WAGS Work: Jessica Kelly
The WAGS Work Series aims to show our readers that we are more than the stereotypes you might be familiar with--we're creative, hard-working, driven, and willing to do whatever it takes to make this lifestyle work. We also hope to inspire women in all walks of life to get creative and think outside the box when it comes to working and creating the lives of their dreams. Please reach out to the women featured in this series if you have questions or want to learn more about what they do.
TELL US WHO YOU ARE, HOW YOU GOT INTO THE BASEBALL WORLD, AND A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOU AND YOUR HUSBAND.
My name is Jessica Kelly, and I am married to Dustin Kelly, Major League Hitting Coach for the Chicago Cubs. I have loved baseball from a young age and grew up attending MLB, high school, and college games. Dustin and I met through baseball, too! I went to college at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and his brother, Jason Kelly, was a great friend who played on the baseball team.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU/HOW DID YOU GET STARTED?
My happy place has always been a baseball game! Every day, I am further amazed at how caring and incredible the baseball community is. Dustin's dad (Mike Kelly) played in the MiLB, his uncle (Pat Kelly) is the Triple-A Manager for the Cincinnati Reds, his cousin (Casey Kelly) is a starting pitcher in the Korea Baseball Organization, and his brother (Jason Kelly) is the Head Baseball Coach at University of Washington. Our three boys also love and play the sport, so we are immersed in baseball all year! My idea for The Kelly Crew emerged from love and knowledge of the game. During Spring Training last year, I shared my idea with Casey, his wife (Ariel), Jason, and his wife (Tracy). They believed in the concept and wanted to help make it possible! I got to work and launched The Kelly Crew not long after.
TELL US ALL ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS, WHAT DO YOU DO, AND HOW LONG YOU’VE BEEN WERKIN’ IT.
The Kelly Crew makes go-to gear for the crew who knows the game. We create premium and ethically made tees, hats, and notebooks for the ballplayer community. We recently launched big league beads™, a fun and quality line of necklaces! The Kelly Crew Affiliate Program (https://affiliate.thekellycrew.com/) is live now and provides a 10% commission. I currently run the business and have genuinely enjoyed every minute of working on The Kelly Crew!
WAS YOUR SUCCESS IMMEDIATE OR DID IT TAKE TIME?
We have been in business for four months and are growing slowly but steadily. The baseball community has been so enthusiastic and supportive!
WHAT OBSTACLES HAVE YOU FACED AND HOW DID YOU PERSEVERE IN HARD TIMES?
My biggest obstacle has been time (I also have a full-time job). There have been long days and nights, but where there is passion, there is perseverance!
HOW DO YOU BALANCE RUNNING A BUSINESS AND LIVING THE BASEBALL LIFE?
Because of our passion for The Kelly Crew, it has been easy to stay determined. I am fortunate to have fantastic family and friends who help with the kids, dogs, and life!
HOW DID STARTING A BUSINESS IMPACT YOUR LIFE PERSONALLY, AND FOR THE TWO OF YOU?
Starting The Kelly Crew has made a positive difference in our lives, even though it required Dustin and me to divide and tackle during the off-season and spend less time together. Dustin ensured the kids were well cared for and got them to their activities and school on time while I worked.
WHAT’S A TYPICAL WORK DAY FOR YOU IN THE SEASON? IN THE OFF-SEASON?
My typical workday involves my full-time job during the day and The Kelly Crew on nights, weekends, and between games. I'm super grateful that both businesses are remote so the kids and I can visit Dustin during the season and live in Chicago for the summer!
WHAT’S BEEN THE HARDEST PART SO FAR? WHAT’S BEEN THE BEST?
The most challenging and best part was/is having to be patient. I had to be patient about how quickly we would be able to launch, and now I practice patience in terms of profits funding new initiatives. Learning this skill has honestly made every milestone more rewarding and special!
WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON AND WHAT IS NEXT FOR YOUR BUSINESS?
We are launching a few new shirts and necklaces soon that are perfect for the 2024 season! We are also excited to bring The Kelly Crew to South Korea for Casey's season with the LG Twins! Stay tuned for some cool Casey Kelly-inspired merchandise! Last but not least, we are working on some awesome softball collaborations!
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER WAGS WHO HOPE TO START A BUSINESS?
Go for it. Believe in yourself. Determine and execute the plan. Never give up!
WHERE CAN WE FIND YOU ONLINE? HOW CAN WE KEEP UP WITH YOU?
Please visit us at https://thekellycrew.com/ and on social media, links to which are below. We sincerely appreciate the support and look forward to playing together!
https://www.instagram.com/wearethekellycrew/
https://www.tiktok.com/@wearethekellycrew
https://www.pinterest.com/wearethekellycrew/
