Leadership With Heart. Strategy With Purpose

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Meet Kelly

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Founder & Lead Strategist

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Certified Quality Event Planner Kelly Houston is the creative strategist and Founder of DK Brand Collective, where she helps businesses, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs bring their vision to life. Known for her rare blend of creativity, strategy, and emotional intelligence, Kelly empowers clients to elevate their presence, strengthen their brand identity, and create unforgettable experiences that inspire connection and growth.

With over 20 years of experience in fashion, entertainment, media, and management and currently completing her MBA in Marketing at Post University, Kelly Houston has built a career dedicated to helping others shine. She has walked the runway at New York Fashion Week, been featured in magazines such as Seventeen and Source, and hosted celebrity red carpets, interviewing well-known talent and cultivating memorable guest experiences.

Kelly Houston’s leadership extends far beyond the spotlight. She has managed and led teams of 30+ staff, overseeing hiring, training, budgeting, program development, youth services, and operational systems. Her background as a current Childcare Director and former Youth Development Director gives her deep insight into people, communication, and organizational culture expertise she brings directly into her client work.

Creative Leadership & Community Impact

Kelly’ Houston’s creative journey includes owning and operating a modeling agency where she booked talent, shaped their image, attended photoshoots, coordinated events, and supported models and actors in launching their careers. She has produced large-scale fashion shows, artist showcases, and networking events, including one that drew over 500 guests in a single night, while coordinating designers, stylists, vendors, and media, and hosting red carpet moments.

As Co-Founder of DK Movement Cares, she co-produces the annual 5K Run/Walk, drawing nearly 200 participants and raising over $11,000 in its first year to support local nonprofits, youth programs, and community initiatives. Kelly Houston also plays a major role in expanding awareness for community organizations through events, media storytelling, and outreach.

Recognition & Voice

Kelly Houston’s work in fashion, entertainment, event production, and community engagement has been featured across multiple media outlets, including magazine features, press coverage, and television segments. She continues to inspire audiences as co-host of Together We Solve The Power Couple Podcast, where she and Derek Jones share strategies, stories, and leadership insights that help people grow personally and professionally

Meet Derek

Lead Trainer & Business Coach

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Certified Corporate Trainer and Master Business Coach, Derek J. Jones is a powerhouse in leadership development, brand strategy, and organizational transformation. With over 20 years of leadership, banking, training, and facilitation experience, Derek Jones helps businesses, nonprofits, and community leaders turn ideas into real, measurable outcomes.

Before becoming lead trainer for DK Brand Collective , Derek Jones co-built two successful brands: a trademarked clothing line and a growing community nonprofit (DK Movement Cares), and now a led trainer that blends real-world leadership with people-centered strategy. His background allows him to support clients not just in theory, but through systems and solutions proven in both corporate and community environments.

Derek Jones holds dual credentials as a Certified Corporate Trainer (Six Sigma Global Institute) and Master Business Coach (Transformation Academy), certifications that combine strategic planning, business growth, emotional intelligence, communication mastery, and performance coaching. These tools help Derek Jones guide leaders in strengthening accountability, collaboration, and high-level execution.

In his role as a VP Team Leader in the financial industry, Derek Jones leads one of the top-performing teams nationwide, emphasizing customer delight, service excellence, trust-building, and leadership development the same principles he brings to organizations through DK Brand Collective.

Leadership & Community Impact

Beyond corporate leadership, Derek Jones is deeply committed to community transformation. As Co-Founder and President of DK Movement Cares, he has:

  • Organized the DK Movement Cares 5K Run/Walk, drawing nearly 200 participants and raising over $11,000 in its first year.

  • Developed the Mind & Motion Plus Youth Program, a mentorship and life-skills initiative for teens.

  • Led essential community campaigns, including fundraisers, food drives, holiday support, and installing a Little Free Library at St. Vincent de Paul Shelter.

  • Expanded awareness for other nonprofits and community causes through media, storytelling, and strategic partnerships.

These efforts reflect his belief that leadership is not about titles, it’s about service.

Recognition

Derek Jones’s leadership and community contributions have earned significant recognition, including:

  • The People’s Choice Award from Bank of America for outstanding leadership and team impact.

  • Multiple customer service and service engagement awards.

  • Induction into Marquis Who’s Who for his professional excellence and philanthropic achievements.