Kelly Smith Biography

Founder and Chief Executive Officer

During her youth in Grapevine, Texas, Kelly Smith didn't set out to redefine a movement as steeping with history, controversy and emotion as feminism. Yet at age 40, that's exactly where Smith gently found herself by launching Being Jane Inc. and the online www.beingjane.com.

Before arriving at this point, Smith traversed the "typical" path for many women who were raised under the canopy of feminism. She was educated and then secured a good-paying corporate career in telecommunications and media sales and marketing. She even pursued some non-traditional feminine hobbies, such as riding motorcycles, and found a passion. She encountered a few raised eyebrows, but took it all in stride.

Yet, Smith did feel some disconnect with idea of feminism. She saw that feminism had become a strictly regulated set of do's and don'ts.

- We were still arguing about whether it was considered a step back to allow a man to open a door for a woman while girls growing up right here in the United States, for one reason or another, never learned to read.

- We were trying to push through the glass ceiling, yet condemning women who chose to be stay-at-home moms.

An ardent believer of giving back to her community, Smith volunteers with many charities. While mentoring many girls, she also realized they didn't have a personal connection to feminism. It was something from their grandmothers generation. And she still marvels at how so many people can equate feminism with bra-burning after all these years!

Smith wondered, "Has feminism has lost its meaning"?

No, she decided, and launched Being Jane. The company is dedicated to shattering the preconceived notions of women in society and the evolving roles they are forced to play. Being Jane provides access to advice, mentoring, support and a compendium of women-related information that leverages the experiences of women who have achieved non-traditionally female goals.

Smith lives in Southern California with her fiance. She chaired the 6th annual Olive Crest Cruise 4 Kids motorcycle ride, which raised critical funds to aid in the prevention and treatment of child abuse. Smith writes and speaks frequently on women's issues and has been quoted on the topic by local and national press, including USA Today.