Where JOY Meets Purpose
Kelli Richardson Lawson: The Heart & Soul Behind The House of JOY
Kelli and Gigi
Kelli Richardson Lawson's extraordinary journey as an Emmy Award-winning creative visionary and entrepreneurial business leader spans decades of groundbreaking accomplishments and unwavering commitment to driving change. Her lifelong dedication to championing transformative causes, impacting lives, and investing in the Black community has solidified her as an influential force in the industry.
At the heart of every transformative initiative lies a visionary, and Kelli Richardson Lawson stands as a beacon in this realm. With her middle name 'Joy', it's almost poetic how her life's journey has unfolded.
Beginning with her first agency, the JOY Collective, the term "collective" wasn't chosen lightly. It signified Kelli’s foundational ethos — a powerful consortium where collaboration and unity prevail. This very spirit evolved into the creation of the House of JOY, her most recent venture.
Kelli's extraordinary contributions extend throughout her illustrious career in media. As a trailblazer at BET, she revolutionized the marketing organization, spearheading award-winning creative campaigns and orchestrating monumental events such as the BET Awards and Hip Hop Awards. Her visionary leadership earned her numerous accolades, including BET's first-ever Emmy Award and recognition from esteemed organizations like Telly, Promax, BDA, NAMIC, CTAM, CTPAA, ANA, and NAACP Image Awards.
Her dedication to service and exceptional impact have garnered Kelli multiple prestigious honors. She has been listed on the EBONY Power 100 and received the Anthem Award for The Ad Council's "Tuskegee Legacy" COVID-19 vaccine education campaign. The CROWN Movement, an initiative she co-created to end hair discrimination, earned her a Black Women's Agenda Award, Links Presidential Impact Award, and other notable distinctions. Kelli's achievements include several MARCOM, PR Week, and NBCSL Nation Builder Awards, recognizing her significant contributions to marketing, communications, and social impact.
Amid her trailblazing efforts, Kelli's love for her community sparked the creation of the NAACP Image-Award nominated non-profit, The SonRise Project. A haven for families grappling with mental wellness and addiction issues, this initiative became a lifeline for countless individuals. Weekly calls under The SonRise umbrella brought parents together in mutual understanding, compassion, and upliftment, spotlighting the crucial conversation of mental health in the Black community.
While embracing roles as founder of a Black women-owned business, entrepreneur, wife, daughter, sister, member of Delta Sigma Theta Inc., and dog mom, she’s also navigating the complexities of raising two Black sons in America. With each hat she dons, she learns, pivots, and loves with unparalleled depth.
Like many of us, after living through a Global pandemic, a profound realization struck Kelli: pure, authentic joy and balance were not just desires but necessities. This epiphany prompted her to pivot, shifting her perspective and goals. The journey hasn't been a bed of roses; gratitude was hard-earned through trials and triumphs. But every challenge faced and every laughter shared has shaped the formidable woman she is today.
And when the world gets a bit too loud, Kelli retreats to her slice of heaven in Naples, Florida. Here, by the beach, she finds solace, reconnects with herself, and draws strength from the sun, sand, and sea. It's not just a place; it's a testament to her journey towards balance and the pursuit of pure joy.
“Just like a starfish, which finds its strength and beauty in the ebb and flow of the ocean, I find my authentic joy and purpose in the rhythm of stories and voices of our Black community.
And every time I find solace in the sun-kissed shores of my happy place in Naples, Florida, I'm reminded of the endless possibilities we have to create positive ripples in the world."
Invite Kelli to Share Her Journey
Have you ever considered weaving a narrative of genuine joy, purpose, and transformation into your next event? Consider inviting Kelli Richardson Lawson. Joy isn't just her middle name; it's the essence she brings to every room.
With tales from the heart stemming from her entrepreneurial adventures, her passionate social initiatives, and the world of navigating parenthood, Kelli's words touch souls.
Kelli is the perfect fit if your audience yearns for stories that uplift, inspire, and offer a fresh perspective on embracing challenges. Let her gentle wisdom and heartfelt experiences bring warmth and depth to your gathering.
