Kelly
A festival for women to reconnect
Kelly is creating Wild & Wiser, a nature-led festival designed by women, for women, to reconnect with themselves, each other and what really matters.
@Kelly Keating is creating Wild & Wiser, a nature-led festival designed by women, for women, to reconnect with themselves, each other, and what really matters.
Part event, part experiment, part personal practice, it’s being built in real time alongside her MA and paid work. Instead of waiting for everything to be perfect, Kelly is taking an iterative approach, testing ideas, listening closely, and shaping something that feels both grounding and energising.
Stepping Into It
A key moment came through showing up publicly.
From pitching the idea to the founder, to hosting a stand at the Big Swim event for 500 women, Kelly has been actively putting Wild & Wiser into the world. Speaking to women after a very cold swim and handing out flyers wasn’t always easy, but it mattered.
With support from friends and family, and a bit of sunshine on her side, it became a turning point in building visibility and confidence around the project.
When It Starts to Resonate
Momentum is building.
Women are buying tickets and bringing friends. New names are appearing across social media and mailing lists. Practitioners are reaching out, wanting to be involved. Many conversations begin with the same phrase: “This is exactly what I’ve been needing.”
It’s not just interest, it’s connection.
That brings excitement, but also a sense of responsibility to create something that genuinely meets those expectations.
Shaping What Comes Next
The focus now is on building towards the first festival in September.
That means continuing to spread the word, sell tickets, and curate the experience, while also moving into the practical side of delivery. Partnerships are being confirmed, and the details are starting to take shape, from layout and AV to health and safety and volunteer roles.
It’s about holding onto the feeling of the idea while making sure it works in reality.
Taking Action
Kelly credits her ability to take action to a “done is better than perfect” mindset.
Her background in LEAN and AGILE approaches has helped her focus on testing, learning, and building something that can evolve. Combined with the structure of the MA, and the fact that she’s leading the project herself, it creates a simple truth.
If she doesn’t do it, it doesn’t happen.
Follow the Journey
🔗 https://www.wildandwiser.co.uk/
You can sign up to the newsletter, follow on social media, or come along to the festival itself. While practitioner and speaker spaces are currently full, there is still room for makers and female-owned businesses to join the marketplace. If the ethos resonates, there’s space to be part of it.
