Kelly Damons is building confidence, careers and communities through skills development.
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
There is always something powerful about people who choose to build opportunities where others only see challenges. In many communities across South Africa, young people are filled with potential but often lack access to guidance, practical skills and spaces that can help turn their talents into income and sustainable careers. That is why institutions focused on empowerment and development continue to play such an important role in changing lives.
One woman committed to making that difference is Kelly Damons, founder and CEO of KellyGirl Skills Academy. Through her academy, Kelly is helping young people, women and aspiring entrepreneurs gain accredited skills that not only improve confidence, but also create pathways towards employment, self-employment and long-term economic growth.
At a time when South Africa continues to face a growing skills gap and rising unemployment, Kelly’s work stands as a reminder that education should not only be about theory, but about equipping people with practical tools they can use to better their everyday lives.
Beyond the title of CEO, Kelly describes herself as someone deeply passionate about empowering people through education and development. “At my core, I am someone who finds purpose in helping others grow, upskill, and unlock opportunities for themselves,” she explains.
Her journey was shaped by a strong upbringing centred around education and growth. Raised by her mother, Bernadette, Kelly says she learned the value of teaching, learning and constantly striving for improvement from an early age. Together with her sisters, they encouraged one another to dream bigger and work harder.
Academically, Kelly holds a postgraduate qualification in Business Administration and is currently pursuing her MBA. Yet despite her impressive qualifications, she says her greatest reward comes from seeing other people transform their lives through education. “What truly drives me is seeing others progress, gain confidence and build expertise,” she says.
KellyGirl Skills Academy was officially launched in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when many industries were struggling and uncertainty filled the air. While others saw limitations, Kelly saw a responsibility to respond to the growing crisis facing young people and women who were losing access to opportunities.
“Witnessing the impact of the pandemic on education inspired me to act,” she says. “The academy began as a passion project driven by a desire to address the growing backlog in skills development and create meaningful opportunities.”
What started as a mission to uplift communities in the Eastern Cape has now developed into a broader vision to impact lives across South Africa. Kelly says the inspiration behind the academy came from recognising how many young people, women and persons living with disabilities often remain excluded from opportunities that could transform their futures.
“I wanted to build an institution that not only provides training but also restores dignity, builds confidence and opens doors,” she explains.
Of course, building an institution from the ground up did not come without challenges. Kelly speaks honestly about the sacrifices required during the early days of the academy. Navigating funding processes, building partnerships and refining business strategies were all part of the learning curve.
“One of the toughest realities was operating without immediate income,” she says. “But staying committed to the vision and purpose kept me going.”
Today, KellyGirl Skills Academy has grown into an accredited training provider offering various programmes aimed at preparing learners for real economic opportunities. Kelly believes credibility in the education space comes from trust, compliance and consistency.
“In a space where fly-by-night providers exist, we differentiate ourselves by offering recognised certifications, delivering consistent quality and building a reputable brand that learners can trust,” she says.
One of the academy’s exciting recent developments is the introduction of accredited Hair and Beauty programmes. These include Beauty Therapist, Beauty Practitioner, Hairstylist and Barbering qualifications, among others.
For Kelly, entering this industry was both strategic and meaningful. She recognised that many people are already earning income in the beauty sector without formal qualifications. Through the academy, they are now able to gain accredited training that professionalises their work and expands their opportunities.
“Hair and beauty is a resilient and globally relevant sector,” Kelly says. “It creates entrepreneurial opportunities and allows individuals to build sustainable livelihoods.”
Young people interested in joining the academy can apply directly through the academy’s website or contact the institution for more information about available courses. Kelly says learners can expect a supportive environment that combines practical skills with theoretical knowledge to prepare them for the real world.
Looking ahead, Kelly’s vision is clear. She wants KellyGirl Skills Academy to become a leading force in addressing South Africa’s scarce and critical skills shortage while helping reduce unemployment through practical and accessible education.
“Ultimately, our goal is to empower individuals with skills that lead to sustainable income, career growth and long-term economic participation,” she says.
At a time when many young people are searching for direction, leaders like Kelly Damons remind us that real empowerment begins when people are given the tools, knowledge and confidence to shape their own futures.
For more, visit: KellyGirl Skills Academy
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