Daily Inspiration: Meet Chelsea Dennis

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelsea Dennis.  

Hi Chelsea, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
I was a very artistic kid, always creating and playing in the woods, beaches, and rivers so unique to my northern Michigan home, the outdoors is my happy place:) In my teens, I spent a few months every summer up in Canada at an outdoors camp, and I paddled with a small group of girls hundreds of miles across the Canadian wilderness with everything we needed to survive in our backpacks and canoes. Being in such untouched wilderness I really saw the impact we made on the land- and it made on us. I do believe this is where I fell in love with the environment and had a strong conviction to protect it. 

As an art student living in cooperative housing at the University of Michigan, that environmentalism really grew, and I was learning so much about social causes like fair trade and human rights. At one point, I realized that I could combine my passion for environmental and social justice with my creativity and love for art and design by being a graphic designer for good. I believe strongly that design had big role in making change in the world through raising awareness, building bridges, and educating the public through visual communication. I could make the companies that were doing good look good:) 

From there, I moved to San Francisco for a few years to begin my career and traveled all over the world to third-world, fair-trade farming communities. I eventually moved back to Traverse City in 2007. I have worked for myself from home since college, doing mostly branding and graphic design but also video production, life coaching, creating storytelling events, photography, illustration, creating books, etc. And folding in daily hikes, paddles, rollerblades, or daily dips in the bay. It all comes from the same place- “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.” 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Never linear:) When you work for yourself- you have to trust the process and accept the ebb and flow! But I certainly had to take some risks! moving to SF with one suitcase and my portfolio, and a dream:) Taking the leap to start my own agency at 23 with a business partner that lived in NC and me on the west coast- 2006 no one was “virtual!” 

Then moving back to Michigan because I felt called to- and leaving all the “green” businesses out west. Creating an independent documentary with no funding. Etc. It’s all risks and all “knowing,” not deciding- so it’s an undeniable YES, anything I do, so it’s always an easy choice! 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am committed to using what I am good at for good by offering branding, design, and creative consulting specifically for environmentally and socially responsible companies and organizations. 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, we can move fast, stay true, and make creative services affordable for small ventures that want to change the world for good. 

Also, very proud of my storytelling/story coaching “EXPAND,” that is all about inspiring people to live more presently and see the beauty in the everyday. 

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Hmmm- I’m pretty open, so I’m not sure it’s anything surprising:) But I LOOOVE to rollerblade and jump in the bay every day I can in spring, summer, and fall. And DANCE every chance I get… alone, in classes, out and about, or with my little girl. It’s another language beyond words for connection and expression:) 

As a teenager, I would go on 400-mile canoe trips in the Canadian wilderness:) Moving in nature is my grounding, happy place. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://chelseabaydesign.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chels_bay
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChelseaBayDesign
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsbay/
• Other: https://www.expandstorytelling.com/ 

Image Credits
Michael Poehlman Photography
Crackerjack Photography Studio