At DK Brand Collective, our story is proof that vision and action create transformation. We built our own brand from the ground up, learning firsthand what it takes to turn ideas into measurable results and we’ve helped countless others do the same. Our mission is simple: empower teams, elevate brands, and create experiences that inspire lasting impact.

Certified Quality Event Planner Kelly Houston is the creative force and Co-Founder of DK Brand Collective, where she helps businesses, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs bring their vision to life. Known for her ability to combine creativity with strategy, Kelly empowers clients to tell their story, elevate their presence, and create unforgettable experiences that drive engagement and growth.

With over 20 years of experience in fashion, entertainment, media, and management and currently enrolled in a MBA program (concentration in marketing) at Post University, Kelly has built a career on helping others shine. She has walked the runway at New York Fashion Week, appeared in magazines including Seventeen and Source, and hosted celebrity red carpets, interviewing talent and creating memorable guest experiences.

Kelly’s leadership extends beyond the spotlight. As a management leader, she oversees a team of 30+ staff, responsible for hiring, training, budgeting, and program development, giving her the operational expertise to help clients streamline systems and empower their teams.

Creative Leadership & Community Impact

Kelly’s background includes running a modeling agency where she booked talent, shaped their image, attended photoshoots, and helped many models and actors launch their careers. She has produced large-scale fashion shows, artist showcases, and networking events — including one that drew over 500 guests in a single evening, while coordinating designers, stylists, and models and hosting the red carpet.

As Co-Founder of DK Movement Cares, Kelly produces the annual 5K Run/Walk, which drew nearly 200 participants and raised over $11,000 in its first year to support local nonprofits and youth programs.

Recognition & Voice

Kelly’s work in fashion, entertainment, and community events has been featured in multiple media outlets, and she continues to inspire through Together We Solve The Power Couple Podcast, which she co-hosts with Derek to share stories and strategies for growth.

Why Organizations Trust Kelly

When clients work with Kelly, they get more than a consultant, they gain a creative strategist and hands-on partner who:

• Brings Vision to Life: Helps clients turn ideas into clear action plans.

• Creates Experiences that Connect: Produces events that engage guests and leave lasting impressions.

• Develops People & Brands: Uses two decades of talent development experience to help businesses build confidence, clarity, and credibility.

• Empowers Growth: Blends creativity and business strategy to deliver measurable results.

Co-Founder • Corporate Trainer & Leadership Coach

Together, We Bring You A Boutique Agency Where High Style Meets High Strategy.

DK Brand Collective may have been officially launched this year, but Kelly Houston and Derek Jones have been doing the work behind the scenes for years empowering individuals, guiding businesses, and bringing communities together.

Their decision to form DK Brand Collective came after seeing the measurable impact they were already making: helping entrepreneurs find clarity, supporting organizations in strengthening their teams, producing events that drew hundreds, and building awareness campaigns that led to more donations, volunteers, and lasting community change.

Shared Impact & Results

Before making it official, Kelly and Derek:

• Empowered Others to Act: Helped aspiring entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, and business owners turn ideas into actionable plans that attracted funding, volunteers, and clients.

• Elevated Community Causes: Produced events that raised thousands for charities, brought attention to underserved populations, and gave a platform to causes that needed visibility.

• Guided People Toward Growth: Mentored individuals in building their confidence, launching businesses, and finding clarity in their next steps.

And now, with DK Brand Collective, they’ve taken all of that experience and turned it into a structured, results-driven framework, so more people, teams, and organizations can benefit.

Recognition & Media

Kelly and Derek’s combined work has been featured on NBC Connecticut, FOX61, Great Day CT, iHeart Radio, The MVMT Podcast, and more. They were recognized by the Better Business Bureau with a Community Care Award (Honorable Mention).

Why Work With Kelly & Derek

We’ve built our own brand from the ground up while helping countless others do the same. That means we don’t just teach strategy we’ve lived it. We know what it takes to turn a vision into a thriving brand, and now we’re ready to help you do it too

Ignite. Empower. Elevate.

Let’s Make Your Brand Unforgettable.