From the Runway to the Keyboard: How Modeling Helped the Ladies of Desert Pop Design Become Talented Web Developers

    PALM SPRINGS, CA, May 06, 2016 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Terrah Holder and Krystle Kelley have always loved being in front of the camera. So it was only natural, of course, that they seem destined to model. They quickly learned, however, you had to develop some pretty tough skin. After all, it's a business that can be downright brutal.

"I remember the first time I walked down the runway which felt like walking down a plank. The agents and scouts ended up rejecting me, and that was the first time I thought I was ugly," said Krystle describing her first photoshoot in San Diego at age ten. "I couldn't stop crying. It was a bit traumatizing."

However, she didn't let the rejection get her down. She kept pursuing her dreams--just like her partner in crime, Terrah, who didn't start modeling until age 20.

"I grew up in a small town in southern Utah where there weren't any modeling options. When I moved to California that obviously wasn't the case," explained Terrah. "It's a tough world. However, I learned a lot about the industry itself and self-acceptance. It also taught me a lot about business."

Unfortunately, in the world of modeling, it's a short-lived ride. Generally, by the time a model turns 25, their career in the fashion world is over. For those who are smart, they go on to develop other passions. Take Cindy Crawford, for example. She's gone on to develop a popular furniture line through Rooms to Go. Meanwhile, former Victoria's Secret model, Heidi Klum, has become a popular TV host for Project Runway and judge of America's Got Talent.

"After I turned 25, no major agency would re-sign me. I decided to make a blog about modeling," explained Krystle. "While I was learning to make a website for myself, I soon realized that I was naturally gifted with HTML coding and designing websites. At that moment, I realized I should be designing websites for profit."

Shortly after, she joined forces with her friend and fellow model, Terrah, who shared her same passion for web development. In 2013, Terrah graduated with a bachelor's degree in business marketing. In 2014, the two re-invented themselves, getting serious about web design as a full-time career.

"I began to feel that the modeling industry was losing momentum and large companies were reaching out to influences to represent their brands rather than the Cindy Crawfords of the world," stated Terrah. "It was then that we began to see small businesses take root in the social media world. Krystle and I found that there was a niche in this world and have focused on the web design and creation of small brands and how blogging and social media play a huge role in all these small business successes."

And so far, this dynamic duo hasn't looked back. The skills they both developed in the fashion world are now being applied to their new business venture with Desert Pop Design.

"Modeling has helped me look at websites through a beauty and fashion lens. I'm very visually creative, and the websites I design reflect that. I make sure every website is beautifully appeasing, so you want to be on the website for long periods of time," explained Krystle.

To learn more about Terrah and Krystle's business, click here.

About Krystle Kelley: Before delving into the world of web design, Krystle, a native of Palm Springs, previously worked as an international fashion model for a variety of couture fashion designers. She's also worked the runways of major fashion events, like: LA Fashion Week, New York Fashion Week and El Paseo Fashion Week. After turning 25, she decided to focus her attention to her second love: computers. After extensive training in the field of web design-her career has never looked brighter. When she's not working, she enjoys scuba diving, shopping, making jewelry and painting.

About Terrah Holder: Born in Cedar City, Utah, Terrah is the vice president of Desert Pop Design. At just 18-years-old, she married her high school sweetheart and remain happily married. Together they have three young children. With a degree in business marketing, she continues to push herself both professionally and personally in this ever changing digital world. When she's not working, she enjoys spending time with her children and husband. Her hobbies include: fashion, photography, styling, designing and snowboarding.

Contact Us:
Krystle Kelley, President
Desert Pop Design
Phone: (760) 333-4974
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.desertpopdesign.com

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