Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsey Nyffeler.
Hi Kelsey, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
An idea that unknowingly began many years ago has since blossomed into reality. From the time I was a little girl, I loved crafting and hand-making gifts for my family and friends. I found so much joy in creating something unique that celebrated the special moments in their lives. That passion stayed with me as I moved through my own seasons of life – always marking milestones with something handmade, intentional, and personal. Friends would often say, “You should start an Etsy shop!” but I hesitated for years, worried that my creations might lose their personal touch and become just another mass-produced item.
Then, in 2020, everything shifted. I was let go from my job of 6+ years while 8 months pregnant, right in the middle of the pandemic. After my daughter was born, I loved being home with her, but I also wanted to continue contributing financially. What I didn’t want was to return to a stressful 8-5 job where I’d miss out on precious time with her. Launching Kelsey Nyff Designs gave me the best of both worlds: the ability to set my own hours, be present with my daughter, and still do work that lights me up. From the start, I was determined to create keepsakes that were personal, intentional, and affordable; which was something I felt the world was missing in an age of automated manufacturing.
I began with customizable keepsake ornaments for RunDisney races, since my husband and I were avid participants and loved the community. From there, my shop grew in ways I never could have imagined; branching out to celebrate graduations, dance recitals, first days of school, female empowerment, and so much more. As my customer base expanded, so did my product lines. Today, I offer keepsakes for major races like the World Marathon Majors, the Every Woman’s Marathon, and the Marine Corps Marathon, along with other fun and meaningful products like training keychains and beaded friendship bracelets that empower women in their everyday wins. From “Sole Sisters” bracelets for runners who train together, to “Boss Babes” and “Fearless Female” designs for women chasing big dreams, I love creating pieces that not only mark accomplishments, but also cheer women on as they write their own stories. Each piece is made with the same intention: to give people something tangible to mark life’s big (and little) victories.
What began as a way to support my family has become so much more; a joyful adventure where I get to celebrate milestones alongside people all over the world. And that’s my favorite part: creating something that makes their special moments just a little more magical and memorable.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like most small business journeys, mine hasn’t been perfectly smooth. One of the biggest challenges was simply starting. I carried so much self-doubt in the beginning, wondering if anyone would even want what I was creating or if it would get lost in a sea of mass-produced items. Hitting that “Open Shop” button on Etsy felt terrifying, but I’m so glad I pushed through.
Another challenge has been learning how to juggle it all: being a mom, a wife, and a business owner. Some nights I’m up late after bedtime filling orders, or sneaking in work during nap time. It’s not always easy, but the flexibility this business gives me (the chance to be present with my daughter while still pursuing something I love) makes the late nights worth it.
Like many small businesses, I’ve also had to learn as I go. Everything from learning new techniques and sourcing materials to marketing and tackling social media algorithms. It can feel overwhelming at times, but I’ve found that each challenge has pushed me to grow as both a creator and a business owner.
What truly keeps me going, though, is the community I’ve built through Kelsey Nyff Designs. I’ve had the privilege of connecting with incredible women who share their stories of grit and triumph, which inspire many of my bracelet designs like “Fearless”, “Unstoppable”, “Boss Babe”, and ‘Fierce Female”. Along the way, I’ve formed real friendships with people who first found me through my shop. Some of them have become repeat customers; which is truly the greatest compliment I could ever receive. Knowing that someone loves my work enough to come back again and again motivates me to keep creating.
These women remind me daily why it’s so important to celebrate not only milestones and accomplishments, but also the strength and empowerment of women making “Her-Story’. The road hasn’t been without its bumps, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Every challenge has helped shape Kelsey Nyff Designs into what it is today, and it’s made the wins feels that much sweeter.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At its heart, my business is all about celebrating life’s special moments (big and small) and turning them into keepsakes people can hold onto forever. I design and hand-make customizable products like acrylic ornaments, training keychains, and beaded friendship bracelets. The ornaments commemorate milestones after they’ve been achieved, training keychains mark your “Road to” that next big race, and the bracelets are fun to share with friends while also carrying encouragement and motivation along the way. Some designs focus on running and racing (“Sole Sisters’, “Run NYC”, “Dopey Era”, “26.2”), while others celebrate women and their strength (“Girl Power”, “Fearless”, “Boss Babe”). My goal is for every customer to feel supported, seen, and celebrated; whether they’re crossing a finish line or crushing a personal goal.
What I’m most known for (and proud of) is the personal touch behind every piece. My products aren’t mass-produced. Each one is created with intention, and I work closely with customers to make sure their keepsake feels meaningful to them. Some of my favorite custom orders have been especially touching: bracelets for a friend currently battling cancer while training for their next Dopey Challenge, or the keychains and bracelets made for fundraisers to support races that raise awareness and hope. Being trusted with moments like these is an incredible honor. Whether it’s commemorating a once-in-a-lifetime race finish or capturing a “first” for a child, I want people to look at their piece and feel the memory all over again.
What sets Kelsey Nyff Designs apart is that blend of quality, affordability, and heart. In a world where so much feels automated and generic, I’ve built my business around the belief that gifts should feel special and personal without breaking the bank. I also try to infuse a little whimsy and fun into every design, because celebrating milestones should feel joyful!
One of the things I’m most proud of is just how far this small business has reached. From RunDisney races in Florida and California to the World Marathon Majors across the globe, my pieces have traveled with people through some of their greatest accomplishments. Recently, I shipped an order to Hawaii, and I’m now only 9 states away from having created something special for someone in every state in the U.S., which still feels surreal to me!
At the end of the day, what makes my work meaningful is the connection it creates. I get to celebrate right alongside my customers, and being a small part of their stories and accomplishments is honestly the best job I could imagine.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I’m endlessly grateful for every single person who has supported my small business; whether that’s ordering a keepsake, sharing my work with a friend, or simply cheering me on along the way. Every order truly means the world to me, and I feel so honored to share in people’s celebrations. It still amazes me to see how far Kelsey Nyff Designs has reached.
One of the greatest compliments I’ve received is having repeat customers; people who love my work enough to come back again and again. Through that, I’ve built genuine friendships with so many of my customers, and that sense of connection is something I deeply treasure.
If there’s one lesson I’ve learned on this journey, it’s that you don’t need to wait for the “perfect” time to chase an idea or a dream. I was terrified to start my shop, but looking back, I’m so glad I took the leap. Whether it’s running that race, celebrating that milestone, or finally launching the business you’ve been dreaming about – just go for it! Life’s big (and little) moments deserve to be celebrated.
At the end of the day, I want Kelsey Nyff Designs to be more than just a shop. I want it to be a reminder that women are unstoppable when they believe in themselves, and that every victory deserves recognition. For me, it’s about cheering each other on, celebrating “her-story”, and making life’s special moments feel a little more magical.
Pricing:
- Acrylic Ornaments = $24+
- Training Keychains = $14+
- Beaded Friendship Bracelets = $6+
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kelseynyffdesigns.etsy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_nyff_designs/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Kelsey-Nyff-Designs/100084106494657/
