Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelley Mccullough
Hi Kelley, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Since I was young, fashion has always been a passion of mine. Growing up in Detroit, Michigan, as the youngest of eight siblings, I was constantly experimenting with my style—much to the frustration of my sisters, who couldn’t understand why I changed outfits multiple times a day. Looking back, I realize I always had an eye for fashion and self-expression.
After graduating from Michigan State University, I spent about five years in Cincinnati working in supply chain management and HR. While I enjoyed working with people and appreciated the structure of corporate America, I eventually hit a wall—I no longer felt challenged or fulfilled in my career. That’s when I decided to apply for a master’s program in film and television production, hoping to explore a more creative path. I was thrilled to be accepted, but the financial burden of grad school quickly became a major concern. As much as I loved the idea of pursuing that passion, I wasn’t willing to take on significant debt to do so.
Realizing I needed a fresh start, I pivoted once again—this time moving to New York City. I ended up living there for nine incredible years, building a career in sales, HR, and recruitment. The fast-paced energy, opportunities, and diversity of the city shaped me in so many ways. It also helped me recognize that corporate America was actually where I belonged all along, but I still craved creative outlets.
Two years ago, I relocated to Dallas, Texas, with my husband, seeking a better quality of life. While I love my work in recruitment, I knew I needed a space to explore my creative passions—so I finally took a leap and started my own fashion blogging and styling page on Instagram. For years, family and friends had encouraged me to put myself out there, but I hesitated. I was so used to working behind the scenes that stepping into the spotlight felt daunting. But last year, I decided to take the risk.
In addition to fashion, I also have a deep love for Korean dramas—another passion that inspired me to start a Tik Tok page dedicated entirely to that obsession called @KdramaKels (but that’s a story for another time!).
Starting my fashion page has been an exciting, fulfilling journey, and I’m so grateful for the community I’ve begun to build. I hope to continue sharing my love for style while inspiring others to embrace their own creativity and confidence.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, absolutely not. Looking back on my journey, I can see that I’ve made a lot of changes and pivots along the way. If I could give my younger self any advice, it would be to trust myself more. One of my biggest struggles has always been second-guessing instead of listening to my gut. I knew I wanted to pursue fashion back in 2012 but I was afraid that I would fail. That hesitation applied to every area of my life, but as I’ve gotten older, more settled within myself, and more confident, I’ve learned to trust my instincts. Instead of wondering if I’ll make a mistake or assuming things will go wrong, I’ve shifted my mindset to ask: What if everything goes right? That change in perspective has made a world of difference.
I’ve also learned to take things one step at a time. Nothing is ever perfect from the start, and that’s okay. I now embrace the idea of building while you fly—understanding that mistakes will happen along the way, but progress matters more than perfection. The key is simply to start. Fear—especially the fear of failure—can be paralyzing, but the worst thing you can do is let it stop you from moving forward. Put one foot in front of the other, keep going, and don’t stop. Of course, rest when needed, but don’t allow yourself to make excuses.
That mindset has made me successful in so many areas of my life, but for the longest time, I struggled to apply it to my own personal goals. I could push through and show up for others, but I hesitated when it came to betting on myself. That’s no longer the case. Now, I’m committed to being my own biggest advocate—prioritizing what’s important to me and trusting that the people who love and support me will respect and appreciate me even more for it,
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I recently launched a fashion influencer Instagram page, @KelleyAleecee, dedicated to style and fashion, with the goal of becoming a fashion influencer. Maybe it’s my background in sales or my lifelong ability to sell items, but I’ve always had a knack for influencing what people buy and wear. The key, for me, has always been authenticity—being genuine, honest, and straightforward. I give others the same advice I’d want to receive, based on real experiences and practical insights.
At my core, I’m a people person. I love working with others, connecting over shared interests, and finding common ground. In many ways, fashion influencing is a natural extension of what I already enjoy—building relationships, sharing knowledge, and inspiring confidence in others.
What I’m most proud of is simply getting started and staying consistent. I launched my page in November 2024, and since then, I’ve posted over 50 times, reached 13K impressions, and engaged with 6K accounts. Every small win excites me because it’s a sign of growth. Being recognized by Voyage Dallas for something I created from the ground up is incredibly validating—it’s proof that I made the right decision in starting this journey.
What sets me apart is my relentlessness. I don’t give up. I believe that if you truly want something, you have to go after it—and keep going until you achieve success, then push even further. I never want to get too comfortable; I always want to learn, evolve, and challenge myself to reach new heights.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I am definitely a risk-taker. I firmly believe that every step forward leads to the next opportunity, even when things don’t go as planned. As much as I was disappointed about not completing grad school, I now see that experience as a turning point. It proved to me that I am creative and that I could aim for even greater heights in the creative space.
Working in corporate America often pushes you toward the analytical and practical side of your brain. While creativity exists in corporate spaces, my specific roles didn’t allow much room for it. Looking back, I realize that if I hadn’t taken the leap to pursue a master’s program in film and television production, I wouldn’t have built the courage to move to New York with no job or place to live. If I hadn’t made that move, I wouldn’t have met my husband or created the life I have now. In fact, he was the one who truly encouraged me to step into content creation and pursue fashion influencing.
If I hadn’t taken those steps, I might still be stuck in a cycle of overanalyzing instead of doing. I’ve learned that fear can be paralyzing, but action is the only way forward. Believing in myself, advocating for myself, and pushing past doubt have been essential to my growth. Even if it starts small—even if I have to figure things out as I go—I’ve realized that what matters most is starting.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelleyaleecee
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@kelleyaleecee
Image Credits
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