Nel Kelp

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT BEING YOUR AGE?
It feels like the perfect mix of wisdom and mayhem. You finally know who you are, and you’re not afraid to own it. At this age, you’ve earned the confidence to say “no” without guilt, “yes” without hesitation.

DO YOU LIKE BEING 40+?
It’s like leveling up in life; you’ve collected enough experience points to know what matters. Being 41 means I don’t waste time on things that don’t serve me, and I’ve learned that confidence looks even better when you don’t care who’s looking. It’s a reminder to my daughters that growing older isn’t something to dread—it’s where your power really starts to shine.

WHEN IN YOUR LIFE, SO FAR, HAVE YOU FELT MOST CONFIDENT, AND WHY?
I feel most confident when I realized that my physical attributes didn’t have to define how I saw myself. Confidence for me comes from knowing who I am, what I stand for, and the impact I make—not from how others view me. That shift gave me the freedom to step fully into my own power and embrace the kind of confidence that lasts.

WHAT BRINGS YOU THE MOST JOY AT THIS AGE?
Without a doubt, my family. I know it sounds cliché, but it’s true—they are my world. Some of my happiest moments are when we take big family trips together, creating those core memories that we’ll all carry for a lifetime. Those shared experiences, filled with laughter and connection, bring me the kind of joy nothing else can match.

WHAT IS YOUR SUPERPOWER?
My intuition. I can hear more than just the words someone says out loud; it’s like having built-in subtitles for people’s true feelings. Some might call it empathy, but I like to think of it as my own mom-radar, honed from raising six kids and surviving the teenage years. It’s not about reading minds (though my husband swears I can), it’s about really listening.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT?
My greatest achievement is being a parent. It has been, without question, the hardest and most rewarding journey I’ve ever been a part of. Watching my children grow and become the people they are today fills me with more pride than anything else I’ve accomplished.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST EXTRAVAGANCE?
Having time to myself, usually watching a movie, and enjoying the rare luxury of not having to make a single decision.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST TREASURED POSSESSION?
My most treasured possession is definitely my husband, Rob. I adore him, and while I don’t technically “own” him, after all these years together, I think I’ve at least earned bragging rights. He’s my partner, my favorite person, and yes… my most prized possession.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING YOU HAVE CHECKED OFF YOUR BUCKET LIST?
Marrying my best friend. Nothing else I could accomplish will ever top that.

WHAT IS YOUR IDEA OF PERFECT HAPPINESS?
Perfect happiness is simply living life while being fully present in it. I’ve learned that happiness isn’t about having everything, it’s about how you choose to see what you already have. When you look at your life with gratitude and joy, that perspective itself can create perfect happiness.

WHAT IS A TRAIT YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF?
The trait I’m most proud of is my resilience. Life brings challenges, but I’ve learned how to adapt, push forward, and grow stronger through them. That ability not only grounds me but also inspires me to keep showing up fully for my family, my work, and my community.

WHAT HARDSHIPS HAVE YOU ENDURED THAT YOU FEEL HAVE MADE YOU STRONGER?
I believe every experience, whether it’s a hardship or a joy, has the power to shape us and make us stronger. For me, it’s not only the challenges that have built resilience, but also the positive moments that have taught me perspective. I try to take something meaningful from each season of life, knowing that both the struggles and the celebrations contribute to who I am today.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF?
“Be loyal to yourself first — because that’s where your strength begins. When you stay true to who you are, you build the foundation that allows you to give authentically to others. Your worth and your power come from within, not from the approval of anyone else.”

DO YOU HAVE ANY WORDS OF WISDOM FOR YOUNGER WOMEN?
The same advice I’d give my younger self: be loyal to yourself first. When you honor who you truly are, you build the strength, clarity, and confidence to give your best to others and to the world.

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO OR FAVORITE QUOTE?
‘Society, such a crazy breed. I hope you’re not lonely without me.’ It reminds me to stay true to myself, even when I don’t quite fit in — to embrace individuality and not lose myself trying to belong.

WHAT DO YOU MOST VALUE IN YOUR FRIENDS?
Acceptance and authenticity. I value friends who allow me to be completely myself and who show up as their true selves, too. There’s nothing more meaningful than relationships built on honesty and genuine connection.

HOW DID YOU CHANGE OVER THE YEARS?
Too much to explain — but every change has shaped me into a stronger, wiser, and more grounded version of myself. Life has a way of teaching you what truly matters, and I’ve learned to embrace growth, even when it’s uncomfortable.

IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT YOURSELF, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
It would be learning to stop overthinking and trust that everything unfolds the way it’s meant to. I’m still learning to let go and have faith in the process.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE FOR THE FUTURE GENERATIONS?
I hope future generations stay true to themselves — that they find strength in authenticity.