In a nutshell: Kelly is the Managing Director of Kelly East Financial Advisor, a financial service practice which offers financial advice to clients across the UK, covering a range of areas from pensions, investments and mortgages to inheritance tax planning, financial wellbeing and divorce settlements.
Region: Newport
Awards:
- Professional Adviser 2020 – Most Inspiring Returner
- Professional Adviser 2021 – Highly commended Role Model of the year
- Professional Adviser 2022 – Nominated in 3 categories - Results October 2022
- Vouched For 2020 – Top Rated Adviser Award
- Vouched For 2020 – Top Rated Firm Award
- Vouched For 2021 – Top Rated Adviser Award
- Vouched For 2021 – Top Rated Firm Award
- Vouched For 2022 – Top Rated Adviser Award
- Vouched For 2022 – Top Rated Firm Award
I had never thought about putting myself forward for an award until I started my own business two years ago, following a decade working within financial services. I had always wanted to be my own boss and have my own company so when the pandemic hit, I decided to finally take the plunge and set up Luna Financial Planning. As a new business in the sector, I decided to enter awards to help raise both mine and Luna's profile and showcase the brilliant work we were doing as a team.
I’d never even won a sticker at a sports day in school so I figured I’d make up for it in my 40s and apply for every award I could! Since starting Luna, I have entered and been shortlisted in a number of awards including the Women in Financial Advice Award 2020, Top Female Adviser Wales award, Financial Advice Award 2021 and the Vouched for Top Rated Advice Firm 2021 which we won - we were the only advisory firm in Wales to have that title.
Some awards I have applied for myself, whereas others have been a result of someone else nominating us - both bring in the same amount of pride.
Winning an award has been about so much more to me than just an award. It’s been a huge form of personal growth and helped boost my confidence. I have always suffered from imposter syndrome and anxiety so find it difficult to accept that someone would think I was worthy of an accolade, but being shortlisted and winning has reinforced that I am good at what I do and deserving of recognition.
It’s a great feeling to win an award – you get a real buzz of adrenaline. It’s motivated me to grow my business and inspire other women to strive for more, especially the female staff at my own company and within the financial world.
Having awards behind your business also gives prospective clients the confidence that they are choosing a reputable firm.
I’d like to see more women taking part in awards. My advice would be to give it a go and when it comes to nominating yourself, just be authentic and true to who you are personally and professionally. As someone who has suffered with their mental health from the age of 13, I know first-hand how hard it can be to do something that is out of your comfort zone but it’s worth it! Doing it is actually the hardest part but once that’s done, it’s done and there’s so much that you can gain.
I am a woman, succeeding in a very male-dominated world, which has been difficult at times. I hope my experience can help to make a difference and inspire other women to start their own businesses and put themselves forward for awards!