It is an honor to introduce to you one of the backbones of Jedidiah, Mrs. Kelli Murray Larson, our Head Designer. Kelli has been involved in Jedidiah since she was a junior in high school by helping out here and there until her graduation from FIDM (Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising) with her concentration in Product Development. It was at that point she seamlessly transitioned into becoming Jedidiah’s Head Designer.
Kelli was born in Barrington, Illinois and moved to San Diego at the age of 2. She grew up motivated to be a veterinarian because of her obsession with animals (and she also admits that the same obsession continues to this day).
When Kelli isn’t tackling one of her many responsibilities that come with the job, she enjoys creating incredible pieces of art, some of which are commissioned pieces. She also loves going to the beach, going on bike rides and playing with her cat, Bam. Last but not least, she loves hanging out with Sam, her husband of almost 6 months (who I personally think is one of the coolest guys on the face of the planet).
When asked her favorite place to visit, she didn’t mention any of the several foreign lands she has visited or any tropical destination, but gives you a glimpse of the real Kelli by responding “Wisconsin”. She says that some of her best memories in life are spending her adolescent summer days wakeboarding on the lake her grandparents’ house was on.
A few things that you wouldn’t necessarily know about Kelli is that she has Celiacs disease and that she really really loves shoes (make sure you check out what kind of shoes she is wearing next time you see her…they are always stylish).
She says that she is currently inspired by a lot of illustrators and that has really pushed her to draw more. She is super plugged in to the blog world and has found several avenues to find what is out there and has been successful in finding tons of art that inspires her.
Her three current favorite bands are She & Him, Little Dragon and Bon Iver. And her first concert was Green Day and Weezer…how awesome!
When asked about the most defining experiences in her life, without a heartbeat she mentions her wedding day (see video below) and then with compassion in her eyes talks about her trip to Nicaragua with Love, Light & Melody in 2007. “I had no idea of the disparity or the conditions that are the norm down there. It really opened my eyes.”
And when discussing what the next thing she was going to eat, she mentioned potentially going to a secret sushi place that her and Sam have in Encinitas and if that doesn’t work out, “I’ll probably make some tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich.”
Kelli is so incredibly talented and is so good at what she does. I know for a fact that if you got to know her, you’d love her. Check out the pictures and video below. Thanks Kelli.
For more on Kelli, check out her blog at www.kellimurray.com/news.
