Meet Sally Kelly | Entrepreneur

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

Hi Sally, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I have forever longed to own my own business.

Initially it was just the challenge of making decisions for myself and getting to learn through them. I felt like it would challenge me to become a better person all round. But by the time I got to launching Esquay, the focus had shifted. I wanted to own a business that is relatable, something that pays homage to my roots. I now wanted to start a business so that a lot of people could see and own a piece of the rich culture that Africa brings. I stopped struggling to figure out what I wanted to do and now had an answer – I needed to showcase all this art and rich culture, and make it accessible for everyone,from creators back in Kenya who make every piece by hand, to adding final touches once some pieces arrive here, I wanted every part of the process appreciated. So I started Esquay, and as much as the entrepreneurship journey is scary, It has been so fulfilling so far! Seeing someone instantly love a piece of jewelry – that is unconventional in our daily outfits, and asking about it – the history, the process…bliss!

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’m a U.S Navy veteran, i served for 5 years as a Hospital Corpsman at the Naval Hospital Balboa and Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton working with the marines. After i was medically retired from the military due to an injury i decided i wanted to complete my Bachelors’ in Nursing so i could be a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. Due to the Covid lockdown most of my classes were online and i had a lot of time on my hands so i took a trip back to Kenya where i’m from and this really opened my eyes and i came back with a new purpose to bring a small piece of home back with me to San Diego.

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?
The first stop would definitely be Pacific beach! Pacific beach is so alive and has something to offer for everyone! The beautiful beach, ride bikes on the board walk, stop and get some fish tacos and margaritas at Baja beach cafe, go to mission beach and unwind. Sunset cliffs is a must as well to watch the sunset. There’s a lot of great hikes as well such as Annie’s Canyon, Cowles mountain and the famous potato chip rock. Explore the different parts of San Diego such as Little Italy, North Park and the Gaslamp District. A road trip to Joshua tree or Idyllwild and Big bear would be fun as well. Balboa park is really beautiful as well, there’s so much to do in San Diego a week is not even close to enough!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The reason i opened my business and was even able to get to this point is because of the huge continuous support i have received from the African community especially the Kenyan community here in San Diego. Great mentors who have their own business such as Beholder Beauty, the African entertainment business holders such as EFROHENTA & AFROPANDA and amazing friend and Celebrity stylist Hadiya Nelson. The San Diego community is such a supportive community especially for small businesses and not to forget Black San Diego.

Website: https://esquayarts.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/?hl=en

Facebook: @esquayafricanart

Image Credits
Model: Michelle Akhama Photographer: John Leroy