New to our portfolio of community engagement programs, the SRQ Magazine 35 Under 35 Competition recognizes and honors young professionals, innovators, scientists, creatives, entrepreneurs and philanthropists within our hometown. 

From our very first class of 35 Under 35 Honorees—featured in our December Edition—we have Kelli O'Neill, Owner of IncendiaryAngel. As a polymer clay sculptor and illustrator, O'Neill's creations are inspired by her love of magic, adventure, luscious colors, vegan food and the natural world, particularly the animals of her Florida home state. 

How and when did you know you wanted to be a leader in your field? 

Art had always been a pastime for me, but seeing other creators turning their passions into businesses on Instagram was incredibly inspiring. As some of my posts gained traction, artists I only ever admired started following me back and engaging with me—complimenting my work and asking about my techniques. This is when I realized how much knowledge I’d amassed over my years of sculpting, and how I had something to say through art that was unique to me. Finding a place amongst other “artrepreneurs” fortified my drive to hone and master my craft, and to give everything I had to making my business a success.

Click here to view the IncendiaryAngel Etsy shop.