Chelsea dennis shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Chelsea, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
paddling down a river
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My mission in life is to use what I’m good at and passionate about for good, and to inspire others to do what makes them come alive and make a difference in the world.” I manifest this as a graphic designer, video producer, coach/ consultant, speaker and event creator. As Chelsea Bay Design. I have been designing for environmentally and socially responsible entrepreneurs for over 20 years. This ranges from fair trade goods, to handmade clothing, good-for-the-world events, films, organic foods, locally-focused and small businesses, non-profits, sustainable agriculture, etc. By working closely with each client as part of a creative team, I can move fast, stay true, and make creative services affordable for small ventures that want to change the world for good.
I also coach/consult, as a certified life coach, with those looking to create or find meaningful work that is aligned with their values, strengths, and what makes them come alive – from the inside out. I am also the founder and creator of EXPAND Storytelling, featuring individuals who find fulfillment from the inside out wherever they are. How they came to find the little things that make them come alive and how they continue to expand their being from right here, right NOW.
Through all of my work, I love to empower others to make ideas happen, be successful and make a difference. Having lived and traveled around the world, I chose to make Traverse City home, the very place I started.
I find joy in sunrise walks, hiking, rollerblading, camping, paddling, one-on-one time with friends, laughing w her daughter, dancing, creating and and and:)
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
I have always been an outdoor lover and environmentalist growing up, AND was drawn to creativity and design.
When I was in university, I met some people in Northern Michigan that were making a difference in the world in business by working with fair trade farmers around the world. That concept inspired me so much, I wanted to be a part of it! I found that by using what I am good at for good, I could make these conscious companies look amazing through graphic design, to compete with the larger UNconscious companies out there, and therefore bring more money and dignity to these farmers livelihoods. This put me on a path to move to San Francisco in 2006, and start a good-for-the-world design firm, working with conscious companies internationally. And travel to many of these farming companies to help tell their stories and capture their energy with photos. These experiences and farmers impacted me deeply, I will never forget their joy and purpose and way of living with so much intention.
Is there something you miss that no one else knows about?
I do miss how causes like fair trade, organic and. many others felt like MOVEMENTS to be a part of IN PERSON, making a difference. Now it seems every cause and fundraiser is all online, instead of in person intimate dinners of stories and personal experiences to raise support.
With social media, everyone knows a little about everything, instead of really dedicated to the work of a few big passionate causes. AND Im grateful that social and environmental awareness is widespread at the same time. Maybe its just the fact that social media has made us all a little more isolated than connected. (ok ok, yes this dates me a little 😂)
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What do you believe is true but cannot prove?
Every emotion or reaction is rooted in fear or love. Jealousy, loneliness, anger, resentment.. all just come from our primal (fearful) instinct to survive. But since there is no tiger actually there trying to eat us – we can let our primal feelings be felt, pass, and thank our bodies for trying to keep us safe.
Love is energy. And energy cannot be created or destroyed. Therefore every soul we have ever loved all is, all at once, beyond time and space. And if we operate out of love over fear… that light, love, and joy will expand from the inside out to everything around us.. powerfully.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
IN or ON or near a lake or river.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://chelseabaydesign.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chelseabay_design/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsbay/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChelseaBayDesign
