Hey there! I'm Kelli Chu.
You can call me your dog-loving, travel enthusiast, can't live without chocolate, new friend and mentor.
After surviving my car accident, there was only one word that could describe how I felt – alone. I remember waking up each morning to a nightmare, and seeing the world keep spinning as if nothing happened.
It was during these times when I longed for someone to relate to, who was going through a similar situation as me, and who was feeling like how I was feeling. But unfortunately, I didn’t find that person.
Community building and social media weren’t what it is today. So I focused on creating my own survival guide.
First, understanding that I needed to heal – I showed up to every occupational therapy appointment, read inspiring memoirs and self-help books, attended any supportive seminars I could find, and got lost in meditation and traveling.
Then, I began a blog to freely express what it felt like to be living after surviving. And eventually, shared my story through podcasts and speaking engagements, with the intention to impact others.
To be the person who I needed when my whole world turned upside down.
Do you know what it feels like to have everything change in an instant? To question your identity. Your purpose. Your life. If so, I’m here to tell you to never underestimate the light within the dark and the love within the pain.
All it takes is to learn how to grow from within. To know how to cultivate a positively healing and healthy mindset. And to embrace your authentic self to the fullest.
Only then will you find endless possibilities to create your greatest transformational story!
Let me tell you a little story.
Life throws pivotal moments surrounding major health impacts and sometimes those moments come out of left field, causing overwhelm, struggle, and darkness. If this resonates at all, then let me say that I see you and I hear you.
With my guidance to help you better understand your own unique plot twist and how to stay resilient in the face of adversity; together we can transform the story you were given into the story that brings you peace and fulfillment.
Helping you turn challenges into opportunities and reclaim your confidence and purpose, so you can live each day without limits in order to change the narrative for a fulfilling future ahead!
I have the best job in the world...
Come join me!
Through resiliency, authenticity, and forgiveness, I turned my unwanted plot twist into a powerful transition – a transition that continues to bring me inner peace and gratitude.
I knew, in my heart, that living after surviving is possible. And, that life is now much more rewarding and beautiful.
This is why it’s my mission to create a space for community, awareness, and empowerment.
My left hand was so severely crushed and damaged in the accident that doctors immediately thought of amputation. But then, one doctor spoke up with his plan to save it. In addition, my right hand suffered ulnar nerve damage.
Extracting nerve, skin, and muscle from my right leg, a team of doctors tirelessly reconstructed both hands with only one mission in mind: to give this 21-year-old girl the best version of the rest of her life.
I’ve had a total of 11 surgeries within a four-year recovery period. And with the inevitable amount of trauma I endured and the unexpected challenges I overcame, I learned a great deal about what can happen if I embrace this as part of my journey.
What exactly happened?
In 2010 at the age of 21, I was studying abroad in Brisbane, Australia for a year long program. Unfortunately, I couldn’t finish that program.
I was in a serious car accident that left me with severe permanent injuries.
Well, I was born in Fresno, California, and fortunate enough to grow up in both the San Francisco Bay Area and Hawaii. After graduating high school in Honolulu, I moved back to the Bay Area to attend San Francisco State University. There, I received a B.A. in Drama and then headed down to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career.
However, after writing and performing my own monologues and short film, I discovered acting wasn’t for me. But rather, I’d focus on a career in writing, motivational speaking, and coaching.
Thus, here I am. I have a passion to spread motivation and help with self-improvement in the most positive and nourishing way. But first, here's my story.
So what do you want to know?
a deeper look into my story
I believe we don't come this far to only come this far.
I believe one person's survival story is another person's survival guide.
I believe moving forward begins the moment you accept what is.
With any story of hardship or struggle, there is always the choice to turn it into some kind of wonderful.
Because when you survive, you have the ability to thrive!
I know loss. I know sacrifice. I know pain. And seeing my scars each day only reminds me of this: One person’s survival story is another person’s survival guide.
So now, with the knowledge I have, I’m committed to share it all with you and be your guide, cheerleader, and accountability partner.
Some call me a warrior or a fighter, but I’m really just someone who’s “been there.”
At the young age of 21, my life changed forever. My future goals and dreams were DERAILED in the blink of an eye.
CRUNCHY PEANUT BUTTER
SMOOTH PEANUT BUTTER
or
CLICK HERE FOR THE BIG REVEAL
CLICK HERE FOR THE BIG REVEAL
SNEAKERS
DRESS SHOES
or
SPORTS GAME
CONCERT
or
MORNING
NIGHT
or
BEACH
MOUNTAIN
or
REALITY SHOWS
DOCUMENTARIES
or
CRUNCHY PEANUT BUTTER
SMOOTH PEANUT BUTTER
or
NOW YOU KNOW ALL MY SECRETS!
NOW YOU KNOW ALL MY SECRETS!
SNEAKERS
DRESS SHOES
or
SPORTS GAME
CONCERT
or
MORNING
NIGHT
or
BEACH
MOUNTAIN
or
REALITY SHOWS
DOCUMENTARIES
or
THIS
OR
THAT
Learn how we can be part of each other's journey.
Dive into my personal thoughts about life after trauma.
Interested in my signature keynote topic?
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Her story and transformation are one of hope, inspiration, and strength. I'd highly recommend Kelli to be a writer, motivational speaker, and even a podcast guest in a heartbeat! Sometimes, we tend to underestimate the value of sharing our personal struggles and stories; I have no qualms that she will be an asset to anyone who's on the lookout for a speaker or presenter.
Sherlene Lian, Producer of Honour Summit, Founder of Honour Makeup & Chrome For Bosses
"Kelli has such a great attitude!"
Like so many of us, we have been “surviving” through all of this. Kelli inspired me to take a deeper look into me and really think about how I approach my day. With limitations during Covid, it didn’t mean that I needed to just check the box everyday or “survive”. I was ready to “LIVE”! Kelli is truly an amazing young woman, and will inspire you as well. Life goes on…it’s time to LIVE.
Dacia Henshaw, VP of Operations at SheFactor
"You have to listen to Kelli Chu’s story."
I was inspired by how she turned a negative into a positive by acceptance, forgiveness, and determination.
CONFERENCE ATTENDEE
