Kelley Khoury shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Kelley, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
My first 90 minutes set the tone for my whole day. I’m up around 5 a.m. ☀️ and after a very thorough dental routine (flossing is non-negotiable) 🪥 two-minute brush, floss, mouthwash 🦷 I get dressed and head out for a brisk 3-mile walk🏃🏻♀️or a workout class (yoga sculpt 🧘🏻♀️or body pump 🏋🏻♀️). Once I’m back, it’s time for a cup of mushroom coffee 🍄 (it’s surprisingly good) while I tackle little to-dos, like dishes or answering Operation Birthday emails 📧💛 I sometimes read (yay book club) 📚 It’s a quiet, productive start that gives me a clear head, a happy body, and a sense of momentum before the day really begins 🙌🏻
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Kelley Khoury and I am the co-founder of Operation Birthday. In 2018 I began a birthday tradition with my niece of buying birthday cake supplies and donating them to the local food bank 🎂 this sparked the idea for Operation Birthday, a non-profit that ensures each child feels special on their birthday by providing parents in need with birthday items they are not able to afford.
In addition to volunteering at Operation Birthday, I work full time for Epsilon in the email-marketing world. I have dual undergraduate degrees in Computer Science & Business from Saint Michael’s College and earned my MBA from UMass Amherst while working full time.
Operation Birthday is very important to me because birthdays are a milestone 🧁 they say “you matter,” “you are loved,” “your day is special.” For some kids who parents are struggling financially, birthdays can get overlooked. Operation Birthday helps fill that gap, so children get the experience of being celebrated, with tangible items and a sense of joy.
I am so proud to highlight that we are unique because all donations go directly toward Birthday Kits; my husband and I personally cover overhead and marketing costs 💛🩵
Appreciate you sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of the topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
My work ethic was shaped by one of the hardest-working people I know, my mom. She juggled multiple jobs when I was growing up, and no matter what she was doing, she taught us that effort and pride in your work matter. She used to say, “I don’t care if you’re cleaning a toilet – you’d better do it to the best of your ability.” That mindset stuck with me and has guided me in everything I do. She’s still leading by example today, serving as our lead volunteer at Operation Birthday and continuing to work even in her retirement years as she helps us #bringonthebirthdaysmiles.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Success often validates our choices and builds confidence, but suffering strips everything down and reveals what truly matters. It teaches resilience, the kind that can’t be learned in comfort. It also builds empathy, reminding me that everyone is fighting battles I don’t always know about. When you’re at your lowest, it’s a true reflection of who you are by how you choose to respond. If you can meet those moments with kindness, toward yourself and others, you come out stronger. Most importantly, suffering humbles you and can connect you more deeply to others, shaping a kind of wisdom and compassion that triumph alone could never create.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What do you believe is true but cannot prove?
The power behind following your gut instinct. I think our intuition is often a quiet but trustworthy guide, pointing us toward what’s right even when logic or outside opinions try to sway us. Of course, it only works if you have a strong moral compass and a good read on people, and that requires self-awareness and honesty with yourself. But when you cultivate those qualities, your gut becomes more than just a feeling, it’s an internal compass that can help lead you in the right direction throughout life.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What will you regret not doing?
When I think about what I might regret not doing in life, my honest answer is: nothing. My goal is to live in a way that leaves no room for regrets. Life is far too short to hold back, so I try to embrace every opportunity, love deeply, laugh often, and stay grateful for the moments I’m given. I believe in going big, taking chances and living each day to the fullest. If I can do that, then I’ll look back on my life and feel fulfilled.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.operationbirthday.org
- Instagram: @operationbirthday2
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/operationbirthday
- Facebook: operationbirthday2
- Other: The Venmo handle for Operation Birthday is @operationbirthday (select Business when searching)
