We recently connected with Deb Kelley and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Deb thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’re complete cheeseballs and so we love asking folks to share the most heartwarming moment from their career – do you have a touching moment you can share with us?
There is a nationwide volunteer organization that several times a year flies WWII veterans to Washington, DC to visit the memorials and Arlington cemetery. I teach a group of men (ages 50-80+) in my “Pilates Stretch Class for Men.” One of the gentlemen in class is a veteran and decided to make that trip to Washington. While there, he was designated to lay the wreath at the grave of the unknown soldier. He was chosen because unlike the majority of veterans in attendance, he was able to walk, carry the wreath, and bend his knees to lay the wreath on the sacred gravesite — a wonderful honor. When he returned, he credited the work he had done in my class with giving him the ability to walk on his own accord, and bend enough to solemnly lay the wreath. He had tears in his eyes when he told me the story. That compliment and story has lived in my heart. Others in my classes both men and women have credited the work they do in class with keeping them strong, bouncing up from a fall (our age’s biggest nemesis) and easing their aches and pains. I’ve had many roles, responsibilities and tasks throughout my careers and can honestly say no bonus, promotion or title was as memorable or heartfelt as being credited for helping someone walk unassisted and fulfill a noble dream.
Deb, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My current “career” is a relatively new addition to my life’s work and a post-retirement gig. After working for 30+ years in Marketing, leaving that world 6 years ago left me feeling disconnected and wondering if I had made a huge mistake. After a few months of waking up each morning to a white wall of “what to do with my day,” I made a decision to become a certified Pilates instructor. I had been a long time student, dedicating those efforts to mitigate a recent spinal stenosis diagnosis. I loved it; it healed me, so why not get certified and teach Pilates. Also, while getting certified, I received an offer to record an audiobook written about Pat Summit and her last year as coach at Tennessee, while battling Alzheimers. Ok, now what? I also signed with a talent agency and recorded some commercials. It was a busy few years – even during the pandemic, teaching my Pilates classes via FaceBook live. A whirlwind, but I have settled into a profitable business teaching Pilates for women and men and at nursing homes. I am most proud of finding my own style of teaching that enhances my students’ everyday lives, and in many cases, fixes their broken and aching bodies and helps them reclaim their daily activities. While teaching seniors, my goal is to bring them consistency, joy, and movement to their typically sedentary days. We laugh, tell stories, lift weights and even toss balls. I believe in the power of being open to those little moments that appear each day, taking advantage of those that “feel” right and good for me, and always, stay curious and ready to learn.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Being prepared, being “in the moment,” listening and understanding the dynamics of the class/audience. It may be as simple as paying attention to the weather and amount of sunshine, personal circumstances that may impact a class member’s mood and desire to participate, and finally, always being aware of everyone’s personal and bodily limits. At the assisted living facilities, I have learned the importance of just “showing up” as promised, challenging both their minds and bodies and treating them with dignity and respect.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Married at 20, 3 kids by 30 and a failing marriage. Time to make a change. I knew I had the ability to make things better. It was time for a big pivot — from being a stay at home mom to graduate student at Miami University. Someone told me I chose to “get off the bus.” I most certainly did. It was a monumental decision both for me and my family. I still don’t know how I got through it. But I did, and my life evolved to a career in advertising and marketing and provided me the personal and financial strength to start a new chapter in my life. There were many more chapters to follow. I believe one pivot, whether in life, business or a career, can give you the momentum and confidence to keep moving towards something completely new – and usually very scary. At 74, I continue to challenge my mind, body and spirit and have convinced myself to never stop moving towards toward something that just might…be better.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.debkelley.com
- Instagram: debkelley1967
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deborah.kelley.90
- Youtube: Deb Kelley – KelleyME LLC
Image Credits
James Rosenberger – photographer Greg James – photographer