Meet Kelly Dean | Owner and Creator of the Laudy Daudy

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

Hi Kelly, as a parent, what have you done for you children that you feel has had the most significant impact?
As a parent, I think it is important to show our kids that we can have a balanced family and work life. Involving my kids with my work also shows them they can have a job they love while being able to be there for our family. My kids, Jameson (9) and Aria (6) help me with the Laudy Daudy in many ways. They go along with me for deliveries, shop markets and help me with photos. Jameson shows interest in helping me with the website, while Aria thinks she is ready to open her own bakery.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The Laudy Daudy is a local gift company that shops the best items from our Fort Lauderdale area. We find so many amazing products and we love supporting our entrepreneurial neighbors.  We spend a lot of time meeting the makers while I shop the local markets on weekends.  We love being your go to thoughtful gift. It is never easy starting a new business on your own but I have learned that with great products and wonderful customer service we keep growing our business and customers. Challenges will always arise, but it is important to prioritize our brands values of quality products, and service. The Laudy Daudy was created from my love of Fort Lauderdale, the amazement of what our neighbors create and making our clients and friends overjoyed by gifting a unique and friendly gift that supports our local community.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Of course the beach, you need a day to relax on the sand under the sun but I also love venturing along A1A stopping at different restaurants and bars. Boat days are always a good day, cruising along the New River to the Intracoastal. Something that I love to do is shop the local pop up markets. Fort Lauderdale really has some great ones like Sunnyside, Flamingo Flea, Las Olas Beach Market and Sistrunk Kollective, where the Laudy Daudy has a space at. Besides shopping at some of my favorite local vendors, they always have the best food and drinks, live bands or yoga classes. Grab a friend, enjoy the day shopping local.

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?
There are a few that come to mind when I think back about everything I have done so far. My husband, Gamma, I am lucky to have him as a partner. We each have our own strengths and together we are a great compliment to each other. Whenever I am venturing something new he is always there to walk through it with me. He and I think differently and he always brings a different perspective. I am very lucky to have him as a partner in our life and family. My friend Nicole, probably one of the hardest working women I know. She partnered with me years ago and taught me so much. She believed in my ideas and that I could go out on my own. I will always be grateful for her friendship and faith in me. A few years ago, I joined an accountability group. It was a group of parents with all different careers, goals and families. We would meet a couple of times a month to check in with each other. It was a wonderfully supportive group. I will always be grateful to Alex, Jen and Eva for listening to my ideas for the Laudy Daudy and their support along the way.

Website: thelaudydaudy.com

Instagram: thelaudydaudy

Facebook: thelaudydaudy

Image Credits
O. Motion Productions