Meet Dana Kelley | The Working HouseMom

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

Hi Dana, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting my own business was a deeply personal and transformative journey for me rooted in my passion for cooking and interior design, both of which have always been close to my heart. The catalyst, however, came from a place of profound personal loss. In 2021, after my mom passed away, I fell into a deep depression and longed for a way to reconnect with her. In my search for solace, I turned to something familiar—cooking. The kitchen became my sanctuary, a place where I could feel her presence. My mom was the undisputed cook in our family, and her meals brought everyone together. To reconnect with her, I’d put on my apron, turn on some Motown music, and could almost envision her in my kitchen with me.

I’ve always been a good cook, having learned from my mom and aunt, who passed down recipes through generations. Over time, my cooking evolved from good to great. I started with familiar dishes and gradually ventured into more complex recipes. Each successful dish brought a sense of accomplishment and a deeper connection to my roots.

As I started sharing photos of my meals on social media, the interest in my cooking grew. People began reaching out, asking for recipes, and inquiring about cooking classes. Initially, I found this intimidating, but my partner encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone and welcome others into our kitchen. This support was instrumental in the creation of The Working HouseMom.

Starting this business allowed me to connect not only with my mother’s memory but also with a wider community of people who shared my love for food. I pour my heart and soul into every meal, and sharing them with others brings me immense joy. This journey has been about more than just cooking; it has been about healing, connecting, and sharing love through food while creating a lasting legacy in my mom’s honor.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I’m from Cleveland, Ohio, born and raised. In 2007, I relocated to Atlanta to attend college, and I’ve made it my home ever since. Growing up in a single-parent household with my mother, I also maintained an extremely close relationship with my dad. He instilled in me a passion for DIY projects and taught me the importance of open expression and unrestricted creative thinking. On the other hand, my mom showed me the art of cooking and encouraged me to think for myself and embrace my inner strength.

During the holidays, our close-knit family would come together for joyful gatherings filled with laughter and unforgettable memories. These experiences emphasized the importance of home and comfort in my life. Having a daughter at 16 presented significant statistical hurdles. Many people doubted my ability to finish high school, graduate college, or achieve success. However, I chose to take a risk on myself, defying expectations and proving that determination and a willingness to take chances, you can redefine your own possibilities.

The most important factor behind the success of my brand, The Working HouseMom, is authenticity. This brand is a true reflection of who I am—juggling a full-time job, cooking meals for my family, and creating a loving home environment. My approach focuses on what truly matters: my passion for cooking and home-making, rather than emphasizing my appearance or gimmicks. By showcasing both the successes and the challenges, I offer a relatable glimpse into my life.

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.
I’m a suburban girl, so we’re definitely hitting up the Avalon in Alpharetta for brunch with bottomless mimosas, followed by some home decor shopping.

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?
To my Mother: Mom, there’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think of you and feel your presence in my life. Your strength, love, and wisdom continue to guide me through every challenge and triumph. You taught me what it means to be resilient, compassionate, and authentic.

And to my daughter, from the moment I held you in my arms, I knew my life had changed forever. You became my inspiration, my motivation, and the reason I strive to be the best version of myself every single day.

Last but not least, I want to take a moment to give a huge shoutout to the amazing men in my life—my fiancé, my dad, and my brother. Your unwavering support and love mean the world to me, and I am beyond grateful for each of you.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theworkinghousemom/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theworkinghousemom/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9mEsQqQZCQ1Yvwql9dtA3g

Image Credits
Dana K. Johnson