Meet Chelsea Neille | Crafter | Creator | Online Business Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chelsea Neille and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chelsea, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
That black owned businesses don’t make it to the 5 year mark. Gaining support and capital is a lot harder when you aren’t in the majority, especially when you tie in that you support other minority and marginalized groups. In my industry of crafting and curating Accessories, there is a huge stigma around black owned businesses that a large majority of consumers continue to keep alive by not buying from our businesses which can and has led to many black owned businesses to close down, due to the lack of resources and overall support.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is laser crafting and curating accessories. Curating was the first art I was able to cultivate by heavily researching older fashion styles and finding a way to fit those styles into a modern world. What allow me to begin to really stand out was the incorporation of my laser cutter to then create earrings and other accessories to fit and match with the curated items. Allowing myself to be think outside the box, while taking inspiration from all over has allowed me to get where I am to this day. I personally think that anything craft you begin to do (especially without prior experience) is difficult. Overcoming challenges is apart of perfecting any craft so I’ve learned that these lessons are needed to get better. Whether it was pricing my products or learning how to graphic design, every challenge is apart of sharpening your iron to become better with each year in business. I want people to know that my art and business comes from my heart and soul, Golden Hippie Company has literally been bootstrapped from my hands and talent to be appreciated by the ones who truly resonate with me or the business itself.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Houston is so grand, I wouldn’t even know where to begin! I would definitely begin with my alma mater, University of Houston deep in “3rd Ward”, where some of the best Hidden gems of eatery are located such as Ray’s BBQ, Sno Dreams Snow cones, and LA Daiquiris and Burgers. Then we can head to Midtown where Pour Behavior is located (artisans cocktails and tons of TVs screens), as well as the infamous Museum District, so many great choices, plus it’s free on Thursdays.Then we have to go to Montrose. The best place for things LGBTQIA+ and hipsters alike. Crockers, and Rivas are the go to spot for this Golden Hippie, but there are so many other places like Rebar where we can tip our local drag queens. There are so many thrift shops and funky places hidden throughout Houston, is hard to only stay for a week.

I also love the fact that you don’t have to break the bank to have a good time. Houston offers so many things for free as well like the Miller Outdoor events and even free fitness classes. There is so much to do in Houston!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I dedicate this shoutout to each and every person within the GHC (Golden Hippie Company) Crew. To every person who I have collaborated with, and who has given me words of encouragement on my journey to maintain GHC as a business while seeking to form a community of golden hearted individuals read to conquer the world in their own way.

Website: https://goldenhippieco.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goldenhippieco/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goldenhippieco/

Image Credits
Photos by Golden Hippie Company