk on the sand before dinner in Carlsbad Village at Via Vai Cucina Italiana on State Street for some Italian food and the best panna cotta.

Day Five: If this is their first time to California, they will want to see Los Angeles and all the places…Santa Monica Pier, Rodeo Drive, Hollywood Walk of Fame, this is a lot but can be done in a day. Lunch might be in the car…In and Out Burgers, keeping it California real.

Day Six: Back in San Diego for a day over the bridge, but before heading over, a quick tour of Barrio Logan and it’s mural art, Latinx culture and eclectic shops; a vast contrast to Coronado’s posh boutiques, palm tree lined Orange Avenue and the iconic Hotel Del Coronado. A day at the beach with lunch at a real diner, Claytons, taking it all the way back. For the evening, check the concert schedule on the San Diego Bay at the Rady Shell.

Day Seven: REST and look at all the photos of a whirlwind trip then head to Hillcrest Great Maple for out of this world brunch another Farmers Market and a cool, different vibe.

There you have it, a week isn’t really enough but it will leave them wanting to return for more fun in the sun San Diego!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

I dedicate my Shoutout to the three people who make my life worth living, my sons, Alexander & Asa and my daughter, Theresa. Their love, understanding, and encouragement have inspired me to follow my dreams as they do theirs.

Website: www.chriskellyink.com

Instagram: @chriskellywithlove

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-kelly-with-love/

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