MEET CHELSEA FOUNDER AND, CEO OF DOPECESSORIES.
It all begins with an idea.
“Define success in your own terms, achieve it by your own rules, and build a life you’re proud to live.”
Can you share with us where you were born and raised, and where your business was founded?
I was born in Stamford Connecticut and raised in South Florida. I currently live in South Florida, where my business was founded.
What inspired you to start your own business?
From a young age, I've been fascinated by the intricate details of fashion and driven by a passion for style. Throughout my career, I've consistently held leadership positions in traditional 9-to-5 roles. With my unwavering work ethic, I've come to recognize that my relentless energy and dedication could be harnessed to build my own entrepreneurial venture, allowing me to reap the rewards and achieve financial freedom without relying on others.
Can you tell us about your journey from the idea stage to launching your business?
Turning my idea into reality was surprisingly quick. As an impulsive person, I didn't let hesitation hold me back one bit. I spent about a month planning and plotting, I curated about 10 different jewelry designs to start with, and then I ordered them wholesale. I'm a DIY type of woman so I began to practice web design everyday and invested in a professional camera to take nice photos with. When my jewelry arrived, my friends were kind enough to support my dream and willing to lend a helping hand. We did a photoshoot at my house, I launched the week after, and the rest is history.
Can you share a particularly memorable or rewarding moment you've experienced in your entrepreneurial journey?
The first time I made 10k in a month. I realize the sky really is the limit. From that day forward, I approached my goals with a newfound sense of confidence and determination. The only person who can stop me is me.
How do you balance your personal and professional life as a business owner?
A daily to-do lists is absolutely essential for me. It helps me achieve my daily goals and manage my time effectively. However, I still struggle with overworking myself and prioritizing tasks. I often find myself putting work first, even when my body is screaming for a break. I'm lowkey a workaholic and tend to get caught up in the task, neglecting my own needs in the process but I realize the importance of self-care and taking breaks to recharge so I usually designate at least one or two days to solely decompress and refocus.
How do you stay motivated and inspired when facing setbacks or challenges?
The thought of my past life as an employee is what drives me to keep going. I'm motivated by the realization that I'm no longer tied to a specific job or boss. I absolutely love my freedom. Additionally, I love the thrill of taking risks and betting on myself - it's a great way to stay focused and push myself to be the best version of myself.
What challenges did you face as a female entrepreneur, and how did you overcome them?
I'm the first to admit that I'm not exactly patient. My greatest challenge is when I don't see immediate results from my efforts, whether it's time, money, or energy. I constantly have to remind myself that progress is often slow and steady, and that consistency is the key to achieving success. As long as I stay committed and put in effort consistently, I know that the returns will come.. even if it takes time.
What advice would you give to other women who aspire to start their own businesses?
Take the leap and start building your structure. Don't worry about perfection – it will only hold you back. Focus on progress and be willing to adapt. Remember that failure is an inevitable part of the journey, and it's often the best teacher. Don't get caught up in the idea that success happens overnight. It's a marathon, not a sprint. Every step forward is a step away from stagnation. And trust me, the more you delay, the more time you'll waste. Embrace the discomfort and uncertainty that comes with taking risks. It's where the real growth happens. You'll learn to navigate setbacks, and those lessons will become valuable assets. Instead of waiting for the perfect moment or plan, JUST DO IT. Start small, be patient, and be willing to adjust as you go. The only way to guarantee failure is to do nothing at all.
The Socially for HER blog is all about empowering women and recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of women. So is there another female entrepreneur that you want to give a shoutout to?
I'd love to give a shout out to Alex Isabella (instagram: @alexisabella), a true inspiration.
What are your social media handles, and where can people find your business online to make purchases?
Instagram & TikTok: @dopecessories | To purchase statement Jewelry -» www.dopecessories.com
Instagram: @DoseOfChelsea | My personal page connect with and get to know me!