Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jessica Kelley. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Jessica, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
I’ve come to believe that confidence isn’t something you’re just born with—it’s something you build through choice, healing, and intention. Growing up, I faced trauma that no child should ever have to experience. I was molested in my own home, the one place that should have felt the safest. On top of that, I lived in constant unpredictability, navigating the moods of someone struggling with bipolar disorder. Every day felt like walking on eggshells.
But I refuse to let that chapter define me. It’s part of my story—but it’s not the whole story.
I was lucky to have the love and grounding presence of my grandparents, especially my grandfather. He taught me that healing can be found in the simplest and purest of places—nature, animals, quiet moments of peace. That foundation helped me hold onto hope and believe that life could be different.
While trauma could have easily held me back, I made a decision early on: I would not be a victim of my circumstances. I knew I had a choice—to let my past define me, or to rise above it and use it to fuel my purpose. I chose to become a woman rooted in love, resilience, and giving.
Therapy was a huge part of my healing journey, and it took years of doing the deep work to get where I am. But through it all, I kept reminding myself: I am not what happened to me. I am who I choose to become.
And today, I get to live that choice every single day. I own AO—The Space, a med spa and salon built on creating beauty and confidence for others. I founded two skincare lines, Apple Organics and AO MD. I have the immense privilege of helping women feel seen, cared for, and radiant in their own skin. That, to me, is the greatest gift.
Sometimes, I even feel grateful for my past. I know that might sound bold—but I say it because I know I was strong enough to not only survive it, but transform it into something meaningful. If it hadn’t happened to me, it might have happened to someone who couldn’t have carried it. And because of that, I carry it with grace and gratitude.
My confidence comes from knowing I’ve walked through fire and came out with love in my heart. That I’ve created beauty from brokenness. That I get to use my voice—and my work—to show others what’s possible. And that, above all, I’m living the life I was born to live.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m the founder of AO—The Space, a full-service med spa and salon dedicated to helping people—especially women—feel confident, empowered, and radiant from the inside out. Our mission is rooted in the belief that beauty is a reflection of wellness, and that caring for yourself should feel like a sacred, transformative experience.
At AO—The Space, we offer everything from advanced skincare treatments and scalp therapies to massage therapy and body sculpting services. Hair, skin, nails, waxing, spray tans, lashes, permanent makeup, and so much more. My vision was a true one-stop-shop. t’s a space that blends clinical results with soulful care. Our signature services, like our Million Dollar Body Scrub and The Gold Standard Facial, offer deep relaxation and restoration—something I believe every woman deserves in this fast-paced world.
I’m also the founder of two skincare lines: Apple Organics and AO MD. Apple Organics is my original clinical-grade skincare line rooted in nature, and AO MD is our new medical-grade expansion, created to deliver powerful, science-backed results without sacrificing safety or simplicity. We launched AO MD in early 2025 with the goal of scaling nationally, and it’s already helping thousands of people treat everything from acne to aging skin with formulas that are elegant, effective, and easy to use.
What makes my work so special is that it’s purpose-driven. I know firsthand what it means to feel broken, unseen, or unsafe. So I’ve created a brand and a space that reminds women of their strength, their beauty, and their worth. Whether it’s through a transformative facial, a custom skincare routine, or simply a conversation—we’re here to uplift.
Right now, I’m incredibly excited about expanding AO MD into retail markets across the country. Our goal is to bring intentional, medically formulated skincare into the hands of people who are ready to feel confident in their skin, without the overwhelm of overly complicated routines.
This journey has been over a decade in the making. And while I’ve faced unimaginable adversity in my life, I’ve turned it into a powerful platform for healing, connection, and growth. I truly believe I was born to do this—and I’m just getting started.
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?
1. Resilience – Life will test you. There were times in my journey when I could’ve let pain, trauma, or fear stop me—but I chose to rise. Resilience is built by showing up for yourself, even on the hard days. My advice? Start small. Keep promises to yourself. Build trust with yourself. Every time you overcome something hard, you’re building a stronger foundation.
2. Self-awareness and Healing – You can’t pour from an empty cup, and you can’t grow a meaningful business or life until you’ve done the inner work. Therapy, reflection, and spiritual growth helped me turn my pain into purpose. For those early on, don’t be afraid to pause and look inward. The better you know yourself—your triggers, your patterns, your power—the more aligned and unstoppable you become.
3. Vision with Action – I’ve always had a clear vision of what I wanted to create: a space for healing, beauty, and empowerment. But vision without action is just a dream. I took the steps—messy, uncertain, and sometimes scary—to bring that vision to life. My advice? Don’t wait for perfect. Start where you are. Learn as you go. Progress is more important than perfection.
No one’s path is linear. Mine definitely wasn’t. But if you can stay grounded in who you are, stay connected to your “why,” and keep moving forward—you’ll be amazed at what’s possible. Trust your timing, trust your strength, and keep going.
Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?
If I had just one decade left, I would dedicate it to fulfilling one of the deepest dreams on my heart—launching and expanding the AO Cares Foundation. This foundation will be a safe haven and empowerment hub for women who have experienced domestic abuse. My mission is to help them reclaim their power, feel beautiful again, and realize that they are not defined by what happened to them. They are capable of healing, thriving, and creating a life full of joy, purpose, and freedom.
AO Cares would provide access to resources, beauty and wellness services, mentorship, emotional support, and most importantly—community. I envision it not only as a local initiative, but one that becomes global. I want to travel to every corner of the Earth, reaching women who have been silenced, shamed, or forgotten, and remind them that they are worthy, powerful, and loved.
This work would allow me to combine two of the greatest passions in my life: helping women rise, and exploring the beauty of the world. If my time were limited, I wouldn’t waste a second of it. I’d live fully, give generously, and pour love and hope into every space I stepped into.
Because at the end of the day, that’s what matters most—how we lift others up, how we love, and how we leave the world a little better than we found it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theaolifestyle.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yeahthatspa
Image Credits
Property of AO-The Space
all photos taken with permission
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
