Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelsea Smith.
Chelsea, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m Chelsea Smith, the owner of CNC Designs, a small business dedicated to creating customized pieces that help people express what makes them uniquely themselves. Creativity has always been a part of my life. I grew up watching my mom build her own customization business, designing custom cards that brought smiles to so many faces. Having that kind of inspiration at home made me want to create something of my own, something memorable that others could cherish.
CNC Designs actually began with a single gift: a custom vanity bag I made for a friend’s birthday. Seeing the joy and excitement on her face, knowing she had something made just for her, inspired by her personality and the things she loves, made me want to share that feeling with others. That moment sparked everything.
Today, CNC Designs is about more than cute handbags and fun accessories. My mission is to empower women to represent themselves through pieces that feel personal, intentional, and uniquely theirs. Each item is crafted with the hope that it brings the same joy that started this journey for me.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I launched CNC Designs in December 2024, and the journey was far from easy. At the start of 2025, I lost a parent, and that moment brought my new business to a sudden halt. I didn’t have the desire to create, and I felt unsure of what my vision for the year was supposed to be. Experiencing such a heavy creative block, especially when creativity is the foundation of my work, left me questioning how to move forward.
It took about a month for me to regain my creative focus and reconnect with the reason I started CNC Designs in the first place. I chose to let the passing of my father inspire me instead of stopping me. Now, I dedicate every order, every piece, and every part of my business to him. I know that if I were to give up, I’d be disappointing myself, dishonoring his memory, and setting aside the gift God has given me and the purpose He has placed over my life to share that gift with others.
We’ve been impressed with CNC Designs , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
CNC Designs is a small business dedicated to creating customized pieces that help people express what makes them uniquely themselves. We offer personalized clothing, handbags, and accessories, each crafted to reflect your style and identity. Our mission is to empower women to represent themselves through pieces that feel personal, intentional, and truly unique. Every item is made with love, with the hope of adding a little extra joy to your everyday life.
Our most popular item is the CNC Vanity Bag, designed for customers to personalize with their favorite colors and charms. Shoppers can choose the bag color, select scarf and charm options, and add a special touch with their name or initials featured on both the bag and the attached scarf. In addition to our handbags, we’ll soon be launching custom Detroit Lions gear for both men and women. These pieces will be made to order and can be personalized upon special request.
Follow us on Instagram: @cncdesigsn216 and Visit my Website: cncdesigns.squarespace.com to set up to date on newest arrivals and customs pieces!
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
While I don’t have a personal mentor, I’ve learned the importance of networking and building a community of like-minded individuals who share similar passions and visions. Surrounding yourself with people who understand your goals can help you grow both personally and in your business. Networking hasn’t always come naturally to me honestly, I would prefer not to do it but I’ve realized how crucial it is. It pushes you to get comfortable putting yourself out there and sharing what your business is about, especially as a small business owner.
I remember attending my first networking event and having no idea how to explain my business in a way that captured people’s attention. That experience pushed me to seek out a community that supports small business owners in understanding their purpose and growing from a marketing standpoint through biblical principles. Finding that community changed everything. It helped me clarify what my business truly represents, articulate my vision with confidence, and feel far less intimidated when sharing it with others—while also giving me people to lean on whenever I feel stuck or simply need a listening ear from those who understand what I’m going through.
Because of that, I highly recommend seeking out community and attending networking events whenever the opportunity arises. A couple of great examples are Networking at Night Detroit and Just Create Services.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cncdesigns.squarespace.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cncdesigns216/
