Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelli Turner
Hi Kelli, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
As a little girl, I wanted nothing to do with purses, despite my mom’s encouragement. That changed when I was 21, thanks to a friend who loved purses. Inspired, I began frequenting downtown LA, buying a new purse almost every weekend.
My collection grew so large that my mom eventually banned new purses from the house. I even resorted to hiding my new purchases from my parents. Being a student, I couldn’t afford expensive purses, so I hunted for bargains, often getting three purses for $10. Although they were a great deal, the quality was poor, and many fell apart quickly.
For birthdays and Christmas, I always received purses from friends and family who knew about my obsession. I soon realized I had too many purses , I even had one in every color. My friends knew that purses would be my go-to gift for their birthdays.
One day, I had an idea: why not design my own purses? I thought about it for two years before taking action. I started sketching designs and came up with a logo. With the help of a childhood friend, I brought my logo to life and began the journey of creating my own purse line.
As the process began, I grew nervous. Was this really happening? To calm my nerves, I prayed for a sign that I was on the right path. Almost immediately, I received a message from a family friend:
“Many of us are afraid to follow our passions, to pursue what we want most because it means taking risks and even facing failure. But to pursue your passion with all your heart and soul is success in itself. The greatest failure is to have never really tried.” – Robyn Allan.
This message gave me chills and confirmed that it was time to move forward with Kelli Diane Designs.
Without formal design training, I began drawing purse designs, planning measurements, and choosing fabrics. I then sought out a manufacturer to bring my visions to life.
Today, I’m living a dream I never imagined as a little girl: designing high-quality purses at affordable prices. I believe everything happens for a reason, and people come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. It’s up to you to figure it out.
No matter the discouragement or disbelief from others, keep pursuing your dreams. They are yours alone, and only you can make them a reality!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey has definitely not been smooth. I’ve faced many obstacles, from material delays and unsatisfactory designs to manufacturers disappearing with my samples and products not arriving on time for events. Financial constraints have also made it challenging to keep producing products. The biggest hurdle came in 2020 when my manufacturer passed away during COVID-19, leaving me to figure out how to keep Kelli Diane Designs in business.
I teamed up with a mentor to make masks and collaborated with other small business owners and Etsy creators to produce my products. Although the quality wasn’t the same and didn’t align perfectly with my vision for KDD, these efforts kept the business afloat. The unwavering support of my customers, even when I wasn’t producing the same designs they were used to, motivated me to persevere.
In September 2022, my mom passed away. She was my biggest supporter and my number one fan. Her name, Diane, is my middle name and the inspiration behind Kelli Diane Designs. I contemplated giving up, but I knew she would have wanted me to keep going. Without her name, there would be no Kelli Diane Designs.
So, in her honor, I decided to continue and keep Kelli Diane Designs alive.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At Kelli Diane Designs, I specialize in creating high-quality vegan leather Handbags & Accessories that combine style and practicality .blend elegance with affordability. What sets me apart is my dedication to naming each product after loved ones, creating a personal and emotional connection with my customers. I also blend luxury with affordability, ensuring that each purse is not only stylish but accessible to all. I am most proud of creating a brand that resonates with customers on a personal level and inspires them to feel empowered and stylish every day.
Our handbags and accessories are crafted in limited editions, ensuring their uniqueness. These exclusive pieces are one-of-a-kind, meaning not everyone will own them.
I started Kelli Diane Designs with just a dollar and a dream. Saving up enough money to get started, I didn’t rely on anyone else. I researched everything I needed to launch my business and took the leap. I grew my business, managed the advertising, and handled everything on my own. Despite facing criticism and being told I would never make it; I persevered and turned those doubts into stepping stones for success.
I love seeing women feel empowered and succeed. I believe that everything happens for a reason and that people enter our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. I always encourage others to believe in themselves, take a leap of faith, find their passion, and follow their dreams. There is room for all of us to succeed!
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
People can support me by following @kellidianedesigns on Instagram and TikTok, and liking Kelli Diane Designs on Facebook. Sharing my products or spreading the word to others means a lot to me. Support doesn’t always have to be financial; a like or share on social media, a comment, or words of encouragement mean just as much. Of course, they can also shop online at www.kellidianedesigns.com. I appreciate any form of support—from customers, colleagues, friends, family, and even strangers. Their love and encouragement keep me inspired and motivated! #kddneverleavehomewithoutit
I’m deeply passionate about empowering others and encouraging them to overcome their doubts, get out of their own way! Urging them to break through barriers and seize new opportunities and take that leap of faith, whether it’s starting a business, writing a book, or embarking on a new chapter in life. As a Women’s Empowerment coach, I advocate for these transformations on my Instagram platform @therealkellidiane. I’ve collaborated on podcasts and with other coaches, and in 2020, I became a certified empowerment coach with Crowed for Success. Empowered women empower women—it’s a mantra I live by and strive to inspire others with every day! This philosophy guides my work and fuels my mission to inspire and uplift others!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kellidianedesigns.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellidianedesings
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kellidianedesigns
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/kellidiane23
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/therealkellidiane
