Growing up in Columbus, Ohio, Kelli turned to retail at the age of 15 as a form of escapism and to create a unique look all her own. She fought her way through adversity receiving a full scholarship from Bob Mackie at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandise in Los Angeles. Once there, she was accepted into the Advanced Design Program where she was able to design and show a small collection in 2006. Kelly went on to design a guitar for Kevan Hall during Los Angeles Fashion Week and just recently started her own empire, Black Market -- a cutting edge boutique in her hometown.