KELLY DEMPSEY, a self-taught fashion designer from a small town near Boston, grew up finding treasures in thrift store bins and watching her mother craft everything from yard-sale wind chimes to handmade clothing. After being bullied for wearing secondhand clothes, Kelly refused to be a victim, transforming her thrift finds into bold, one-of-a-kind designs that sparked her passion for creativity.

Now celebrated for her unconventional approach to fashion, including her success as runner-up on Project Runway Season 14, Kelly’s work focuses on reimagining pre-loved items into something fresh and meaningful. Through her latest venture, Salvaged Aura, she celebrates the energy of secondhand finds, combining sustainability and individuality to inspire others to embrace their unique style and rewrite their own stories.