Meet Kelly Breuer

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kelly Breuer. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Kelly, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

People often ask me where my resilience and relentless work ethic come from — and without hesitation, I always say: my grandmother.

From the time I was a very young child, I was constantly by her side. I watched her live with strength, purpose, and a kind of tireless energy that was truly unmatched. I eventually lived with my grandparents from the age of 13 through my early 20s, and those years deeply shaped the person I’ve become. My grandmother wasn’t just a caretaker — she was my role model, my inspiration, and the reason I show up the way I do in life and business today.

She grew up on a potato farm, one of nine siblings, and from an early age took on the responsibility of helping raise her brothers and sisters. She told me stories about working long days with no complaints, only determination — stories that stuck with me like gospel. That level of grit, drive, and unwavering commitment amazed me, and unknowingly, it planted something powerful inside of me. She worked well into her 90s — outpacing people half her age — and never once lost her sense of purpose.

To this day, I carry that fire with me in everything I do, and I see it in my kids as well. Being a single mom and being responsible for the health and welfare, and providing for two children as an entrepreneur also creates a drive like no other. That drive to always go the extra mile, to never settle, and to work not just hard — but with heart — is the legacy my 4’10” little powerhouse of a grandma left me. And believe me, I don’t plan on letting that legacy fade anytime soon.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

Honestly, everything I do is rooted in connection, storytelling, and empowerment. I wear a lot of hats — publisher, event creator, podcast host, marketer — but at the heart of it all is the mission to elevate others, especially women, and give them platforms to be seen and heard. Rochester Woman Online is more than a digital magazine. It’s a movement. It’s a space where women from every walk of life can share their stories, promote their businesses, find support, and celebrate their wins. I think what makes it special is that it’s raw, real, and inclusive — and it’s backed by a community that truly shows up for one another.

I also love bringing people together through events, whether it’s our signature expos, networking mixers, fashion fundraisers, or pop-up markets. Creating those spaces where professionals, creatives, and entrepreneurs can genuinely connect — not just exchange business cards, but actually build relationships — that’s what lights me up. I’m really proud of the ripple effect our events have had, from helping women land new clients and collaborations, to even inspiring others to start their own businesses.

Right now, I’m expanding our podcast, Conversations with Kelly, which has become such a personal and powerful extension of everything else I do. We dive into topics that matter — from mental health to entrepreneurship to personal triumphs — and nothing is off-limits. And of course, there are always exciting new projects in the works including Take HER Seat where women come together to share their stories, journey’s, make connections, and help push each other to lead. We’ve got some incredible upcoming events, new partnerships forming, and even more opportunities for brands and individuals to collaborate with us. My focus right now is on growing the impact, building even more meaningful connections, and continuing to lead with passion and purpose.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been resilience, resourcefulness, and relationship-building.

Resilience is at the top of the list. Life and business throw a lot your way — failures, setbacks, people who doubt you — but you have to keep showing up. I learned this from my grandmother, who worked well into her 90s and never made excuses. That kind of grit has always driven me to keep going, no matter what obstacles are in front of me. For those just starting out, my advice is this: Get comfortable being uncomfortable. Growth comes from pushing through the hard parts. Being a single mom is not for the faint of heart. You really need to have tough skin and be able to push through the tough times.

Resourcefulness is another huge one. I didn’t always have the budget, the connections, or the perfect plan — but I figured it out. Whether it’s learning how to design ads, run events, or promote brands on social media, I’ve worn every hat and built things from the ground up. Don’t wait for permission or the “perfect” moment. Learn as you go. Use what you have, and trust that you’ll grow along the way.

And finally, relationship-building. I truly believe that success is built through connection. The network I’ve built over the years is everything — and not because I was chasing business cards, but because I genuinely care about people’s stories, missions, and journeys. If you want to stand out, show up for others, support their work, and always lead with authenticity. This is why they call me the network ROC queen.

Those three things — resilience, resourcefulness, and real connections — have shaped everything I’ve built. And they’re available to anyone willing to lean in and do the work.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Absolutely! I am always looking to partner and collaborate with passionate, purpose-driven individuals and businesses who align with my mission of empowering, supporting, and elevating others—especially women—both personally and professionally. Whether you’re a small business owner, creative, nonprofit leader, event coordinator, or someone with a compelling story to tell, there’s room for you to shine and connect through Rochester Woman Online.

I’m especially interested in collaborating with those who have fresh ideas, a strong work ethic, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact in their communities. From podcast guests and editorial contributors to sponsors and event partners, there are so many meaningful ways to work together.

If you’re reading this and feel inspired to connect or explore collaboration opportunities, I’d love to hear from you! You can reach me directly at networkrocqueen@gmail.com or through any of the Rochester Woman Online social media platforms. Let’s create something impactful together!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rochesterwomanonline.com
• Instagram: @rochesterwomanonlinemag
• Facebook: Rochester Woman Online
• Linkedin: Rochester Woman Online
• Other: also have the following on facebook

  Conversations with Kelly
  The Influential Woman
  Central NY Woman Online

Image Credits

Chrisom Beebe
Katrina Lynne Photography