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

Hi Cheyenne, we’d love to start by asking you about lessons learned. Is there a lesson you can share with us?
Starting a small business has taught me to trust my vision and instincts, and to remember to keep things fun! It’s easy to become discouraged while sharing your work on social media – constantly trying new things to ensure you are visible to your audience and navigating the ever-changing landscape. When I’m feeling discouraged and the numbers aren’t looking good, there’s always a situation or interaction that brings me back to my purpose and reminds me that my work touches people and makes them happy. I’m still learning how to be a business-person, but the support of my community always adds wind to my sails.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I make really fun, colorful jewelry for folks who dress to lift their spirits and make others smile. The name of my business came from that incomparable feeling of catching up with a friend at a coffee shop after not seeing them for a long time. Those belly-laughs, gasps and gossip got me through interesting times in my life, and I want people to feel like they’re sitting with loved ones and representing their most fun and fabulous selves when they wear my pieces.

Admittedly, figuring out how to run this business has been hard, and there are times when I think about stopping this project, especially trying to navigate the internet and finding balance in my personal and professional life. I’m always reinvigorated by community and sharing experiences, and also continue to challenge myself to keep going and try new things. Making brings me joy, and has also become a great outlet for me to put myself out there and meet new people, which is super important to me as an introvert.

It brings me the BIGGEST joy to see people wearing pieces I made and feeling good in them. I once was traveling with friends and stopped quickly in a city on the way home for a rest stop, and while we were there I saw someone wearing a pair of earrings I made and introduced myself – and wanted to cry at the serendipity of it. Those are the moments that make it worth it!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I DEFINITELY need to get out more, and moved back to Pittsburgh during the beginning of the pandemic after a few years living in NYC. However, my ideal day would start with breakfast and a lovely morning beverage at a cafe or local restaurant – some recent faves include the breakfast burrito and blueberry muffin matcha at Field Day or brunch at Lola’s Eatery – both in Lawrenceville. I’d also love to do some thrifting or vintage shopping – I’ve really enjoyed stopping by Sam’s Vintage and Kula Vintage for great curations! I love going for long walks with friends, so we would head to Frick Park, Allegheny Commons Park, or a trail in my neighborhood to relax, talk and get some steps in in the sunshine. If I was with a friend who had never visited Pittsburgh, I’d have to take them to see the views of the city from Mount Washington! I’d love to wrap the day with dinner and a yummy cocktail, and Pusadee’s Garden is a beautiful place to go for a special occasion.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My business would not exist without the support of the small business community that I have connected with over the last few years and loved ones who encourage me daily! There are so many internet and IRL friends that I appreciate deeply and there are too many to name. I have been able to collaborate with other fabulous small businesses including Three Pigs Vintage, Shop Journal, and Berriez – and owe everything to the folks who visit my site, in-person markets (shoutout to my Pittsburgh-based customers) and are a sounding board my for ideas (and frustrations!)

Website: www.conversationsoverchai.com

Instagram: @conversationsoverchai

Image Credits
Jill Burrow (@jillburro_w) Models: @sandyloaf @le.siren

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