We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kelly “KellBella” Elmore a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Kelly “KellBella” , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s jump back to the first dollar you earned as a creative? What can you share with us about how it happened?

I made my first money doing a photo shoot and was requested to wear a Fashion Designers one of a kind piece. It was great and felt wonderful to be a part of someone else Art and creating and collaborating with other like minded people

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m a Colorado native, outdoor, adventurous person. I have always been a creative, I used to paint on canvas, draw, and then got into photography in high school. I slowly got into photography more and more. After my mom passed earlier this year, I did a boudoir photoshoot. It was something I had never done before and to be honest I never really thought I would be, I have some confidence, but kind of shy and just thought I would get some great shots to share with my hubby and that we can enjoy together.
Little did I know it would be life altering . . .
I felt empowered, I felt beautiful, the photo session gave me more confidence than I ever had before. I was empowered! I wanted to share this feeling with everyone! Especially my friends and other women, I wanted them to feel this same amazing feeling I was feeling. I was 44 years old and going through so many struggles with my body and health. I didn’t feel beautiful and just struggling in life when I did it. This photo shoot opened my eyes to new ideas and that I could do anything I put my mind too. . . somehow I forgot that with time.
My mom was beautiful, she always taught me to go after it all! You can be anything. I got inspired to do something different and I started doing more photo shoots and was invited to walk in a Fashion Run Way show and the invites just kept coming. I joined several local Creative Groups including Creatives of Colorado @creativesofcolorado on Facebook. I am part of a larger international group called Virtual Salon Group where we support and empower women to be themselves and be proud of who you are. I started editing photos and enjoying the digital creations I made, I created a hot, spicy boudoir page called @bella.pop.art on IG. Its a freeing space where I can be me and share some of my photography, photo shoot pictures and digital art I have created. I collaborate with other models, photographers and artist and venues and it is the most fun I have had in a long time.
With my collaborations online and friends I made through the Creatives of Colorado group, I have become a published Model. Fashion Runway Model wearing amazing designs from like @TaleiaLaRae, @AliciazdesignZ @Rompergirlclothing and @Broulderbabes Fashion and @misschamplain designs. These ladies are amazing and have inspiring stories of their own. I have been honored to wear their designs and it is so fulfilling knowing we help each other, support one another and build each other up! The Creative community here in Colorado is unlike any other!

Some exciting news to come!!! B. . . Queens of the West, an all women group of creatives, Colorado Natives coming together to empower women! Follow us on IG and FB at Queens of the West for fun photo shoots and how you can become a Queen!! Join this amazing group and community with me

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My mission and goal is to continue to keep empowering women! I love being around like minded people like me, happy, positive energy and inspiring people. I enjoy sharing happiness and continuing to learn from these amazing women and groups.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I started building my audience on Social media about 2 years ago. I started Collaborating with other social and digital creatives and photographers online – As I grew in the collaborations, it grew my audience online and in social media. Other artists and digital artist would build on my art by using their creative side. It’s an amazing to see what people have to offer and the what the mind can create. Its inspiring to keep going!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://maxsobaphotography.picfair.com
• Instagram: Kelly KellBella, Bellanyxmoxythemodel, bella.pop,art,
• Facebook: Portraits by Soba, Kelly Kellbell, Bella Nyx Moxy, Queens of the West,
• Youtube: Portraits by Soba
• Other: www.boulderbabe.com
  www.go-rokit.com
  www.rompergirlclothingcom
  www.portraistbysoba.com
  https://maxsobaphotography.picfair.com

Image Credits

Bill Murphy
Michael Neel with TigerMike Photography
Kelly Elmore with Portraits by SOBA
Kelly Elmore with @Bella.pop.art