We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Joycelyn Kelly-gray. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Joycelyn below.

Alright, Joycelyn thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you tell us a bit about who your hero is and the influence they’ve had on you?

My hero is my mother, Regina Kelly. She was the strongest woman I’ve ever known—resilient, resourceful, and determined. No matter what life threw at her, she handled it with grace and grit. Giving up? That was never an option.

She really drilled into me that “there’s more than one way to skin a cat.” If something didn’t work out the first time, she didn’t sit around complaining—she figured out another way. That mindset has stuck with me. Whether it’s life, business, or creative work, I don’t dwell on roadblocks. I pivot, I adapt, and I keep pushing forward.

There was a time when we were struggling financially, but instead of panicking, my mom got creative. She picked up side hustles, bartered when she had to, and always found a way to make things work. Watching her taught me that there’s always a solution—you just have to be willing to find it.

She also had this quiet but unshakable confidence in me. Anytime I came to her with a big idea, she never asked if I could do it—just what’s the plan? That stuck with me. Now, when I set my sights on something, I don’t waste time wondering if it’s possible. I just figure out how I’m going to make it happen.

Everything I do is shaped by her influence. When life throws a curveball, I hear her voice reminding me: There’s always another way forward.

Joycelyn, 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?

I’m a graphic designer based in Atlanta, currently earning my bachelor’s degree at Full Sail University. Through my business, Kelly-Gray Studio, I help small businesses bring their ideas to life through branding—whether it’s logos, social media content, flyers, or marketing materials. I got into design because I’ve always been drawn to the way visuals tell a story. A good design isn’t just pretty; it communicates something, sets a vibe, and makes an impact. That’s what I aim for with every project—helping businesses and creatives show up in a way that feels true to them and connects with their audience.

What sets me apart is that I don’t just design for the sake of aesthetics—I make sure everything I create has purpose and strategy behind it. I listen, I collaborate, and I refine until it’s right. Seeing my work out in the world, whether it’s a logo on a storefront or a social media post that helps a business grow, is one of the best feelings. At the end of the day, I want people to know that I care about what I create because I know how much it matters to the people I work with. If you’re looking for designs that not only look good but actually work for your brand, I’ve got you.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I wish I had discovered the power of community earlier in my creative journey. Getting connected with other designers and creatives through platforms like Behance and Dribbble, or even local meetups, has been such a game-changer for me. I used to rely a lot on self-teaching, but collaborating with others and learning from their experiences has made a huge difference. I also wish I had explored more online courses and workshops earlier on. While school taught me a lot, there are so many resources out there that dive into specific skills and business tips for creatives that I didn’t tap into until later. It’s all about continuous learning and connecting with others in the field.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One lesson I had to unlearn was the idea that everything needs to be perfect before I put it out into the world. Early in my creative journey, I thought I had to get everything just right before sharing it, whether it was a design, a business idea, or even a personal project. I spent way too much time tweaking and second-guessing myself. The turning point came when I realized that waiting for perfection often meant missing opportunities. Perfection is subjective, and sometimes just putting something out there and learning from it is way more valuable than holding onto it until it’s “flawless.” I’ve learned to embrace imperfection, trust my process, and focus more on progress than perfection.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bio.site/kellygraystudio
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellygraystudio/