Hope Kelly

Hope Kelly was born on July 7, 1991, in Kingston, Pennsylvania, and was raised in the nearby community of Exeter. Growing up, she developed an early fascination with the arts and technology, finding creative ways to blend these interests. This combination of passions laid a foundation for her future career, which spans creative design and strategic business analysis. Her childhood curiosity was not confined to a single discipline, as she sought to understand how artistic concepts could be integrated with technological tools, leading to a career that embraced both. The environment she grew up in encouraged a broad perspective, helping her cultivate skills that would later define her professional journey.

Hope’s education in multimedia technologies began at the West Side Career and Technology Center, where she was mentored by a visionary instructor who introduced her to the idea that art and technology are interwoven rather than separate entities. This experience was crucial in shaping her understanding of how technology could enhance creative design. Her academic journey continued at Full Sail University, where she majored in Graphic Design, further honing her skills. Afterward, Hope expanded her academic focus by studying Business Data Analytics at Arizona State University, allowing her to merge her creative background with a solid foundation in business. Throughout her academic career, Hope leaned heavily on real-world experiences, seeking mentorship and hands-on roles that provided practical insights into business operations. The knowledge she gained from influential mentors, such as the Controller at her first job and the COO of her startup, further fueled her passion for understanding the dynamics of small business management and financial strategy.

Hope Kelly’s professional journey began in a surprising field, as she worked for an eCommerce company specializing in clawfoot bathtubs. While this role wasn’t directly aligned with her long-term career ambitions, it gave her a broad understanding of business operations. She managed vendor relations, conducted in-house photography, and became acquainted with the inner workings of supply chain management and customer service. These experiences equipped her with critical skills in operational logistics and helped her understand the complexities of running a business.