“Your show was masterfully crafted and outrageously entertaining. Your artful storytelling took over 2000 people on a journey which was more relevant to our theme than I could have imagined. We look forward to having you back!”

Dan Maddux

Executive Director, American Payroll Association

“I couldn’t stop laughing and crying at the same time.”

JoAnn DeJesus

“Working with Kelly is totally enjoyable. She is very professional, client-friendly, and people-pleasing. But don’t take my word for it. Clients tell me that she is hilarious, genuine, hilarious, warm, hilarious, engaging, hilarious, personable, fun — did I mention that she’s funny? Audiences love her womanly antics — she is oh, so relatable. Women go home with a spring in their step, and a smile on their lips. As an event planner, I’m only as good as each speaker I send out there, and the only thing that Kelly makes hard for me, is to find someone the next year that they will love just as much."

Barbara Christenson


Founder, The Speak Well Being Group

“….brilliant, moving, and truly transformational on many levels. The power of authentic, heart centered storytelling opens minds and hearts in a way that goes beyond explanation. Thank you for being a shining light in our world, and for showing us all a more effective and genuine way to share our lives with one another.”

Elizabeth Browning

“She made us laugh til we cried and still made us think and connect. For some of our  staff who traveled from event to event and heard her show 7 times in a row – we still laughed – every time. She’s that funny! Not only did we find an incredible performer – we also found a friend!”

Sherry Brisson-Jones


Event Coordinator, Vidant Health

“You hit the mark on every front with our group and you connected with people in a way that validated their best selves. More than that, you challenged them to embrace their inner quirk. I think a lot of people left looking at what they may have formerly perceived to be the inner oddities a little differently: as a source of strength and a part of the unique dance that life has called them to perform. And I’ve already watched people dancing that dance with a lot more gusto and fervor than ever before. Thank you again for your strong contribution.

Chet Seely


Independence Energy Co.

“Kelly Swanson brought a thoughtful, heartfelt keynote address to our 13th Annual Moms@Work luncheon. Her ability to weave stories that are thought provoking throughout her talk is artistry in motion. Our more than 500 guests laughed until their sides hurt, but they also had moments where tears welled up in their eyes. Her message of following your dream and staying true to yourself rang true with our audience of primary women, but the men who were there enjoyed her as well. In fact, one even said that in the 13 years of holding this event, Kelly was our best speaker ever. Kelly’s ability to customize her message for our audience and the time allocated was greatly appreciated. She’s easy to work with and accommodating. I would definitely utilize her again, regardless of the size of the audience.”

Anne-Marie Farrow

VP, Business Development and Marketing
Charlotte Parent & Piedmont Parent magazines

“I want to thank you for the most wonderful job that you did for Columbus Regional at Spirit Girls Night Out. From beginning to end, you flat out delivered! Your willingness to work before the event (even en route to our city) with our media partners was awesome, and your media segments generated excitement about our event. What is truly noteworthy about you is that you not only commanded the stage during your performance, but you personally appeared and interacted with our audience during the event. Many of the women who attended the event commented on your wonderfully witty and personable manner. You warmed their hearts and inspired them before the performance even began! Your presentation of “Who Hijacked My Fairytale” had a truly raw and honest quality that was endearing and motivating. It was when the hands of many of the audience were raised and swaying, that I knew you had pulled on some heartstrings and touched some lives. The occasional “amens” after your “bless your hearts” and “I’m just sayings” only added to the inspirational and revival like atmosphere you created. Thank you again for sharing your stories with our audience and giving our event a fairy-tale ending."

LeDare Windham


Columbus Regional Healthcare

“I have to tell you about my experience watching Kelly Swanson. She was completely amazing and one of the funniest and motivating speakers I have ever seen. I have been to many seminars and the fact that she was down to earth, brought real life experiences and the creativeness of her style of learning into her program made the experience stick with me in a way I could understand and I could use. I could take her technique into other places besides work, I could use them in life itself. She made me laugh, she made me cry and she made me want to tell others all about her and to stay on the funny side of life. Thank you Kelly for ‘deciding to dance’ and become a professional storyteller and bringing us into your world.”

Johnine Fregia

Nurse Recruiter
Presbyterian Healthcare

“Funny,” “fantastic,” “truly unforgettable”: these are only a few of the many rave reviews conference attendees shared about Kelly Swanson, a session and closing speaker at our 2009 Bakersfield Women’s Conference. Kelly quickly endeared herself to everyone with her hilarious storytelling, down-to-earth delivery, and caring attitude. Attendees couldn’t get enough of her … A versatile performer capable of adapting to small and large crowds, Kelly easily engaged her audience from her first words … If you are looking for a speaker who is approachable, energetic, and a quirky combination of folk wisdom and southern charm, Kelly is your girl…I highly recommend Kelly for your next function; you’ll leave the event ready to take on the world!"

Colleen Bauer

2009 Chairwoman
Bakersfield Women’s Conference

“It was such a pleasure working with you for our recent Focus on You! Event. It was a huge success with our largest attendance ever! We had an enormous response to your program, with 490 ladies attending. We had to turn away 100 more due to capacity restraints. You were delightful with your southern charm, stories and characters. Our comment cards included so many positive comments about you and your wonderful program. It is truly a fun, hilarious program with a very positive message…something we all need! I want to thank you for being so nice to work with. You made everything so easy.”

Linda Skillman


Center for Women’s Health, Shelbyville, Indiana

“After seeing your performance at the Ashe Arts Center last night, I have found myself remembering and chuckling throughout the day. Your performance looked seamless and flawless to me. I admired the way you engaged your audience and carried all of us to the height of hilarity, and then down to the poignancy of living, and then back to hilarity. Throughout the show, your authenticity and sincerity came through. Seeing you was a life-changing experience for me.”

Sherry Winebarger-Houck

“Her “Down Home” style is warm and reminiscent of a female Mark Twain.”

Terri Rollins

2002-03 President, North Carolina Storytelling Guild

“I laughed so hard I had trouble pouring the water.”

Banquet Waiter