May 8, 2017
Laura Kelly is
the Founder and President of The Handwork
Studio, a kids’ needle arts, machine sewing and fashion studio
and camps. THS helps kids build confidence and express
themselves creatively through practical arts such as knitting,
embroidery, machine sewing, fashion and crafts.
Founded
in 2001, today The Handwork Studio is in 10 States and 40
summer locations. Recognized as the leading educator of kids
needle arts and machine sewing, THS is currently working on its
first nationally licensed at home learning tool for kids that will
launch in Spring 2018.
Laura
has always been passionate about kids. Whether she was
babysitting at 10, a resident assistant in college, or running The
Handwork Studio, kids have been the center of her life. She
sits on the Leadership Team of Garrett Williamson Foundation,
a non-profit organization that delivers
quality educational and recreational programs for
children in Newtown Square Pennsylvania. Laura also served as
a co-chair, along with her husband John, of
Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation Lemon Ball in 2006 & 2007
raising $800,000 each year for pediatric cancer.
As an
active member of The American Camp Association since 2007, Laura
sits on the Local Council of Leaders as the Professional
Development Chair and leads Operation Summer Camp brining tuition
free camp to US military families.
Laura’s
other professional activities include working with young
adults. From 2012-2016, Laura was an Entrepreneur in
Residence at Wharton’s Small Business Development Center helping
student consultants think and learn about small business issues and
their solutions. In 2011 she joined Rosemont College’s Capital
Campaign Committee helping to raise $40 Million in funds
to reach new and ambitions goals outlined in the College’s
Strategic Plan for it students.
Always
energized by other women entrepreneurs, Laura is a member of
Savor the Success, a
women’s entrepreneurial network group
that empowers
women to dream, do and savor their best lives through education,
empowerment and success tools. Laura acts as one of the
organization's Presidents of their 7 figure mentoring
circles.
Laura
holds a Bachelors of Science Degree in Marketing from Northeastern
University and is a 2014 graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small
Business Program.
Laura
mentioned Upwork as a resource.
She
also mentioned;