We were lucky to catch up with Taylor Kelly recently and have shared our conversation below.

Taylor, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Parents can play a significant role in affecting how our lives and careers turn out – and so we think it’s important to look back and have conversations about what our parents did that affected us positive (or negatively) so that we can learn from the billions of experiences in each generation. What’s something you feel your parents did right that impacted you positively.

My parents did a fantastic job instilling the values of resilience, curiosity, and a strong work ethic in me. One story that stands out is how they encouraged me to pursue my interests, no matter how unconventional they seemed. When I was growing up, they supported my entrepreneurial spirit, whether it was setting up a lemonade stand or brainstorming ways to improve everyday tasks. That early encouragement helped me feel confident in my ability to create and solve problems, ultimately inspiring my decision to pursue a degree in entrepreneurship. Sure, many people might perceive my approach to life as unconventional. Over the years, people either get it or they don’t. What I have learned is that embracing who you are is one of the most important keys to success and happiness in life.

Another pivotal impact of my parents’ guidance was their emphasis on education and adaptability. This motivated me to pursue advanced learning opportunities, like my MBA from the University of Miami. Their belief in the value of lifelong learning shaped my ability to pivot successfully in all aspects of both my personal and professional life.

I often see a little bit of both my mother and my father in myself, and their contrasting traits have profoundly shaped who I am. My mother has always been outspoken and unapologetically honest about what she feels and wants, which has given me the confidence to speak up, advocate for my ideas, and lead with authenticity. On the other hand, my father is more reserved and buttoned-up, showing me the power of measured thinking, professionalism, and approaching challenges with a calm demeanor. Together, these qualities have allowed me to strike a balance between being assertive and empathetic, bold yet strategic—an approach that has been invaluable in both my personal and professional life. I am a strong believer in the fact that life is not black and white. Balance is key to most things. My mother always said the phrase: “Everything in moderation.” Those who know me know that is not always easy for me, but it has always stuck with me as a guiding principal in every choice I make.

Through their support, I not only developed confidence in taking calculated risks but also learned the importance of collaboration, empathy, and being open to new experiences—all traits that have defined my career and personal growth.

Taylor, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My career has been shaped by a passion for creativity, strategic growth, and connection. I’m currently the Senior Director of Communications at Ritani, where I manage major brand partnerships and media initiatives. Over the years, I’ve held roles in organic growth, content strategy, and marketing that allowed me to elevate brands through innovative storytelling and authentic engagement. My academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship from The University of Tampa and an MBA from the University of Miami, both of which equipped me with the tools to blend business acumen with a creative mindset.

Outside of my corporate career, I am also the founder of Eventful ATL, an Atlanta-based events brand that curates unique, hands-on workshops like candle-making, flower-arranging, and caviar-tasting. Eventful ATL is a place where creativity meets connection. We provide both in-person experiences and at-home kits, such as self-guided candle-making and caviar-tasting boxes, that allow people to enjoy something special on their own time. We also recently launched a collection of S.T.E.A.M.-focused workshops for students, aimed at fostering curiosity and innovation in the next generation.

The problems I aim to solve, whether through Ritani or Eventful ATL, revolve around connection and accessibility. At Ritani, I help bring a luxury experience to customers in an approachable way, while at Eventful ATL, I create opportunities for people to step outside of their routine, try something new, and make meaningful memories.

What sets me apart is my ability to marry creativity with strategy. Whether developing a marketing campaign or planning a workshop, I aim to bring something fresh and memorable to the table. I’m most proud of the impact I’ve made by fostering relationships—whether that’s helping brands grow or creating moments of joy for Eventful ATL attendees.

For those discovering me or Eventful ATL for the first time, I want you to know that everything I do is fueled by a genuine love for helping people connect, learn, and experience something extraordinary. Whether you’re looking for a fun workshop, a thoughtful at-home activity, or a partner to help grow your brand, I’m here to create something meaningful with you.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

One of the most significant pivots in my life happened when I transitioned from an entrepreneurial venture in the education industry into the jewelry industry. After working full-time in New York City in the education industry, I attempted to build my own business in the education space. Unfortunately, due to unfortunate circumstances (I will spare you the details), and while it was a tough experience, it became a defining moment for me. It forced me to take a step back, reassess my goals, and move forward. Sure, I spent many days and nights crying. Years later I still strongly believe in what we were trying to build, but you have to know when to let something go and find your next adventure.

That reflection led me to my current work, where I shifted into the jewelry industry, focusing on marketing, communications, and public relations. It was a leap into a new field, but one that felt like the right fit. This pivot allowed me to develop expertise in organic growth strategies and brand storytelling while navigating challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic.

The pivot didn’t stop there. Inspired by the opportunities I saw to grow both personally and professionally, I pursued an MBA at the University of Miami, which further expanded my perspective. After completing the program, I made another pivot—moving to Atlanta and launching Eventful ATL, a business dedicated to creative workshops and experiences.

Each of these pivots has taught me the importance of resilience, adaptability, and being open to unexpected opportunities. They’ve shaped my ability to navigate uncertainty with confidence and have ultimately brought me to a place where I feel truly aligned with my purpose.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

One book that has had a profound impact on my management and entrepreneurial philosophy is Marketing Outrageously by Jon Spoelstra. It’s a book that challenges conventional thinking and emphasizes the power of bold, unconventional strategies to create lasting impressions and drive results. Spoelstra’s focus on taking risks and standing out in a crowded market has deeply influenced how I approach both marketing and entrepreneurship.

For example, when I launched Eventful ATL, I leaned into the idea of creating truly unique experiences—caviar tastings and flower-arranging workshops aren’t exactly what you’d call “ordinary” offerings. I wanted to ensure that the brand stood out and resonated with people who are looking for something outside the norm. Similarly, in my role at Ritani, the book’s lessons on customer-centric thinking have helped me craft communications strategies that truly speak to our audience’s desires and aspirations, not just their immediate needs.

What I love most about Marketing Outrageously is its encouragement to be unapologetically bold. That mindset has given me the confidence to innovate, experiment, and stay true to my vision, even when it means stepping outside of traditional approaches. It’s a must-read for anyone looking to make a lasting impact.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.eventfulatl.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eventfulatl/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eventfulatl/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eventful-atl/