ABOUT
Blum Creative is founded and led by Kelly Utt, a naming and brand strategy expert with two decades of experience helping people and businesses find the right words to represent who they are—and where they’re headed.
Kelly began her naming career in the mid-2000s with a unique focus on the deeply personal nature of names. She independently conducted a 1,000-person survey exploring how people think and feel about names, then went on to consult with individuals navigating important life changes. Her early clients included couples choosing a shared last name, women reevaluating naming traditions, individuals navigating identity shifts, adoptees seeking connection, and others wanting their name to better reflect who they are. Her work was featured in national media.
That early experience—blending identity, clarity, and emotional insight—laid the groundwork for what Kelly does today: helping high-growth businesses rename themselves, their products, and their services with confidence and impact. Whether a brand is scaling, repositioning, or starting from scratch, she brings a naming process that’s both strategic and deeply human.
Kelly holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and a Master of Science in Interactive Media and Communications from Quinnipiac University. She is also a novelist and creative strategist who has launched and grown multiple ventures of her own. With over 30 published books and a background in storytelling, brand development, and small business consulting, Kelly brings a rare blend of creative and commercial insight to every project.
Today, Kelly leads every renaming engagement at Blum Creative, drawing on 20 years of experience to guide clients with precision and clarity. She also partners with a curated team of creative professionals when needed, ensuring every project is lean, strategic, and results-focused.
Kelly lives in Nashville, Tennessee with her husband and three energetic Llewellin setters.
Learn more about Kelly’s novels at KellyUtt.com.
STRENGTHS
For those familiar with CliftonStrengths, you might find Kelly's strengths interesting.
She’s a #1 Strategic, which means Kelly is a natural at seeing the big picture and mapping out the steps needed to get from point A to point B. No matter how complex the challenge, she’ll find the most effective path forward and develop a clear plan of action for you to follow.
She’s a #2 Activator, meaning Kelly thrives on turning ideas into action. If you’re stuck in the planning phase or overwhelmed with options, she’s the one to get things moving, quickly and with purpose. She’s all about making things happen and getting results.
She’s a #3 Maximizer, so Kelly’s focus is always on making things the best they can be. She’s not just about good enough—she’s about optimizing, refining, and making sure your brand or business is performing at its peak potential.
She’s a #4 Ideation, which means Kelly loves coming up with fresh ideas and exploring creative possibilities. When it comes to solving problems or developing innovative strategies, she’s got a treasure chest of ideas to pull from, ensuring your brand stands out in new, exciting ways.
She’s a #5 Individualization, which means Kelly has an uncanny ability to understand what makes each client unique and tailors her approach accordingly. Whether it’s a business, brand, or marketing plan, she crafts personalized strategies that align with each client’s specific strengths and goals.