Image of a woman smiling with her hands up and legs crossed. She is wearing a brightly colored dress with cartoon illustrations of dinosaurs adorning it. She is heavily tattooed, and is standing in front of a teal wall.

Collaborate with this delightful unicorn.

Hire Kelly J. Mendenhall to speak at your event or create content for your website. You may also contact her about commissioning handmade, heirloom quality Christmas stockings, a custom embroidery hoop, or another project.

Right now, these messages might be playing on repeat in your head:

My medical diagnosis is the end of my story.

Now that I can’t lead a “normal” life, I’m not valuable or worthy.

I should just accept my life as-is and give up hope of offering my unique contributions to the world.

If so, welcome. You’re in the right place.

I understand what it’s like to think all those things because I struggled with the same thoughts. When I first became disabled, it felt like the world had fallen out from under my feet. I’ve been reinventing and recreating my life according to my physical and psychological limitations now since 2017. Please don’t give up.

Check out my recent conversation with the delightful
Brittany Lynn Budd about turning a lot of brutality into beauty
through Art.

Here are just a few of the ways that we can work together:

Illustration of a feathered quill

Writing & Content Creation

I’ve been writing since I learned to read. I begged my mother for a typewriter for my eighth birthday, and she delivered. I started writing professionally at age 15 when I had a weekly op-ed column in my local newspaper. I’ve published and presented academic papers and case studies at regional conferences on human rights and health, US foreign policy, and nonprofit administration.

Most recently, I’ve published articles as a freelance journalist and op-ed columnist with Blasting News US. I also spent two years writing medical content for SpineNation.com, a digital support community for those living with chronic back, neck, and spine conditions. If you want me to write for your magazine, website, blog, or other publication, please get in touch with me.

Public Speaking & Podcast/Press Inquiries

My mission is to turn my deeply personal mess into a powerful message and to show the world that a diagnosis or a set of diagnoses does not have to mark the end of a person’s unique story. If you believe my story might inspire your group, clientele, or podcast audience, I would love to hear from you and discuss a potential engagement opportunity. I’m available to speak about a variety of topics, including overcoming trauma, living with chronic pain and invisible illness, and creating a fulfilling lifestyle and career that truly honors an individual’s physical limitations, restricted mobility, and mental health challenges.

Join the #AffordableArtRevolution

As a disabled adult navigating life with minimal income, I often find that art and unique, one-of-a-kind handmade items feel just out of my financial reach. I am determined to change that reality for myself and others like me. My goal is to make these beautiful and meaningful types of creative expressions very approachable for those who experience disabilities or have limited resources. If we could make art and handcrafted goods more accessible to everyone, perhaps many more people would be inspired to pick up new hobbies and utilize those creative outlets as a means to cope with the challenges life presents. I invite you to check out my shop where you can find these treasures and pay what you can, ensuring that art remains within reach for everyone.

Podcast Appearances

1.png
2.png
4.png
3.png
5.png
6.png
9.png
7.png
12.png
10.png
8.png
11.png