Meet Kelsey Kalapos, local Southport mom of 2 boys and the Founder of Keeping Up Your Kid, a curated feed on social media of outfit choices and accessories for your kids that are stylish and unique! We spoke with Kelsey about her career in fashion, her idea behind #KUYK and how she manages a full time career while also enjoying family time with her husband, Jeff and their two sons.
Fun Fact: Kelsey and Amber (co-founder of FairfieldMoms) studied at The University of Rhode Island together in the same Fashion major and both graduated with the Class of 2007! We’ve kept in touch over the years, both started working in the city right after we graduated, had our second babies at almost the exact same time (days apart) in the same hospital and now our 7yr olds are both in 1st grade and our 4yr olds are at the same daycare together!!
Where are you originally from and how long have you been in Southport?
I’m originally from Glastonbury, CT and we moved to Southport just over a year ago!
Tell us about your Family
My husband Jeff and I met at The University of Rhode Island in 2004 and have been married almost 12 years. We have 2 vivacious boys Vince (7) and Declan (4).
One thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Musical theater played a huge role in my childhood and I love to sing “Blackbird” by The Beatles to my boys at bedtime.
One thing you wish someone would have told you about motherhood?
Not to sweat the small stuff! They won’t go to college with a pacifier or wearing diapers 🙂
What’s your favorite thing about raising a family in Southport / Fairfield?
Taking a family walk to Southport Beach after dinner in the summer!
Best mom hack that makes your life easier?
Our Ninja air fryer for all the quick and easy dinners.
Tell us about your new social media business “Keeping Up Your Kid”, and when & why you decided to create this business!
Keeping Up Your Kid evolved from my love of merchandising/graphic design and recognizing a void in curated kids fashion finds at all price points. I wanted to be that jumping off point to help parents with back to school shopping, outfit ideas for family photos and everything in between! My goal is to curate choices for your child in order to build their confidence and style. I truly believe that what we wear is an expression of who we are and how we feel.
Tell us about your background in the fashion industry and your career
I’ve worked in the fashion industry for 15 years now. I’ve spent most of my career at Macy’s as a Design Director for private label. My main focus at Macy’s is color and textile design and I feel so lucky to work alongside a team of gold. We work hard and have fun everyday!
Your everyday finds are SO helpful for Moms / Dads. Where do we find the links to purchase?
I save everything on my Instagram page (@keepingupyourkid) in my categorized highlights with direct links to purchase. **Stay tuned for her LTK account!
Best advice for moms who experience the inevitable MOM GUILT handling a career and raising a family?
I personally struggle with this a lot. But in the end I think it’s so important that we lead by example and show our kids that we are doing our best. Even if that means we miss a practice or eat dinner late, it’s going to be okay and we’ll try again tomorrow.
Who has most influenced you to be the mom that you are today?
My single Mom is my inspiration! When I was growing up she simultaneously worked full time, got her Master’s degree and raised 4 kids.
What advice would you share with a new mom or other moms?
I’d say to block out the noise. No one knows what’s best for your baby except you and your partner. And trust your gut 🙂
We love supporting local businesses – favorite places in Southport / Fairfield to…
Have Dinner with Family: We love Southport Diner for breakfast and Little Barn in Westport for dinner!
Grab a Drink with Friends: The Sinclair
Have a Date Night: Gray Goose or Artisan
Spend time together as a Family: At any of the Fairfield beaches collecting seashells!
Outside Activities: Walking/running to Southport Harbor
Grab coffee: Sono Baking Co