Kelsea O’Connor
Founder & Marketing Strategist

I’ve always been drawn to the why behind what makes brands stick.

Not just the design or the offer - but the systems, the psychology, the experience that turns someone from a casual buyer into a ride-or-die customer. That curiosity became a career.

I started out scaling an eCommerce startup from the ground up - where I learned what it really takes to turn browsers into loyal buyers, and clicks into long-term growth. At the same time, I was working in account management at New Zealand’s largest rural insurer.

My role was all about keeping clients loyal and making sure they were covered for what they truly needed. That’s where I learned that real retention isn’t about flashy campaigns - it’s about trust, relevance, and showing up in the moments that matter.

Over time, I kept seeing the same pattern: brands were obsessed with acquisition.

Even the smartest teams were stuck in a loop of chasing new leads, throwing money at ads, and treating their customer base like an afterthought. I knew there had to be a better way - a smarter, more sustainable way to grow.

Woman in gray blazer sitting at a desk near large windows, writing in a notebook, with a computer monitor, potted plant, and small appliance on the desk.

KO began as a generalist strategy and marketing agency. We did it all - launches, campaigns, brand positioning. But over time, one thing became clear: retention was the lever no one was pulling. The smartest brands were still leaking customers and leaving money on the table. So I decided to go all-in.

A strategy-first retention partner for brands who are ready to scale without the burnout.

Today, I work with ecommerce and service-based businesses across Australia, New Zealand, and globally - helping them build systems that turn one-time buyers into lifelong customers. Email, CRM, lifecycle flows, segmentation, automation - this is the infrastructure that fuels lasting growth.

KO exists to help you scale smarter. To make marketing feel like momentum, not pressure. To make your best customers feel seen. And to make retention your biggest growth lever - not your forgotten tab.

Because when you build something people actually want to come back to, the growth takes care of itself.

A person wearing a black top and beige skirt holding a beige handbag and a phone, standing on a concrete staircase indoors.

KO can help.

Make your revenue more predictable

You’ve done the hard part - getting customers. Now it’s time to stop relying on launches and luck. We help you build systems that generate repeat revenue (even while you sleep).

Turn customer loyalty into a competitive edge

Most brands focus on acquisition. The smart ones turn retention into their secret weapon. We show you how to keep customers coming back and spending more each time.

Clear the chaos and scale with confidence

Messy systems and scattered comms = wasted potential. We help you clean up the backend, streamline your strategy, and free up your headspace so you can grow without burning out.

Find out if we’re a good match to work together

Our values are the core engine of everything we do

  • We don’t just build businesses—we build connections that actually matter. In a world where marketing can feel transactional, we believe in genuine, long-term relationships that outlast any sales funnel or strategy.

  • Everything we do is built for long-term success. We think ahead, plan for scale, and create marketing that lasts.

  • We don’t do corporate jargon, sugarcoating, or overcomplicated nonsense. We say what we mean, mean what we say, and keep things clear and honest. If we think something won’t work, we’ll tell you. If we think there’s a better way, we’ll show you. No BS, no fluff—just straight-up strategy and execution.

  • Curiosity is our edge—versatile, powerful, and always ready. It cuts through the noise because we never take things at face value; we dig deeper, ask smarter questions, and uncover better solutions.

  • Most things in life - and business - work better when they’re simple—marketing is no different. If it’s overcomplicated, it won’t get done. If it’s unclear, it won’t convert. We cut through the noise, strip it back, and focus on what actually works. Because the best marketing isn’t fancy—it’s effective.