“Growing up, my childhood nickname was ‘Kellbell,’ so when I turned my passion into a business, the name just felt right. It’s personal, playful, and perfectly captures the heart behind what I do.”
So beams Kelly Houbolt, owner of KELLBELL+CO., serving the Charlotte and Lake Norman region with stunning event décor that transforms special occasions into lasting memories.
A North Carolina native who grew up in the area and attended UNC Charlotte, Kelly has built a business that blends imagination, organization, and a genuine passion for making people feel special.
“I’ve always been artistic, but I’m also incredibly organized,” she explains. “Event planning just came naturally. I love taking a client’s ideas and weaving them into one unforgettable experience.
While event planning laid the foundation for her company, balloons unexpectedly became her signature. When her niece was born 11 years ago, Kelly decided every milestone deserved to be bigger, brighter, and more memorable than the last. Balloons had always been part of her family’s traditions, but she soon discovered they could become striking works of art rather than simple helium bouquets.
Building KELLBELL+CO. has also introduced her to a community of fellow entrepreneurs who understand both the triumphs and the challenges of small business ownership. Those relationships have become just as meaningful as the clients she serves.
“Work-life balance is definitely still a work in progress for me,” Kelly admits with a smile. It helps that I genuinely love what I do, and thankfully I have an incredible support team in my husband and parents … I couldn’t do this without them.”
Professionally, she’s especially proud that the business has doubled in size every year since opening. That remarkable growth hasn’t happened by accident. It has come through confidence, consistency, and recognizing the value of her work.
“I’ve become comfortable standing behind my pricing because I know the quality I deliver,” she says. “That confidence has changed everything.”
Kelly’s long-term vision reaches far beyond Lake Norman. She dreams of opening KELLBELL+CO. franchises throughout North America while maintaining the quality and innovation that have become her hallmark.
Kelly’s authenticity, paired with her relentless drive to learn and grow every day, is perhaps what truly sets her apart. Whether she’s styling an intimate gathering or envisioning nationwide expansion, her mission remains the same: to create exquisite designs for the moments that matter most … and to help people fully celebrate life!
