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

Hi Kelsey, do you think college made a positive impact on your life and career? Do you think it was worth the price tag?
College was such an amazing experience for me. I played collegiate volleyball and was able to make so many great friends through that and learned the importance of balancing work, school, sports, friends, etc. I got my degree in Business Administration which was ultimately the best thing I could have done. I remember struggling to choose a major and my mom gave me the best advice- get your degree in Business, it can translate into so many different avenues. I am so thankful for that piece of advice and so happy I listened to her! College was definitely worth the price tag for me. I was able to grow so much as a person + learn so many things that have directly translated into my career now. It also gave me the tools + courage to start my own business!

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.
I love everything about event design + bringing the most beautiful weddings to life. My weddings tend to have a very modern, eclectic, feel to them. Every event I design is curated to the couple and is completely unique to them. I am not afraid to incorporate color and patterns and textures into the overall design. I started my business with the intention to focus on event design, however it was not something I was ever formally trained in, but rather something that just came to me naturally. I’m a pretty decisive person and I was able to tell early on what things I liked and didn’t like. I have learned to stick with my gut instinct and not be afraid to mix patterns that might be a little risky! It’s that element of the unexpected that really sets me apart. I like to say, I design for the crazy in love who aren’t afraid to do something a little outside the box.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
San Diego is full of the most amazing + beautiful spots! Of course, the beach brings me so much joy, so I would definitely plan things around that element. Hiking Torrey Pines is one of my favorite things to do, as well as bringing my pup, Luna, to the dog beach in Del Mar. Some of my favorite local restaurants are Crack Shack (who doesn’t love good fried chicken?!), North Italia in One Paseo (the cutest shopping center EVER) and of course, the amazing Jeune Et Jolie in my hometown of Carlsbad. This all must be followed by Oree Dough at Handel’s Ice Cream, because it’s the very best.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my mother, Jan Smith. She’s the ultimate business gal- constantly showing me what it means to go after your dreams and succeed at what you put your mind too. She’s worked for some of the most prestigious companies, such as Disney and Caesar’s Palace, yet she knew early on that she wanted to start her own HR business, Inland Management Group. She’s shown me that it’s possible to have your own business, be a mom, volunteer and keep up her personal relationships. Oh and travel; maybe the most important thing she’s stressed for me! She gave me the encouragement to start my own business, and is my biggest cheerleader. I’m so thankful for her support!

Website: www.kelseyraedesigns.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelseyraedesigns/?hl=en
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelsey-angelotti-smith-3b69817b
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KelseyRaeDesigns/

Image Credits
Shelly F Photos, Selcouth Creative, Alexes Lauren Photography, Jenna Joseph Photography, Emily Magers Photography, My Sun & Stars Photography, Bryan Miller Photography