I was born in Escondido in the same hospital where I had my son 25 years later. As a kid, my family lived in San Diego County, California with the exception of when I was three to six years old we lived in the state of Washington. Since moving back to California at six years old, I traveled back and forth almost every summer and love the balance the Pacific Northwest and Southern California brought to my life and how the two beautiful places influenced the person I am today.
I have had the privilege to launch and run a business for 26 years which has provided me the means to raise my son in a home we purchased in Carlsbad with a $500 check and written offer that was driven one hour away and given directly to the seller who accepted it on the spot. Yes, five hundred dollars, unheard of! I tell the story, to share my faith and the power of prayer. I have a prayer journal that is full of answered prayers and am grateful to be able to share the testimonies with friends and family.
My greatest joy today is my grown son and his beautiful wife, being a grandma to my two beautiful granddaughters, and the life I live with my loving husband and our two fur babies.
About Lisa Kelley
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My husband and I are empty nesters of a blended family. We are now grandparents to 2 granddaughters who I spend as much time with as possible.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
After working at fancy resorts while studying business, communications, and marketing, I launched my own event business in 1998. Love what I do! My first love was writing and I had the desire to be a journalist. Instead, I got to write and produce stories that come to life.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Your dreams do not need to be validated to come true. Believe in yourself and be kind to others along your journey.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I see myself with more grandchildren and continuing to do what I love through creative outlets, reading my recently published children’s book to our youth to encourage them to dream.
Lisa Kelley & Our Community
Q: What are a few of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Bangkok Bay Thai in Solana Beach, Gregarios Italian in Carlsbad.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have lived in my community for 30 years and have been a business owner for 26.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Priscilla Dunn – an author, retired school teacher, retired radio host, and army wife, who shared many stories with me and my young son.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Norte’s Mex Restaurant in Carlsbad where so many birthdays and milestones were celebrated.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Carlsbad is my local community with its unique flower fields, a walkable boardwalk, and a melting pot of people of all ages.
Q: If you could choose anyone alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you meet for this lunch?
Tom Crosby was held in Saint Tomas interment camp with my Dad in Manila, Philippines. I want to meet him and ask him questions about that time. Cafe in Balboa Park.
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Under the Tuscan Sun.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I wrote for a jr. college paper, covering the men’s soccer team and later wrote a column under the name “Idea Girl” for a successful online publication and continue to ghostwrite for clients.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Carlsbad Community.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My family and friends.
Q: What community organizations and/or local nonprofits do you admire/support?
Saddles In Service is an organization I admire for their impact, the culture of teamwork, and kindness. The healing available through horses to so many who serve or have served our nation and local communities is remarkable.
Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Listen more.
Q: What Neighborhood do you live in?
Carlsbad.
What I love about my Neighborhood:
The people, the proximity to the beach, the culture.
Please describe your ideal San Diego weekend:
Hike at Torrey Pines Beach, Sunset at Torrey Pines Beach, Dinner at Pacifica, Bike Ride into town or taking the train to downtown and the fairy to Coronado with the bikes for lunch at the Del.
Q: Finally, what three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Sanctuary, Loving, Welcoming.
