Meet Kelly Jo Marks | Creative Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kelly Jo Marks and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelly Jo, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Starting a business was not an acknowledged goal. The goal was to learn a new craft. Creativity started this business. The more I invested, and then began to sell, it became what it is now.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a child I was a dreamer, and consistent doodler. As I got older I tried to evolve that into something I could make a career out of and landed between architecture and civil engineering in college. Eventually, I became a professional commercial interior designer for years and and absolutely loved it. When we began our family, I could not maintain the balance of a career and mother, and stepped back from design. I’ve since had a very small kids art business and a macrame business. I suppose I am a serial crafter, but I knew that was ‘it’ when I found candlemaking and decorative concrete. Two big lessons along the way were that balance in life is ever changing and to believe in your creative decisions.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oh wow, where to start. My family and I moved to colorado in 1985. Some of the most memorable times I’ve had have been at red rocks amphitheater for music, going to a avalanche hockey game and eating at the cherry cricket or big bills restaurant . However, my first choice of spending time will always be in the mountains (Leadville, grand lake) sitting by a fire pit next to any river.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family was an integral part of being able to make this business work. However, without the love and support of my niece/best friend/soul sister/ my creative twin and co-dreamer Jacqueline, this endeavor would not have been possible.

Website: Coming soon! Www.starryeyedjoco.com

Instagram: Www.Instagram.com/starryeyedjo_co

Other: Can be found at many local craft markets and usually a retail store.

Image Credits
Amanda Evans