Meet Keli Brown, Mom + Business Manager, Belly Up
We are so grateful that Keli shared her story with us…
“Hi I’m Keli, I’m mother and Business Manager at Belly Up. In everything I do personally and professionally, I strive for, and work extremely hard, to be a good person; a present and conscientious mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend, family member, teammate, habitant of earth! I am a social person who absolutely loves being with my people, checking out a sunset, music, throwing a party, baseball, and enjoying the big and small moments with my family.”
Connect with Keli Online
Our ‘As Strong as the Mother Next to Me’ weekly spotlight highlights and celebrates Moms in San Diego and across the globe who believe in building up and supporting moms.
We are excited to share Keli’s story with you today!
How did you get started with your current role?
I started my career in college sports marketing, shifted to the event industry coordinating marathons and half marathons and entertainment. I eventually left the event world to pursue the music industry and landed with Belly Up Entertainment.
What does “As Strong as the Mother Next to Me” mean to you?
“As Strong as the Mother Next to Me” means everything to me! Where I would be without the strength and guidance of the mothers before me and next to me in the most challenging and wild and joyous journey of this life I have lived so far? I am supported by my community, consisting of people who are both mothers, and not mothers. My community is understanding, truly lifts me (and my family) up in challenging times, and inspires me daily to be the best mom and friend and family member that I can be.
What strategies do you use to stay connected?
I have generally been a person who internalizes too much, and I am currently working on opening up and being more communicative with my support network. It feels good to commiserate with others in the hard times, laugh about the funny/weird times, and celebrate milestones and simple joyous moments and wins with others. Moms were made to carry and support – not just their children, but each other. I’m thankful for the connection.
How do you involve your children in your professional life, if at all?
Because my kids are in full time daycare, it is very important to me for my kids to know that I work hard for them, and I try to connect the dots to them about where I go during the weekdays and what I do when I am not with them. We visit my work together and I talk about it often! I play music of the artists that come to our venues and try to make that connection for them.
Can you share an example of a collaboration with another mom that was particularly successful or fulfilling?
I honestly think that anytime we can get out with other parents and their kids, it feels like a win for everyone!
How do you define strength in motherhood?
I think being vulnerable and asking for help is one of the hardest things for me to do, so I think I would define the moments where I am able to ask for help as strength in motherhood.
How do you celebrate small victories in motherhood and business?
With a glass of wine with my best friend, my husband!
How do you think societal perceptions of motherhood have changed over the years?
I believe my husband is an equal caregiver to our boys, and takes on the burden of many of roles that were historically pigeon-holed as female roles.
How do you balance self-care with taking care of your family and business?
When budget permits, I love a good spa day to reset!
How did you build your community of moms around you?
I am lucky to have had an existing group prior to motherhood that became my mom network once we all became mothers! These moms are my rocks, my shoulders to cry on, my friends to celebrate life with! They inspire me and confirm that everything hard and great about motherhood is just a phase and I can get through anything!
How important is it to you to surround yourself with other moms professionally and personally?
See above answer 🙂
What piece of advice would you give another mom who is struggling with balancing motherhood and business?
Everything hard and great about motherhood is just a phase, and we can get through anything!
Do you have a non-profit or cause that you want us to know more about? And why are you so passionate about this?
Helen Woodward Animal Center is a local animal center and hospital with a mission of people helping animals and animals helping people! We love our dog Charley, and we love all dogs!
What challenges do you face as a mother and businesswoman?
Balance
Tell us about a challenging time in your business or in your role in motherhood and how you overcame it?
The most challenging times are the busiest times – and busy seasons of work and personal life always seem to collide. When I’m overwhelmed with work and life I try to take a step back and acknowledge any small wins, work when I can to catch up, and make sure to take care of myself when I can!
What are some of your favorite resources managing your business and/or home life that have saved you time?
Amazon and Uber Eats!!
Can you share a moment when another mom’s support made a significant difference in your life?
A couple years ago, I took my first solo flight with my son who was 6 months old. While my son was on all accounts being an “easy” baby, it still was not “easy” to travel with him. We landed in San Diego, and in the chaos of deplaning, I was trying to gather my things quickly with my son strapped to me. My barre teacher at the time happened to be on my flight – I barely knew her but she was a familiar and friendly face. She offered to hold my son while I got organized. I think the reason this small moment is so impactful to me to this day is that it made me realize that there is a central, unspoken deep understanding of what simple acts can provide so much comfort to other moms in hard times. I’ll always remember that she did that for me.
MOMination
We become better women, partners, leaders, and friends by empowering and lifting each other up. Thank you Keli for MOMinating this women below who has inspired you.
Shannon Schneider
Shannon is an inspiring, transparent, and real mama!
We are thrilled to bring back our weekly spotlight that will highlight and celebrate Moms in San Diego and across the globe who believe in building up and supporting moms.
We hope that if we can debunk the idea that you have to take on this journey alone, as a community of moms, we will all walk away stronger, inspired, and raise stronger children and become better partners. We’d love to hear from you!
