By Lauren Means ・ Photos Provided by Thomas Kelly
Growing up in the North Nashville/Bordeaux area, Thomas Kelly navigated the MNPS school system and graduated from Hume-Fogg. Despite attempting college five different times and switching majors each attempt, the world of academia never felt quite right. Through this journey of self-discovery, he found his true calling in design and creativity.
Creativity was a constant companion from a young age. Labeled as “gifted” in elementary school, Kelly was often enrolled in various courses and accelerated programs to keep his mind engaged. As he grew older, his creative spirit found an outlet in creating invitations, party planning, and other artistic endeavors. It was clear that this inherent creativity would shape his future.
The path to entrepreneurship, however, was somewhat serendipitous. Kelly’s passion for print and design blossomed through his involvement in church activities, where he spent significant time crafting programs for Youth Day, Church Anniversaries, and the College Ministry. This hands-on experience extended to creating party invitations, flyers, obituaries, and more for friends and family. In the summer of 2019, while designing a youth program for his church, he needed affordable printing services which he found hard to come by. This need sparked a divine vision to start his own business, leading to the birth of Creative Soulz Printing.
Beyond printing, Creative Soulz offers basic design services, promotional products, and basic sign/graphic installations. While Kelly doesn’t claim to be a certified graphic designer, he continuously educates himself on advanced design software to grow his skills. There’s also a potential expansion into consulting services, as many seek his expertise in business growth.
The pandemic, a challenging period for many, turned out to be a catalyst for his business. Having just started Creative Soulz Printing in late 2019, he was in the early stages of learning and growth when the pandemic struck. Surprisingly, this period brought him business opportunities as many individuals were starting their own home businesses, turning to Kelly for their printing needs. This surge in demand helped establish a solid client base.
As a minority-owned business, Kelly hasn’t faced overt obstacles and, fortunately, he hasn’t experienced blatant disrespect or discrimination. In fact, he has received opportunities from those who actively seek to support minority-owned businesses.
One of the most rewarding aspects of his business is seeing his work showcased in various settings. Whether it’s a label on a product, a banner at an event, or a tablecloth at a local gathering, knowing that his creations help clients market and showcase their products brings Kelly immense joy and satisfaction.
To aspiring entrepreneurs, Kelly offers valuable advice explaining, “You’re going to make mistakes at first, but that’s how you learn. Keep going and don’t let negativity or mishaps get you down. Surround yourself with other entrepreneurs, those who are new, and those who have been in business for a while. You will learn from both, and depend on each other when there are things to celebrate and when there is something to pray about. Whatever you do, keep going.”
As Creative Soulz Printing approaches its fifth anniversary this August, there’s an air of excitement for the future. This milestone is a testament to Kelly’s dedication, resilience, and creative vision. With more success on the horizon, his journey in creativity continues to inspire.
To learn more about Creative Soulz Printing visit https://creativesoulzprinting.com/.
