We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kelsey Daniels a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Kelsey, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
I am a Christian author and speaker who delights in sharing my story of transformation. My message centers on the power of identity and the importance of cultivating strong beliefs in a world that is eager to define who you are.
As a college athlete, I battled depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and an eating disorder. It was during this time that I was groomed by an older man, which later led to my exploitation.
In today’s world, trafficking is at an all-time high, and social media is fueling addictive behaviors, teaching men, women, and children of all ages that their worth is determined by “likes,” “follows,” and the attention they receive. This distortion of value deeply resonated with my own journey.
I normalized the attention I received from men and learned to monetize it. I worked as a call girl in Texas, driven by an addiction to the gifts, money, and attention that filled a void I didn’t yet understand. But when I began to learn about Jesus, the truth behind my actions and the deceit of my beliefs became clear. Having been abused and exploited for so long, I had rationalized my choices, feeling justified in pursuing the control, validation, and financial gain the job seemed to offer. Giving my life to Jesus was the best decision I ever made. It wasn’t easy, but it led to truth, and ultimately to freedom. Walking in the light and seeking truth brought exposure to everything hiding in the dark, and it changed me from the inside out.
My memoir, “Folly: The Memoir of a Call Girl Saved by Grace,” details my journey of healing and redemption through Jesus. I wrote it for anyone seeking hope and healing. If God could restore me and bring me out of so much pain and brokenness when I was so undeserving, He can do the same for you.
Kelsey, 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 am an author and professional speaker that delights in sharing my strategies for transformation. My topics focus on identity, intimacy, mental health awareness and the pursuit of holistic wellness and well-being. As a trafficking survivor, and former call girl, I have seen many different parts of the industry and want to create awareness around the dangerous realities of the industry, while also acting as an advocate for other survivors, and both current and former sex workers. I seek to motivate and empower others to step into greater awareness of their own potential and make positive changes in their lives.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My dream is to build and operate a hotel in Zanzibar. There, my friend, Lena, is a missonary and has brought the gospel to the region, where many have been saved by Jesus, having formerly been sex workers.
I would like to create a place where those escaping harsh working conditions can have access to a sustainable form of employment, without ever having to worry about returning to their old life to support themselves.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
I get to tell stories that help others. I have been fortunate enough to have had a great deal of time to reflect on and uncover the lessons learned from past mistakes.
I once read that life is too short to live by trial-by-error.. and that is why we have stories! So we can hopefully have others learn from our own mistakes, as not to live them themselves.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kelseydaniels.com/book-kelsey
- Instagram: @kels.dans
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelsey-daniels/
Image Credits
Drew Elaine Photography