Dale Kelley was born in Cayon, St. Kitts and grew up in the Children’s home, attending Epworth School and the Convent School. At the age of 12, Dale moved to St. Thomas where she studied at theCharlotte Amalie High School, after graduationDale decided to move to New York. As a young girl, Dale had always been hyperactive and loved making things; dresses out of leaves, hats from coconut palms, scraps of fabric to make outfits for her dolls. In New York, Dale’s natural creativity was energised and Dale found her love for art and fashion, working with some of the top jewelers and fashion designers.
However, Dale’s love for her home country never left her, and she would visit at every opportunity. In 1993, she left New York, and returned home to open her first shop in TDC Mall, Basseterre selling clothing and designer hats. The hats especially proved very popular and Dale was invited to the prestigious Pret a Porter exhibition in Paris. Orders quickly followed, both from Europe and around the world, Japan, France, and London to name a few.
Dale met her husband in 1993 and moved to London in 1999. While in London Dale had the pleasure of promoting her beloved country by working for the St. Kitts Tourism Authority for 10 years. Dale could talk about St. Kitts all day long and get paid for it!
In 2007, Dale was diagnosed with breast cancer and faced the toughest challenge of her life. Following a long programme of treatment, she promised herself if she survived she would move back to St. Kitts and start an art & craft movement. This resulted in iFlamboyant which is an art, craft and fashion group that aims to nurture and stimulate the growth of local artistry. Dale is also an accomplished potter and her wildly original designs are proving very popular with both locals and tourists alike.
Dale has worked tirelessly to support art in St. Kitts & Nevis and works with the HMP art group, the Horizons Juvenile Centre, and this summer will be teaching pottery at the Children’s Home. In 2016, Dale was approached by ChristopheHarbour and invited to open the first shop in one of the prestigious retail units. The shop “DaleOriginal Art & Style” opened in December 2016 and sells local, regional, and international art. Looking to the future, Dale is determined to continue with her vision and is passionate about supporting the local community.
