Marshall Kelly

Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family. Include your pets too!
My family is crazy, no doubt! Which in my case isn’t always a bad thing, because its never boring. Although I like to consider a lot of people not related to me, friends, coworkers, former teachers, to be like family. I consider family to be something you build as you grow up, blood related or not. Although the person who initially sparked my love for art was my Grandma, Wilma Welling. She is an extremely talented artist herself, who always encouraged me to go after what I want. Specifically I remember an art class she put me in when I was little, and something about it just stuck, so I ran with it. Then she continued to encourage me in that direction ever since!

Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
Currently I am a hair stylist at “The Hair After”, in Westminster. I also run my own shop where I sell my art including stickers, keychains, notepads, paintings, shirts, pins, and more! My speciality at the salon is vivid hair color. I love being able to add a splash of color into someones hair and immediately boost their confidence. With vivid hair color Im able to express my artistic vision onto walking canvases. I also prioritize making my salon chair a safe space for the local LGBTQIA community. Being LGBT myself I experienced a lot of bullying through out schooling. My idea to combat that is creating a calm and safe atmosphere to be yourself, and express your identity openly and proud. No matter what that means. I run my art shop out of my very own home. I have a small studio/office space set up for creating, packing orders, and managing my social media. My hope is to grow a bit every day until I can pursue art as a career along with hair styling.

Q: What is one of your favorite quotes or lines in a song and why does it resonate with you?
“Danny don’t you know that everyone is weird on the inside.” by Dan Avidan from a comedy band called “Ninja Sex Party”. In this specific song Dan is singing to his past self, letting him know that its ok to feel weird, awkward, or scared about your future. Its about how the hard times in life are temporary and eventually everyone comes into their own. That specific quote speaks to me because he’s also reminding his younger self that he’s not alone in the way he’s feeling. So many people feel weird or unsure in life, and we need to remember that when casting judgment on ourselves or those around us.

Q: What advice would you give to people?
Be authentic! Even if you’re scared of judgment. Hiding who you are can be so detrimental to your mental health. Once you truly start expressing yourself honestly, your people will find you, and you will be so much happier for it! The people who love you for your authentic self are truly a family of its own.

Q: What are a couple of your favorite places or events in our community?
Of course being an artist I love Art In The Park, its so refreshing to see other local artist express their passions as well. Though a personal favorite of mine as a kid was Fall Fest. I have many fond memories with friends and family riding the rides, making scarecrow, and celebrating my favorite season.

Q: What advice would you give to people living in Westminster or looking to move to Westminster?
Network! There are so many different kinds of people here that you’d never meet unless you looked. The amount of small businesses and support you’ll find will pleasantly surprise you!

Q: What 3 words come to mind when you think of Westminster?
Potential, Inviting, and Community

Q: What are some of your favorite hobbies or pastimes?
When Im not drawing, I love to read fiction, specifically fantasy. I play video games, Im a Nintendo person myself. I, of course, love spending time with my amazing friends and my sister.

Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
The feeling of accomplishment you get when helping someone. I love being able to be a support system for my friends, family, clients, and many more. I’ve been very lucky to have received help when I’ve been down from the most unexpected people. I want to always return that favor to others whenever I can.

Q: What is one of your proudest accomplishments?
This one is extremely tough, because I always strive to have my current project be better then the last! So currently it would be a Mural I am painting at “Something Wicked Brewing Company” in Hanover, PA. Each Mural on the walls there is done by local artist, and inspired by one of their beers. Im currently working on mine, themed after Persephone, and aim to be done sometime in early to mid August.

Q: What is one thing on your bucket list?
Definitely Sky diving, I love roller coasters and anything that gets the adrenaline going. I like being able to overcome small fears of mine to help give me confidence.

Q: What would you buy/do if you won the lottery?
I would spend it on traveling. A dream of mine is to travel across the globe and learn about as my art styles and expressions as I can. Because every art style are so unique and tell a story in their own way. I’d use that as a way to help shape my own art style and help my art grow, as I grow.

Q: What is something even your family and friends may not know about you?
I love people watching when I go out. Just being able to sit down and truly take in my surroundings. I find a lot of inspiration in the people I see, the lives they live, and the ways they present themselves. I love drawing random people I see out and about, then showing it to them, its very good practice for me, and a way to make someone smile or feel beautiful. Although the closer you are to me personally, the more likely I have made an art piece inspired by you.

Q: What has been a challenge you have had to overcome? (life, school, work, family, health, etc)
Like many people, I was bullied heavily in cycles growing up. At first it was extremely difficult to cope with. Then I decided to use art as a way to make connections and friendships with other students. I also have ADHD, depression, and anxiety, so schooling was a hit or miss situation. I either loved the class, or hated it. So in that case too, I used art as a way to ground myself. I would doodle during class to help give my body something to do while I was listening to instructions. But most difficult would be dealing with depression, its something that I’ve dealt with, and will deal with, for a long time. Its something I have to put effort into daily to keep it manageable and under control, so I can lead a happy life. I sound like a broken record, but art is an extremely important part of that coping mechanism. Im extremely grateful for art and the positive view on life its helped me build despite my on going struggles with depression.

Q: Who has been a hero in your life?
My Sister, Tori Kelly. She is in the brown dress in my picture. She’s truly one of the strongest people I know. She’s been through so much and has always comes out on top, no matter the issue at hand. Though we’ve had our petty arguments growing up. She will always be someone of great strength, perseverance, and potential in my eyes. She’s a truly beautiful person inside and out. She’s always encouraging me, and overall has taken care of me. I couldn’t be more thankful for her. Love you Sissy!

Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where in Westminster would you meet for this lunch?
People who know me well already know the answer for this question. I would love to have lunch with Mark Fischbah aka Markiplier. He’s an amazing Youtuber I’ve watched ever since I was 13. He is a kind soul who does a lot of charity work through his platform, which started off as gaming content, and quickly turned into more creative projects. He’s even directing his first movie this year. I want to know the secret to his constant growth and perseverance in his career. But also thank him for the laughs and the comfort his videos have given me during difficult times throughout my life. I’d probably go to Sushi Q for the lunch because I adore the food, and who doesn’t love sushi?!

Q: How can our readers and I know if someone we come in contact with is a good connection for you or a good person for you to meet? Please include your website link if you have one!
I love anything creative, send it my way! Etsy: BooDoodlesShop Instagram: Boo.Doodleart

Q: Who is an interesting person in our community that you’ve met and deserves to be included in The Faces of Westminster MD project?
Jordan Costley, she is the definition of a strong woman to me. We grew up together and went to the same Middle School and High school. Ive never met anyone who’s had a bad thing to say about her. She’s a very dedicated student, and an amazing dancer/performer. She’s always extending love towards others, and has is a strong advocate for the local black community.