Meet Casey Kelly | Co-founder

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

Hi Casey, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Overall our process of getting started was pretty natural. Both of us are incredibly passionate about fashion. After beginning to understand the darkness of the industry we wanted to make change. We love getting dressed, styling, and creating garments. We both love creating beauty. We also love people, believe in transparency, taking care of the environment, and better working conditions. We wanted to create a new way to shop that is more personal and better for the world overall.

What should our readers know about your business?

The fashion industry is one of the most destructive industries, but certainly the part of this world that I feel the most connection to and passion for. We wanted to create a shopping experience people could feel good about. We hold private appointments where we hand select garments for each client. All items are pre-loved in some way – some vintage, some contemporary, some upcycled. Clients have the option to buy or become a member of our studio and rent. Becoming a member allows you to be the ultimate sustainable shopper. You can switch out your rental items as much as you like, try things outside of your comfort zone with no risk, purchase what you fall in love with, and cut down your global foot print. Our membership option and styling are both what sets us apart and what I am most proud of. We have incredible passion for playing with clothes, helping others get dressed, and improving the fashion industry. I would say things have both come easily and been challenging for us. The business unfolded very easily, but sometimes it’s hard to give it the attention we want and not get discouraged when an effort doesn’t get the result we hoped for. For me having a partner has really helped me overcome challenges. Working with Joanne is very rewarding and I want to keep growing our vision. I’ve certainly learned to practice patience, trust the journey, follow my heart, and listen to the quiet whisper. I want the world to know we are here to create the shopping experience that serves them best, helps them feel good in their own skin, and makes this world a better place in the process. There is nothing I am more passionate about.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
When I lived in Aspen and came back to visit Atlanta it was always about the food. At least one stop on Buford Highway was always a must. Of course life is a little different these days and we can’t visit places the way we normally would, but I still have several favorite spots. Little Bear and Talat Market were my 2 favorite pop ups that became restaurants this year. Ordering take out from them is the best and the patio at Little Bear is now open for dine in. Ticonderoga’s swim up bar, Supremo, and Le Fat are my other favorites for to go. El Tesoro, Victory, KR Steak, and Lloyd’s are my favorite patios. My favorite places to visit are all outside right now. I truly love a view and being outside. The roof at the Clermont is an amazing place to take in a view and have a great drink. I think the beltline is one of the best parts of this city and there is so much to explore on every part of it. The most magic in this city is tucked in the neighborhoods. I love to walk down Wylie Street in Cabbagetown and see all the murals. The MET is such a wonderful project filled with so much inspiring art. I think it is an ATL must see, especially the sculpture garden. The Goat Farm is my other favorite hidden gem. I don’t know if it is currently open to the public. I would also always encourage viewing an Atlanta United game. The passion for this team is one of my favorite things about this community. Checking out the architecture downtown, riding elevators in the hotels, dinner at Polaris, and a drink at the Sundial was my favorite Atlanta adventure to share with others pre-2020.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The Inman Park Ladies Social Club, Jessica Wall, and A Touch of Health Atlanta deserve the most recognition. Joanne and I met in our dinner club the Inman Park Ladies Social Club. Our dear friend, Alison Gordon, started it and brought together a wonderful group of women. We have both made wonderful friends through this group who were the bulk of those attending our first events, became clients, and just stayed in our corner cheering us on. Jessica Wall is with Beautycounter and found us early on. We connected easily and decided to start collaborating on events. She is one of our favorites to just brainstorm with and introduced us to the ladies at A Touch of Health Atlanta. When we did our first event with Katrina Cryder and Melissa Merritt we knew right away we had found our people. We are both clients of their practice and have found many clients of ours through them. When we started our business we wanted to focus on creating a network of women working together to build awareness on sustainability and ways to live better overall. We have certainly found that and have a wonderful army of women cheering each other on at every turn. I dedicate this shoutout to IPLSC, Jessica Wall, and the Touch of Health Atlanta network. You are the souls that keep us going. Personally, I have to give a shoutout to my business partner Joanne Fredo. Connecting with you and starting a business has been the greatest source of inspiration in my life.

Website: www.theconsciousoutfit.com
Instagram: @theconsciousoutfit
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theconsciousoutfit

Image Credits
Melle Houston