Agency advisor
Kelly Molson
I approached Kelly to be the first woman featured in this series of interviews with midlife women because I deeply admire her professional success, personal resilience and generous spirit. She’s a shining example of navigating midlife with grace and purpose, and I’m sure you’ll find her story as inspirational as I do.
Kelly co-founded and grew a thriving web development agency, working with global brands for over twenty years. Later, she niched the agency into serving visitor attractions, delivering award-winning projects and hosting the UK’s top sector podcast, Skip the Queue. Since we recorded this interview in July 2024, Kelly has successfully exited the agency and now shares her expertise as an advisor and mentor, helping founders of lifestyle agencies define their niche and grow with confidence.
Kelly also owns a stunning Grade 2 listed North Norfolk cottage, which she has lovingly renovated into a luxury family- and dog-friendly holiday home.
Beyond her professional milestones, Kelly’s personal journey is one of extraordinary courage. She and her husband Lee endured 8.5 years of infertility, IVF, and devastating losses before welcoming their daughter, Edie. Through it all, Kelly continued to lead her agency with grit and compassion. Her ability to support others while navigating life’s toughest challenges massively inspires me. Kelly is truly one of the most generous, resourceful and kind-hearted people I know.
Kelly Molson
© Lee Allison Photography
Kelly’s interview
Kelly’s midlife journey is defined by resilience and an ability to embrace both personal and professional transformations. As a successful businesswoman, a mum, and someone who has faced immense personal loss, Kelly offers unique insights into the challenges of midlife. Below is our interview, where she shares in her own words what her life has looked like, the changes she’s seen, and how she’s cultivated joy and meaning along the way.
What would you like to share about how your life looked five years ago?
“Five years ago, I was running my web development agency. I had been running it for over 20 years at that point, and it was very much my identity. I was very hands-on in the business, working with clients, leading the team, and overseeing all the technical work. We were doing a lot of website development for small to medium-sized businesses, and I felt a lot of pressure to maintain that success. But I was at a point where I didn’t feel fulfilled. There were moments where I questioned if this was all there was. At that time, we were deep into our IVF journey, and that was emotionally and physically exhausting. It took over a lot of my mental space, and I didn’t have the energy to focus on the things I truly loved or cared about. The business was always on my mind, and I never really allowed myself time to just focus on ‘me.’ Looking back, I see that I was constantly living in that hustle mode, not really making time for the things that matter most, like self-care or even enjoying life outside of work.”
“I didn’t know then, but the whole IVF journey was also a catalyst for a shift in how I saw my life. At the time, it was just about surviving, trying to get through the difficult moments, but what I didn’t see was that this experience would eventually push me toward a much more meaningful life. The struggle was real, but it also laid the groundwork for something more aligned with who I am today.”
This experience would eventually push me toward a much more meaningful life.
What have been the biggest challenges?
“The biggest challenge has undoubtedly been the IVF journey and the subsequent baby loss. It was a long, painful process, and it affected every aspect of my life – emotionally, physically, and mentally. Going through IVF is already such a stressful and exhausting process, but to then experience a loss was devastating. It was not just about the disappointment but also the physical toll it took on my body. It’s one of those things that you can’t quite prepare for – it completely consumes you. There were times when I felt like I was living in a fog, and I had to put everything else on hold to try to cope with the grief.”
“But the other challenge was balancing that personal pain with the responsibilities of running a business. I had a team to manage, clients to care for, and decisions to make, all while dealing with one of the most difficult periods of my life. There were moments I thought I couldn’t carry on, but somehow I did. It felt like I had to keep everything going, even if it felt impossible.”
I felt like I was living in a fog, and I had to put everything else on hold to try to cope with the grief.
Have any of these been made more challenging by navigating (peri)menopausal hormonal changes?
“I’m not in the full throes of peri-menopause yet, but I have started noticing changes as I’ve entered my 40s. I think one of the biggest things for me has been the changes to my sleep patterns and energy levels. I’ve been more tired than I ever remember being before. I do think there’s a sense of hormonal shifts that are starting to affect me, but in some ways, it feels more like a backdrop to the bigger challenges I’ve faced, like IVF and loss. It hasn’t been the most overwhelming part of my life, but it’s definitely something I’m aware of.”
“I did start HRT a little while ago. I felt I was having more trouble with sleep and mood swings, so I wanted to give it a try. So far, it has really helped me, especially with the sleep. I do feel more balanced in that sense. But I’m still learning what works best for me. It’s definitely been a journey of trial and error.”
What does your life look like now?
“My life now is much different. I’m no longer in the day-to-day grind of the agency. I’ve scaled it back significantly, and that’s been a huge relief. I’m spending more time with Lee and Edie. Edie, our daughter, is everything to us. She brings so much joy to our lives. I’ve shifted the way I work too – I’m no longer involved in the hands-on management of the business. We have a great team in place now, so I can step back and focus more on things that excite me, like the podcast. I still run the agency, but I do it on my own terms. I work from home more, I don’t work evenings anymore, and I really value the boundaries I’ve created around my time.”
“I’ve also learned to make time for joy, which wasn’t something I did five years ago. I wasn’t making the time for things that gave me life – like reading, going for walks, or spending time with friends. But now, I’m far more intentional. I make space for these little moments, which have become the biggest moments in my life.”
I’m far more intentional. I make space for these little moments, which have become the biggest moments in my life.
Describe how your ideal life will look in five years.
“In five years, I see myself in a life that’s even more balanced. I want to be doing work that really excites me – not just taking on projects to fill the schedule but only working on things that are aligned with my values. I’d love to have more time for travel – to explore new places with Lee and Edie. I want to be part of a community that makes a real difference, whether it’s through my podcast or supporting causes that I care about. I want to continue to help others, especially women, to feel empowered in their own lives.”
“I’d like to have a business that’s sustainable and that allows me to step away and not feel like I’m constantly tied to it. In five years, I want to feel like I’ve made a real impact, whether that’s through mentoring, coaching, or supporting other women who are going through challenges in their lives.”
In five years, I want to feel like I’ve made a real impact.
If there’s a significant difference between what your life looks like now and what it will look like then, what steps will you take to get there?
“I’m already making changes to move towards that future. The most important thing for me is to continue creating boundaries around my time. I want to do less work that doesn’t bring me joy and more that is in line with my passions. That means saying no more often, which is something I’ve only recently learned to do. I’ve started being more mindful about what I invest my energy in, and that’s a step I’ll continue to take. I’m also prioritising my health and wellbeing more – making sure that I’m in a good place physically and emotionally so I can show up for my family and for my community.”
I’ve started being more mindful about what I invest my energy in, and that’s a step I’ll continue to take.
How do you ensure there’s time for joy and magic every day?
“To me, joy and magic come from small, everyday moments. I make sure that I spend time with Lee and Edie every day. We don’t rush through our days – we slow down and really make the most of our time together. I also find joy in little things like reading, listening to music, or having a quiet cup of tea on the sofa. I’ve learned that magic isn’t always something big or grand – it’s the small, everyday moments that bring the most joy. I think it’s about making space for those moments and giving yourself permission to enjoy them.”
It’s the small, everyday moments that bring the most joy.
What would you say to the ‘you’ from 5 years ago?
“I would tell myself to be kinder to myself. I would tell myself that it’s OK to not be perfect, to not have everything figured out. I’d say to trust that the hard times, the heartbreak, the losses, would lead to growth. It’s painful in the moment, but those experiences will help you become more empathetic, more resilient, and more connected with the world around you. And I’d remind myself that nothing is permanent. The pain you feel now will eventually lessen, and you’ll find joy in places you never expected.”
It’s painful in the moment, but those experiences will help you become more empathetic, more resilient, and more connected with the world around you.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
“I think the biggest lesson I’ve learned is how important it is to support others through difficult times. I’ve received so much support from my community, and it’s something that I’ve become very passionate about paying forward. There are so many people out there who are struggling, and if we can help each other – whether it’s through sharing our stories, offering advice, or simply being there for someone – we can make a real difference. I think that’s where the magic is – in the connections we make with others and how we can lift each other up, especially when we’re going through tough times.”
I’ve received so much support from my community, and it’s something that I’ve become very passionate about paying forward.
Conclusion
Kelly’s midlife journey is a powerful example of strength, family connection and a drive to make a meaningful impact. Her story demonstrates how midlife can be a period of profound growth and transformation, even in the face of significant challenges. Through intention and resilience, Kelly is creating a magical midlife filled with joy and purpose. She embodies the potential of this stage of life, turning her experiences into a source of inspiration. Her willingness to share her journey here is a true testament to her generous nature.
Find Kelly here:
Kelly Molson, Agency Advisor: kellymolson.co.uk
28 Millgate, Holiday Cottage: 28millgate.co.uk