“Stay focused on yourself, your goals, and your vision; the rest will fall into place.“
These are the words spoken by Kelly Marie Hodgkin, a multifaceted entrepreneur, mentor, investor, company director, and brand ambassador, who has made an indelible mark, embodying the essence of versatility in Dubai’s business landscape over the past 15 years. This vibrant and cosmopolitan city has provided her with the ideal backdrop for her entrepreneurial journey.
From Glasgow to Dubai: A Leap of Faith
Originally from London, Kelly’s Dubai adventure began in 2008 when she was living in Glasgow and sought a change in her life.She decided to take a leap of faith, sold all her belongings and moved to Dubai, enticed by the prospect of working as a personal assistant for a property company owner. However, plans changed, and she found herself with just a month to secure a job or return home.
Fortune favored Kelly when she crossed paths with a couple in need of someone to start a modeling agency. Despite having no prior experience, she seized the opportunity and established Sublime Agency before starting her own modeling and promotions firm, Dubai Hostesses (formerly known as Lush Group) in 2009. Kelly’s entrepreneurial spirit and quick thinking turned this venture into a remarkable success.
KMH Events: The Entrepreneurial Genesis
At the heart of Kelly’s entrepreneurial endeavors lies KMH Events, the umbrella company for Dubai Hostesses and other aspects of Kelly’s business including mentoring, luxury retreats, exclusive networking events and women’s empowerment lunches.
Founded and led by Kelly herself, KMH Events has emerged as a premier player on the corporate and social scene.Kelly’s visionary leadership has steered the company towards excellence, offering top-tier event management solutions and support for entrepreneurs.
Balancing Roles and Responsibilities
For the past 13 years, Kelly has gracefully balanced her diverse roles as a business leader while being a dedicated mother to three boys. As a Director at PPMG, a prominent media group, she spearheads the modeling and promotions division, overseeing fashion styling, editorial shoots, and high-profile events.
Kelly’s investment endeavors shine as brightly as her professional ventures. She is passionate about supporting young, dynamic lifestyle brands, driving them towards greater visibility and earning potential. Some of her notable investments include Gym Clothing Co., a locally rooted fitness clothing brand committed to delivering high-performance activewear that combines quality, style, durability, and affordability.
A Passion for Uplifting Others
Kelly’s commitment to empowering others extends to her role as a mentor. She conducts regular small group mentoring programs tailored to support female business owners. These programs offer valuable guidance and support, helping entrepreneurs bridge the gap between their aspirations and actionable strategies for success.
Moreover, Kelly organizes empowering events featuring leading motivational speakers and coaches. These events serve as platforms for sharing experiences, insights, and strategies, fostering a sense of unity and motivation within the business community.
The Business Women
In 2021, Kelly and entrepreneur Hannah Matthews co-founded “The Business Women” (TBW) in Dubai. TBW serves as a powerful platform for strong, successful, and empowered women to share their stories, knowledge, and inspiration. It’s a space where the best in business thrives without unnecessary barriers or obstacles.
Leading the Way as a Brand Ambassador
As the lead brand ambassador for The Wealth Room UAE, Kelly plays a pivotal role in providing tailored financial advice to entrepreneurs at all stages of their journey. Her involvement reflects her commitment to ensuring that aspiring and established entrepreneurs have access to the guidance they need to achieve financial success.
The Power of Resilience and Empowerment
Kelly Marie Hodgkin is not only a beacon of success but a source of inspiration, proving that with the right attitude and unwavering determination, one can achieve remarkable heights and empower others to do the same.
Outside of her professional life, Kelly is passionate about fitness, dedicating time to daily workouts. She resides in Jumeirah Golf Estates, where her family lives in an ultra-glamorous mansion expertly furnished with European elegance. Despite her wildly successful adult life, Kelly’s early years were marked by adversity but her indomitable determination allowed her to rewrite her life story, proving that no matter how challenging the start, anyone can attain the life they deserve.
Her indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment to excellence continue to inspire aspiring business leaders and entrepreneurs worldwide.
