Hi! I’m Kelly Pace. A graduate from the University of Cincinnati’s DAAP program, 41 year old wife & mother of 3 very active children and 2 dogs. I grew up in the Anderson area of Cincinnati and now reside in the West Chester area. I’ve always enjoyed being in the creative arena, whether it involves dance, choreographing, crafting, painting or designing— it’s something I’ve always been passionate about. Being creative is what makes me tick. I dabble in various mediums, but graphic design is what I hold near & dear to my heart. I’m currently a senior creative designer for an apparel brand in which I manage the branding for all print and digital touch points. This also entails art directing photography for the brand.
When I’m not working, you can find me toting my kids around to soccer, wrestling, t-ball, or taekwando. My kids are my pride & joy. I’m also very fond of my 2 rescue dogs and enjoy playing with them and walking them. We enjoy the occasional (okay, maybe 3-4x weekly) trip to Starbucks for a pup-cup!
Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My husband and I have been married for almost 9 years and we got married when our oldest daughter was 5 years old. Our oldest, now 14, plays soccer for Cincinnati United. We also have and 8 year old daughter who has her green belt in Taekwando and she enjoys wrestling too! She recently won the City tournament for girl’s youth wrestling in her age/weight bracket. We also have a 6 year old son who constantly lives in an imaginary world where he battles ‘bad guys’ and wrestles dinosaurs. He’s the comedian in the family. I’d say we’re a very colorful family, with a lot of energy and compassion for others. My husband and I are adamant about teaching our kids to accept and respect others. We hope the Pace family impacts our world in a positive and kind manner and influences others to do the same.
Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I worked for a publishing company for 8 years after graduating from the DAAP program. I designed how-to books at this company. I’d work closely with editors & authors to create the best aesthetic & visuals for these books— including photography, colors, typefaces, and graphic elements to achieve a compelling book. I also was the art director for Family Tree Magazine a couple years before transitioning to a position which allowed me to spread my creative wings in a different way— which the focus was more on package design. I love getting lost in a project! Time flies when I’m designing, it’s my happy space 🙂
What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I eat Gluten Free, so I gravitate to restaurants that can accommodate my dietary restrictions. Red Robin has fabulous GF fries & GF bread. Matt the Miller is a fabulous establishment that I frequent due to the GF options. And who can go wrong with Skyline?!! It’s a family favorite— but of course, I get the 3-way potato and avoid the noodles. Still Yummy!
How long have you lived or worked in our community?
25+ years
Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
That’s a tough one. There are so many, but I must say my husband is probably the most interesting and has a really cool military history & story. He keeps me on my toes all the time.
If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I’ve always wanted to go to Dubai. I’ve heard the architecture there is amazing and it appears to be an active city full of different things to do.
What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Movies: Happy Gilmore (love Adam Sandler). TV Shows: King of Queens (I’m a huge Kevin James fan) or The Office
What advice would you give to people?
Surround yourself with people that encourage you and make you feel good about yourself. Before you judge someone, try to UNDERSTAND where they are coming from first. And if you don’t have anything nice to say, bite your tongue and keep it to yourself.
What is something on your bucket list?
Sky-Diving!!!
What is your go to music when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Andy Grammar, Pink, or Lady Gaga
What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Beechmont Mall— with UNOs at the front entrance, they had that silly clown that hung from the bar and did flips over it! I remember watching it so many times as a kid, it’s a staple in my memory bank.
If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you meet for this lunch?
Ha! At this moment, I’d say Joe Burrow. With the recent uprise of the Cincinnati Bengals and their Super Bowl appearance, I think it would be eye-opening to talk with him about overcoming mental/emotional defeat and how he stays so optimistic in challenging situations. Would probably go to a fancy restaurant like Carlo & Johnny or Cincinnati established Montgomery Inn Boathouse.
What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love the diversity & different culture here. The people are kind, adventurous, and there’s a lot to do/see in our city.
Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Living the good life in the West Chester area— enjoying my family & traveling a bit more.
What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I played in a bowling league when I was in 4th grade, we were the “Fireballs.”
What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Either Hawaii or Marco Island, FL.
Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
June. Christmas. Christmas Day (it’s my birthday too)!
What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Snyder’s Gluten Free Pretzels
Who inspires you to be better?
My mom. My dad. My husband. My kids. Jen Goris & the volunteers at Animal Friends Humane Society
What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Lavender & A Thousand Wishes from Bath & Body Works
Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Warmth. Joy. Chaos.
