Meet Kelly Werner | Creative Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kelly Werner and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelly, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My motivation for starting Mission Single comes from my experiences as a single Christian woman. Millions of single women—whether they have never been married, are divorced, or widowed—often feel invisible in church communities that are primarily designed for families.

As a single woman, I understand the complexities of living independently and the doubts that can arise about one’s worth when not fulfilling traditional roles. My singleness, a blend of choices and circumstances, does not diminish my ability to lead a full and meaningful life. I also champion marriage but am committed to supporting individuals and coming alongside churches to address the unique needs of singles.

My nonprofit work in Central Asia deepened my understanding of women’s challenges in various cultural contexts, particularly those trapped in abusive marriages. I want to create a ministry that supports American single women while fostering global connections with women facing limited resources. My experiences have shown that these connections can transform both groups—American women gain a greater perspective of how God is at work around the world, while international women receive support and encouragement.

Together, we can embrace a more global perspective and be the change we long to see.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As a creative visionary, I find immense joy in transforming my inner experiences into artistic expressions that enhance the beauty of our world. My journey began in musical theatre, a passion that continues to bring me joy today. At my core, I am a creator fueled by my faith in Jesus Christ. This foundation has guided me through various creative and spiritual endeavors, including my seminary education and full-time ministry work, where I trained young artists, wrote curriculum, and directed for the stage and screen.

Later, my journey took me into book publishing, brand development, and nonprofit marketing, resulting in what might seem like an unconventional career path. I used to worry about being a “jack of all trades, master of none,” but I have learned to embrace my diverse experiences. As Shakespeare’s complete quote suggests, being a jack of all trades is “oftentimes better than a master of one.” This varied background has given me a unique ability to see the bigger picture and understand what is needed to turn ideas into reality.

I am currently serving at I Am Second, a media ministry, and have founded Mission Single, a nonprofit organization addressing a critical gap in discipleship within faith communities. Mission Single fosters a vibrant community for unmarried women to GATHER together, GROW in faith and life skills, and GO out to serve locally and globally. We take a holistic approach by creating faith-based resources, organizing events and Bible studies, and offering life skills workshops for single women.

Our core message is clear: a woman’s value and worth are not dependent on her marital status. We dream that every unmarried woman feels a sense of belonging in community, embraces her worth, and matures in her faith, taking part in everything God has in store for her.

This entrepreneurial journey has taught me that achieving anything worthwhile requires significant effort and dedication. Ideas alone hold no value until we dare to bring them to life. Success is not about being perfect; it is about making progress. You must crawl before you walk or run. Every project provides an opportunity for personal and spiritual growth.

My pursuit of excellence has been both a strength and a challenge. I have learned that true wisdom lies in knowing when to uphold high standards and when to recognize that perfectionism can lead to procrastination. Sometimes, the most courageous act is to declare a project complete, even if it isn’t flawless. There is a delicate balance between striving for excellence and knowing when to move forward, allowing oneself to find joy in the journey.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My parents live on Lake Lewisville, where we spend quality time soaking up the sun in kayaks, jet skiing across the water, and unwinding in their peaceful gazebo. In the evenings, we head to Adriatica Village in McKinney for shopping, dinner, and to attend a small concert in the chapel by the water. When we’re ready to explore, we venture into downtown Dallas to experience its vibrant cultural scene, checking out museums and discovering hidden gems in neighborhoods I don’t usually explore. For some entertainment, we catch a show to support my fellow professional actors at a local theater. A highlight of my friend’s visit will be dinner at Salute in Frisco, which serves delicious fresh Italian cuisine in a warm, inviting atmosphere. Gathering my friends for a shared meal and conversation will make the evening special. Overall, the week will be a perfect mix of relaxation and exploration.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
This interview is dedicated to my parents, whose unwavering love, sacrifices, and endless encouragement have given me the courage to pursue my dreams.

I would also like to acknowledge four remarkable women who have walked this entrepreneurial journey with me: Karla Eden, Ronna Keller, Jennifer Johnston, and Katina Sullivan. Your unique insights and collective wisdom inspire me every day. This journey is not mine alone; it is enriched by the beautiful tapestry of support, guidance, and friendship you have woven around me.

Website: https://missionsingle.com

Instagram: @joinmissionsingle

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyrwerner/

Facebook: Mission Single | DFW https://www.facebook.com/share/g/i9gbZ7yrjuMDfy2u/

Image Credits
Jess Harley