In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with concierge expert and podcast host, Kelly Hopkins.

We talk about her love for Key West, how she makes all of her clients dreams come true on their Key West vacation and her successful podcast, The Local Side of Key West.

More on Kelly Hopkins

Website: https://theconciergegirl.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelly_keys_930

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/113880157191502

I'm Kelly and I live in gorgeous Key West. I have lived up and down the east coast and finally settled down here in paradise about 5 years ago. My husband and I have had a very adventurous life so Key West seemed like the right spot to call home. Its full of quirky people, great restaurants, amazing happy hours and of course, the amazing turquoise water.

We lived in Maryland most of our lives. I loved living there so much! I not only had a full time job but I bartended on the side for 10 years. That bartending job changed my life. I loved mingling with everyone and learning about so many different people. I really loved that part of it. I ended up doing the bar's website content and handling all of their social media. (Back in those days we only had Myspace.)  From websites and social media I ended up planning social events and eventually opening up my own event planning business. That was the best thing I have ever done. I cant even call it a "job", It was just love!

I love helping people make their dreams come true.  I love the entire process from the first meeting to the end of the event where the client is sitting back, talking to friends and just enjoying their event. Seeing you happy is my goal.

After we moved from Maryland and down the coast I still wanted to do event planning but we moved a LOT so it was just too hard.

Then we settled down in the Keys and I knew I had to get started again. I felt it in my entire soul that THIS was the time.

We started in Marathon and moved down the island chain and when we  hit Key West I knew this was it! Key West has a lot going on at all times. A lot of moving parts to say the least. When visitors come they usually do not know where to start so they head to Duval street, eat, drink and shop and then they feel comfortable and stay there all week. That is totally fine, especially if it is your first time here BUT there is soooo much more to Key West. 

That last statement right there made me start a podcast (which is linked in this site) The Local Side of Key West is all about how to do the island like a local. The things you would not think to do on vacation.

So that all being said, that is what has led me to be a personal concierge. I want to help vacationers enjoy Key West without all of the work. I enjoy coordinating,  planning and helping people any way that I possibly can. The look on your face when you had the best vacation ever is my end goal!

Enjoy life, I'll take care of the rest!