Back to blog
We at Kyle Cavan strive to inspire and empower women in business and all fields. That's why we're thrilled to announce the launch of our Naval Academy Collection, developed in collaboration with the inspiring Kellie Hall Sbrocchi, Naval Academy Grad, Model, Speaker and Content Creator.
Kellie is currently an active-duty Human Resources officer, has won Miss Congeniality 4 times (wow!), was a runner up for Miss California USA, and hosts her own podcast. Talk about multifaceted! Her podcast “MissUnderstood” is in its 4th season, has over 85k listens worldwide, and recently shared her 109th episode. She has an audience of over 115k on social media where she speaks of her platform #doboth, encouraging women to embrace their individuality in and out of uniform. Her podcast “MissUnderstood” is in its 4th season, has over 85k listens worldwide, and recently shared her 109th episode. She is a dog mom, newlywed, lover of black coffee, & never leaves the house without bold lipstick.
We sat down with Kellie for a quick chat and to get to know a little more about Kyle Cavan’s first ever line of Naval and Marine Corps. designs.
What does Herndon Marker mean to you? What is its significance?
As a "plebe," what the Naval Academy calls "freshmen," you walk by the Herndon monument everyday on campus are reminded of its significance. Naval Academy tradition allows every plebe class to climb Herndon at the end of each academic year. It is a test of teamwork, determination, a culmination event of everything you learned in a year one---and one lucky midshipman places their cover on top.
Once you've climbed Herndon as a class and placed a cover on top, you're considered "plebes no more." The Herndon monument is more than just a statue, it's a reminder of hope, future, teamwork, and Naval Academy history.
My Herndon story is a bit unique: I was able to climb it twice! My class (2014!) of plebes stormed Herndon the night Osama Bin Laden was killed as part of a patriotic celebration. We then again climbed in 2 weeks later as part of the end-of-year tradition.
What message would you like to pass on to the next generation of women in the Navy? Women in general?
My goal is to prove that as women in service we can embracing femininity, individuality, + shatter the stereotypes society places on us. One of the biggest myths I’ve ever heard: “If you are in the military you can't have any outside passions." You CAN do both but you have to do so strategically, delicately, + very thorough when you do. Serving does NOT mean you need to sacrifice your identity, personality, + all of your passions. By designing this collection, stepping outside of both my comfort zone & everyday job, I hope women I inspire women to chase their biggest passions & feel welcomed to do maximize their potential.
What was it like collaborating with the founders of Kyle Cavan on this collection? What inspired the designs you chose? Can you customize them?
I am so deeply honored & humbled Kyle Cavan chose me to design & collaborate on their first-ever Naval Academy collection. I’ve always heard “pressure is a privilege,” & I feel pressure to ensure my Naval Academy family is proud of what I design & how I represent them but what privilege that is! These pieces are an extension of my heart, rooted in the many ways the Navy has impacted my life. My USNA roommate later became a Marine Officer, I walked past Herndon every day, Navy Chiefs are the reason I’m where I am in my professional career —- all impacted my inspiration for the design. And yes, you can customize each piece!
Are you making money from this collaboration?
No! So many people think that pursuing passions are about pursuing paychecks, but passions should be the areas of life that you WANT to do even if you’re not getting paid. I am donating to the USO in lieu of accepting a commission for this collection & I’m honored to give back.
"Disclaimer: The views and opinions presented herein are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of DoD or its Components. Appearance of, or reference to, any commercial products or services does not constitute DoD endorsement of those products or services. The appearance of external hyperlinks does not constitute DoD endorsement of the linked websites, or the information, products or services therein.