We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kellie Sbrocchi a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Kellie, appreciate you joining us today. To kick things off, we’d love to hear about things you or your brand do that diverge from the industry standard.

My personal experience in the military so far has been filled with many telling me there’s a “recommended path to follow,” a specific way to lead, a normal way to “move up the ladder” and not to stand out in a way that’s “too different.” I was consistently told in the beginning of my career I needed to “table my passions because it would make [me] look less committed to my career in the Navy.” My question has always been — why? I am a creative, an entrepreneur, photographer, model, & spokesperson: overall I’m multi-passionate. I have never accepted that there’s not a place for multi-passionate people to explore both their talents & also serve. That’s really where my platform to #doboth began. I want to show the world that you don’t have to choose between your outside passions and career, or femininity to fit a stereotype— you really can do both.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers?

In 2016, I competed in my first-ever pageant, MISS OHIO USA, as a way to make friends in my new duty station. As a service member, this was pretty unusual. Typically, it’s frowned upon to be on stage in heels / bikini and your day job spend in a uniform. I did it anyway. This opportunity launched an incredible movement for me, I learned that women needed more role models to look up who were embracing their authenticity and leading authentically, who weren’t afraid to be different. That led me to sign with a modeling agency, land as runner-up at MISS CA USA, and launch my podcast “Miss Understood” in 2020 which now has over 55k downloads.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Authenticity. My following on instagram has grown from 15k to 75k in 2 years & my podcast has reached over 50k downloads all because, I believe, I choose to be authentic to my leadership style. I want to show the world that you can be feminine, bubbly, social, fun, married, & serve your country all at the same time. That you don’t have to pick just one lane, you can have multiple.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Showing up with intention. I show up to my podcast and social media accounts when I feel inspired, not because I have to. I don’t make a living from social media, which allowed me not to feel pressured to create content. I don’t schedule out my content because it allows me to post / share what I’m feeling that week or even that day, so my social following feels like they’re really sharing my experiences & trials with me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @kellie.sbrocchi
• Twitter: @kelliesbrocchi
• Other: Podcast: “MissUnderstood” on iTunes / Spotify! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/missunderstood-ft-kellie-hall-sbrocchi/id1506509405