Brittney Kelley
Lindsey Grace Whiddon
Brittney Kelley's humble beginnings in Georgia instilled a work ethic that has contributed to the success of her business, Tribe Kelley. She remembers watching her grandmother work three jobs to take care of her, so having a company to call her own is a milestone in her journey.
Kelley discovered her knack for business and design as a college student, running her own Esty shop. Designing and selling jewelry and charitable items online became a lucrative gig for the Psych major, who was able to quit her waitressing job and pay her rent with the profits.
"It gave me the confidence that I could create something and possibly make a living off of it," she says.
Lindsey Grace Whiddon
After marrying Brian Kelley of Florida Georgia Line at the end of college, she began working on the blueprints for Tribe Kelley, and launched her first collection on their first wedding anniversary.
"After three years of e-commerce, I knew Nashville was the perfect place to open up our first brick-and-mortar because it was also the city Brian and I were married in," she says.
She credits the local music industry for her early success—musicians Kacey Musgraves, Kelsea Ballerini, Thomas Rhett, and more have worn her clothing onstage and off. And when she saw hip-hop star Lil’ Wayne wear Tribe Kelley onstage at the 2017 Billboard Music Award, she knew she "was walking down the right path."
Kelley is thankful to be able to have a job that she loves.
"Success to me is knowing that you aren't waking up and dreading work. I feel very grateful that I don't live for the weekends or the next vacation.”