Mississippi Transplant: Ashlee Kelly
"Being in Mississippi has made me empathetic, forced me to become authentic, and explore careers I never would’ve explored. I want to be a part of the solution, even if it’s a small part."
What does it mean to call Mississippi home? Why do people choose to leave or live in this weird, wonderful, and sometimes infuriating place? Today we hear from entrepreneur, podcaster, and New Orleans native Ashlee Kelly.
Where are you from?
New Orleans, Louisiana.
When did you move to Mississippi and why did you move here?
I arrived in Jackson, Mississippi in May 2003 to attend Jackson State University and never left.
What does “home” mean to you? How does Mississippi fit into that definition?
When I cross the state lines into Louisiana, I feel it physically. I automatically know I will see family, childhood friends, and get to relax. Although I’ve been in Mississippi nearly the same amount of time I was in New Orleans, Mississippi does not fit that definition yet.
What do you miss most about the place where you’re from?
I miss my family, the food, and festivals.
How have you cultivated community in Mississippi? Who are the people who have made you feel rooted here?
My community has mostly emerged from my environments: school and work. Mostly my husband, because he refuses to move so I have no choice but to be rooted.
What’s the weirdest question or assumption you’ve encountered about Mississippi (or about you as a Mississippian) by someone who’s never been here?
People assume Mississippi doesn’t have paved roads (they’re crap, but they are paved). Also, they assume Mississippians are stupid and vote against their interests. That could be the case for some of the state but not my immediate environment.
Last but certainly not least, they think racism only exists in Mississippi and that it only looks like confederate flags despite the institutional racism that exists right in front of their faces. One look at their schools, neighborhoods, etc., and you realize they are also experiencing racism.
How has living in Mississippi affected your identity and your life’s path?
Being in Mississippi has made me empathetic, forced me to become authentic, and explore careers I never would’ve explored. I want to be a part of the solution, even if it’s a small part.
What is something that you’ve learned about Mississippi only by living here? In what ways has Mississippi lived up to your expectations?
I’ve learned about its rich culture and I am still learning. From music to literature, Mississippi provided the foundation to culture for the United States and I don’t think that’s marketed enough. I had no expectations when I arrived.
Have you ever thought about moving away? Does a sense of duty keep you rooted here? Do you have a “tipping point”?
Absolutely, I think about it often. I would love to be in a city where some things come easy. You know you will always have water and it will be clean. Where the roads are free of potholes, there are sidewalks, and amenities. Now, I think I have been unable to escape because I do have some purpose here. My tipping point is whenever we don’t have water so I’ve reached it many times.
What do you wish the rest of the country understood about Mississippi?
I wish the rest of the country would know they are no better than Mississippians.
Do you have a favorite Mississippi writer, artist, or musician who you think everyone needs to know about?
Absolutely, Kiese Laymon and Angie Thomas. Tag them in this article so we can become friends!
If you had one billion dollars to invest in Mississippi, how would you spend your money?
Easy! I would invest in minority and women-owned businesses. Securing financial capital here is tough.
What or who do you want to shamelessly promote? (It can absolutely be a project you’re working on, or something you are involved in.)
I want to shamelessly promote myself. I have a few businesses (the Kelly Factory, Lune Apothecary, and the Gumbeaux) and a podcast (Jxn Transplants). I also want to promote Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi, and all the small-owned businesses that remain the backbone of this economy.
Loved this questionnaire!