Meet Kelsea Gisondi

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kelsea Gisondi. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kelsea below.

Kelsea, we’ve been so fortunate to work with so many incredible folks and one common thread we have seen is that those who have built amazing lives for themselves are also often the folks who are most generous. Where do you think your generosity comes from?

My son spent 12 days in our local nicu. During such a scary, unpredictable time some times the smallest things can lift your sprites. Going through such a hard thing in life has given me the will and want to be generous and give back to families who are in the same position as we were. I use my small business to bring awareness to the nicu and we are able to get donations from the community to give back.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My name is Kelsea I am a mom of 3 amazing kids! Each one of my kids has a special background which gave me the drive to start my own business! I own life with Monroe where we make home made themed playdough jars, sensory bins, paint kits and craft kids! My oldest daughter Olivia is 15, she is autistic and also has her very own small business going decorating shell! She’ll be running track at the 2026 special Olympics in Minnesota! Monroe is 5, she is so bubbly and sweet and anyones biggest cheerleader! She has a rare food allergy called FPIES! My son Oliver is 2, he has cerebral palsy from birth trauma, global developmental delay and some other health issues. My children have inspired me to start this business. They have all been in therapy either present or past and I have seen first hand how these tools have helped them in so many different ways. I have taken out the making and thinking behind these products so it’s one less thing parents have to do. Our products are great grab and play! I have used my social media and business to advocate and educate people. We have also used it to be able to give back to over 100 families that are in the nicu that saved Oliver’s life! My small business is personal, I put my entire heart into it.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

I felt like I was a great person to start a sensory business since it’s literally been a huge part of my children’s life and it was something I was doing for them and seeing first hand the amazing benefits! If I could go back to where I started I would tell myself to have more faith in myself, trust myself more and always realize there are hard and slow times in businesses but to never give up!

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

Honestly my kids and husband. I’m constantly throwing ideas at them and having them help me brain storm ideas. I made an Oliver’s pizza kit because Oliver loves pizza. It has playdough, all your toppings and comes in a pizza box! I use my kids as inspiration and test everything with them first!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Life_with_monroe
• Facebook: lifewithmonroe