about kelmari

Founded in June 2018 by Kelli Salas, KelMari is a handcrafted jewelry, lifestyle, and collective brand based out of Dallas, TX. Inspired by the Salvadoran culture, Kelli designs and partners with other small businesses to offer high-quality pieces that celebrate her family's motherland’s nature, history and people. From the colorful art of the great Fernando Llort to her grandparents' remote home village; she gathers inspiration from her traditions, heritage and experiences to bring customers one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect AMOR, ALEGRIA, CULTURA (Love, Happiness, Culture).

Short for Kelli’s first and middle names, Kelli Marisela, KelMari is a brand that is committed to teaching others about the beautiful country of El Salvador. Kelli is thrilled to share her culture and raise awareness about the smallest country in Central America with the biggest heart, El Salvador! KelMari creates, inspires, educates and spreads love through each and every design.

meet the founder & designer - kelli salas

Kelli Salas was born and raised in Dallas, TX. She is the daughter of Salvadoran immigrant parents and the youngest of 5 children. A first-generation student, Kelli obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising and Minor in Business Administration in 2009 and has been working in the fashion industry ever since.

With over ten years of experience in the accessories industry, Kelli has worked for some of the world’s top companies including: Fossil, Luxottica and Steve Madden. She’s worked with leather goods, watches, eyewear and footwear but jewelry has always been Kelli’s fascination. She grew up watching her mother accessorize from head to toe and believes that jewelry is what completes a whole look.

Starting a business was nowhere in Kelli’s plans and felt like an unattainable dream just years ago. She had resigned from her corporate sales job after becoming a mother in 2016 and was quite uncertain about her future. But, after years of searching for that “perfect” job she realized that the power to finding that dream career was in her hands. As an entrepreneur Kelli could be both the present mother she always hoped of being plus the businesswoman that helps provide for her family.

With Kelli’s deep passion for her Salvadoran culture, vast experience and skills; she knew she could create a unique brand that would fulfill all her aspirations as an artist. Through hard work and dedication, Kelli was able to make her long-held dream a reality, and in June 2018 KelMari was launched. What started as a jewelry business has now grown into a lifestyle brand offering customers a variety of goods from clothing to candles. In 2021 Kelli also made the decision to partner with small businesses in El Salvador and work collaboratively to help introduce their products in the United States. This collective project would allow these Salvadoran brands to reach a new market and share their story with a whole new audience. TOGETHER we are educating about the country of El Salvador and sharing our beautiful culture with the world!