Grace Key is 25 years old and co-founder of Candidly Kind started March 21, 2018 by she and her mom, Carrie Key. Grace creates all the artwork and designs for all products.

Grace has used writing, drawing and painting throughout her life to express herself. Ask any of her many friends or family and they will attest to receiving a special letter from Grace always filled with love and humor!

When Grace had a desire to start her own fashion line, using her art and “catch phrases” was a perfect fit for the designs!

Grace is the designer, painter, order entry tech, label maker, packer, wrapper, shipper and letter writer (she writes to every customer) She has the help of her family but she does a bit of everything and that’s how she likes it! “candidly kind” gives a percentage of every sale to charities who share the candidly kind vision to spread light, love and acceptance. It is a huge part of Grace’s mission…giving back. (see footnote for a list of the charities candidly kind supports)

Grace was born with Down syndrome, but we prefer to call it Up syndrome. She aims to promote kindness and a belief in oneself no matter what the obstacles and hopes her artistic creations will remind you to live with authenticity, act with love, and treat everyone you meet with an open heart.

To get to know Grace even better check her Instagram. You’ll get a glimpse into her daily life which she frequently describes as “livin the dream.”

In 2020, as a result of candidly kind’s and Grace’s success on social media, she was “discovered” by several beauty brands (Grace is known not only for her art but for her makeup skills and vibrant personality. Global lifestyle box brand, FabFitFun hired Grace for their online marketing and tv commercials in 2020 and 2021. You may see Grace featured across all major tv networks or on digital marketing platforms. Grace has been doing digital content creation for Urban Decay Cosmetics, a division of L’Oreal since 2021. Watch for her to be featured across all Urban Decay’s social media and marketing campaigns in pictures and makeup tutorials. Watch for Grace in digital campaigns for Starbucks and other major brands.

**non-profits candidly kind has supported since being founded (March 21, 2018) Ruby’s Rainbow, Best Buddies International, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Sibley Heart Center, Shoes that Fit, Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta, Gigi’s Playhouse Atlanta, National Down Syndrome Congress, Special Olympics, Special Olympics Georgia, Global Down Syndrome Foundation, National Down Syndrome Society, Grady Health Foundation Atlanta, Bright for Brett, Brittany’s Baskets of Hope, Jack’s Baskets, National Down Syndrome Council, AdVent Health Gordon County GA, Calhoun Healthcare Nursing Facility, Feeding America, Mt. Sinai Hospital NYC, Hershey Medical Center UPENN, Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, National Assoc. for Down Syndrome, Autism Awareness Network, Salvation Army, Special Olympics, Boys and Girls Club, Marley’s Socks, Child Abuse Council of Gordon County, The Yellow Cut Campaign, Will’s Eye Hospital PA, Ucansurvice, West Texas Rehabilitation, Best Buddies (DC area), Gigi’s Playhouse Sacramento, Good Dog Autism, Veteran’s Fundraiser at American Legion, We Love Malibu (Woolsey Fire Victims), Best Buddies LA area, Best Buddies Tampa Bay area, Tulane PPE Fund, Dear Mom Conference, the Brett Boyer Foundation and more!!

Update 4/15/2023- To date candidly kind has given over $70,000 to charity and joined forces to help raise hundreds of thousands more. Grace is living her dream and giving back big. Thank you for following her journey of advocacy and love.