Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelley Stewart.
Kelley, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I moved to Cali five years ago with nothing, no job, no place, just what I had in my car. I drove for three days to get to Cali and started from the ground up. I started playing music and through-out the years captured a couple of sponsorship for drumming. During that time I have had the pleasure of finishing my Masters in education and continue to work with our youth today. Working with our youth helping to inspire and fuel their passions and goals in life. I Have been in my band Art Disposal pushing others around myself to better their lives. Our work with Woman’s Resource centers, STEAM festivals, Suicide prevention, and soon homeless youth outreach have brought what our, what my inspiration is that guides me to continue doing work for So Cal. Making this a better place for us all. Working with many great people since I have been here had to lead me to a better understanding of what we need to build a strong community. I would like to add those people have helped me when I was going through set backs. Thank you to Peter with riot scene, Elena Knight, Tim Pyles of 91x, Troy cook of ready set survive, ave Army, Banyon Bachman of one hot planet, Anna from pinkeye, aviator stash and so many more, not to mention my family the only one I have my bandmates Casey, Angel, and Corey. Friends throughout the years have come and gone but to those that are there for each other will always create inspiring moments for us all. I am currently working on a Business venture that will change the face of So Cal. This is a multi-million dollar venture that I am not at liberty to discuss at the moment. Thank you SO CAL for the fuel to allow me to grow and inspire.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Living in the car has been set backs losing friends and with no family here at all has proved to be difficult. At first, trying to adjust to a west coast life was a challenge and working three jobs at once for two years was a lot to take on.
Please tell us about your music.
I work in San Marcos Unified at Double Peaks k-8 PE program and love helping students find their inspiration and goals in life. I also love doing things for the music community and help build other passions all around me. Marketing and establishing rapport with San Diego People have given more insight into what we can do for others. Creating smiles for everyone demolishing despair and letting them know we care.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I don’t ride on the coattails of our social norms of success. I look at my accomplishments finishing my Master’s degree, co-owning a small kiosk, teaching, playing music, building great relationships and creating an opportunity for a huge business venture. Most people will look at an opportunity cliff from a distance wondering how to get there. others may find the path but never show determination to finish the hike. some will make it to the edge without taking that leap and others will take that leap. some may not survive the fall but that small percentage that does survive will continue to inspire.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/art_disposal_band/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artdisposal
Image Credit:
Casey Morrow, Angel Casanova , Corey, Dave Castro
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