When Marie Kelly identified a problem, she set out to fix it.
As International Women’s Day approaches, the theme Give to Gain offers a fitting lens through which to view the career of The Blaze’s entrepreneurial top-order batter.
Although known for her run-scoring exploits that have seen her represent sides in The Hundred and the Caribbean Premier League, Kelly has also been quietly building a second career in business.
“I’ve set up Versatail, which makes magnetic ponytail caps and bobble hats for women and girls,” explains Kelly. “It all started because, for years, I’ve hated wearing traditional cricket caps.
“It’s not just that caps were always too big for me, but I would cut holes into my own caps and bobble hats so they could accommodate my high ponytail too.
“So, I had to adapt it to try and find a way for it to suit me, be comfortable, and help me perform on the pitch.”
Balancing elite sport with entrepreneurship is no small feat, but Kelly’s journey highlights how the values she developed as a professional in sport can help her effect long-lasting change.
In short, how she can Give to Gain.
On the field, Kelly has built a reputation as a dependable batter and leading light of The Blaze squad, and off it, her venture is rooted in similar thinking.
Through Versatail, she has sought to address the gaps in sportswear design, particularly around functionality and comfort for female athletes.
“What I wanted from it was for young girls growing up to almost not be aware that they're even adapting to men's products,” she says.
“They won't even have to think, they can just wear something that was designed purposely for them.
“I think with cricket, there's so many things that aren't made for us, but the caps are my piece of the puzzle, where I contribute back to the game and young girls playing cricket today.”
The insight provided from her own personal experiences helped shape the creation of her business, which is now going from strength to strength.
“I've learnt so much along the way from the business,” says Kelly. “Even things as simple as setting up a card reader; I'd never known how to do that before, but you just learn on the job.
“I think as an athlete, it's always exciting to learn new skills, and the business side of it has definitely required learning new skills every day.
“There have been lots of mistakes along the way, but now everyone sees the final products, and they're already supportive, they want to be able to wear it as well.
“Moving forwards, the aim will definitely be to negotiate some contracts with the bigger sportswear suppliers.”
As the 116th International Women’s Day highlights the power of giving back, Kelly’s journey stands as an example of how giving can truly lead to gaining.
Whether scoring runs for The Blaze or shaping the future of sportswear through Versatail, she shows that investing in others, and in new, fresh ideas, can create opportunities that extend far beyond the game itself.
*******
