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Story & Lesson Highlights with Dodi Kessler of Saint Cloud

Dodi Kessler shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Good morning Dodi, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What battle are you avoiding?
The battle I am most avoiding is EXERCISE. I’m not lazy, I’m in a very committed situationship with my couch and reality TV. My smartwatch passive-aggressively buzzes “Move” at me like a disappointed mom. Send help. Or donuts. Honestly at this point I’m not picky.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello I’m Dodi Kessler. I’m an out of tune, fully costumed singing telegram entertainer- yes, on purpose! I show up ready to bring smiles, giggles, and a little harmless chaos to birthday’s, anniversaries, special occasions, or simply “just because.” I also love visiting nursing homes and assisted living facilities, where a little joy goes a long way.
I do this purely because it makes people happy – and because my unique style of singing is definitely NOT for the faint of heart, lol. But that’s what makes it memorable, and that’s what makes me……well, me!

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
Definitely my mom. She always said I was born to entertain, and honestly, she wasn’t wrong. When I was little, I was constantly putting on shows for family, neighbors—anyone who would sit still long enough. One summer when I was about 10, I visited my grandparents in Michigan. My grandma found a guitar and a blonde wig at a yard sale and handed them to me like she’d discovered buried treasure. That was all I needed. I became Dolly Parton for the day. Could I play the guitar? Absolutely not. Did that stop me? Not even a little. I strummed that thing with all the confidence in the world and belted out “9-5” for their neighbors like I was in the Grand Ole Opry. And honestly….that’s probably when everyone else realized I was an entertainer long before I officially claimed it myself.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I was incredibly shy in school, always worried about what others might think. I held back so much of who I was. If I could whisper something to that younger version of me, it would be to take those chances, use my voice, and stop letting fear steal my moments I could never get back. Because the truth is, the world was ready for me long before I was ready for it. The people who matter won’t judge you—and the ones who judge don’t matter.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
They would say that I have a genuine desire to make others feel happy, seen, and appreciated. The people who know me best would tell you that bringing joy to others isn’t just something I do….its who I am. Their smiles, their laughter, and those little moments of connection—those are the things that fill me up. And knowing my friends recognize that in me means the world.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Absolutely. I’ve never needed applause to do what I love. If I can make even one person smile—if I can lift someone’s spirits or take away their sadness for just a moment—then that means more to me than any recognition ever could. For me, joy is in the giving, not acknowledgment.

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