Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelsea Page.
Chelsea, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’ve always disliked seeing boring mass-produced, commercialized design whether fashion or interior. I avoided “trendy” at all cost. I found my own style in between fashion school and thrift stores. Constantly displaying my deep love for pattern play, mixed textures, and androgynous silhouettes. I craved color and life! This passion for intricate aesthetic transitioned to interiors and home decor. I wanted to portray that same feel in my home. In my Taurus nature, I started mass collecting retro, eclectic trinkets and home décor that reminded me of my grandma’s house. Tall wooden African carved figurines, brass wall art, revolutionary black art, and vintage glassware; truly beautiful design. I used my keen eye for color and artsy style to transform my living space into a blast from the past. I found the quality and history of pre-loved items so intriguing! Designed to withstand the test of time; each with their own past no one knows of. They really made their way thru decades and decades without being destroyed. The possibility to give someone else joy in a new space! I only started to realize that I had a knack for choosing unique vintage goods and home styling when people would come to visit my space and pick up random things and say that, “they have never seen anything like this?” and that they feel like they’re in a museum. I love having conversation starters in every direction. So, I decided to use that gift and find quirky things for other people so they could cultivate the space they love as well!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
My advice for creative people everywhere is to create anyway! If you’re feeling uninspired or lost as to what direction to go, create anyway! As cliche as it may sound but surround yourself with people who will lift you up and inspire you to keep going. And if you don’t have any motivation to create, at least study your craft, you may learn something new that may kick start another idea. Be gentle with yourself and honor your creativity. You can really have an idea come to you out of nowhere while you’re just trying to make it. You have to hold yourself accountable and show up for yourself even when you don’t feel like it. I have learned to have a student approach to life. What is the message that is being relayed here, how can I grow? What can I do differently to go a little harder next time? I’d really just say you can’t ever be satisfied. You have to want more for yourself and push your own limits. Life with intentional action can definitely show you things about yourself and the direction you need to go if you are in tune and receptive. That’s super important as anyone walks through this entrepreneurial reality.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Retro Mahogany (previously known as: ShopTwelve34dnf or Twelve:34 Designs & Finds) story. Tell us more about it.
Retro Mahogany is a mash-up of art, vintage, and fashion. I create original Afrocentric, abstract art, and source and sell retro home décor. I am soon incorporating one-of-a-kind apparel designs into the mix alongside the cool vintage pieces. Everything about Retro Mahogany is about loads of vibrant colors, texture, and spirit! You’re supposed to feel transported. My choice to pursue this line of work is heavily rooted in my love for thrifting and the environment. I find myself constantly thinking about all of the fabric, clothes and old furniture that get put into landfills because you know we’re pretty wasteful as a society. I want to offer people dope, eccentric vintage home décor while helping them lessen their carbon footprint at the same time! Retro Mahogany is your eclectic, weirdo one stop shop for your home décor, art, and apparel needs.
Do you have a lesson or advice you’d like to share with young women just starting out?
Again, my advice is for anyone. Be your most authentic self, move with intention, rest when needed and be kind to people, including yourself. That’s it. What is for you will be for you. Keep going!
Contact Info:
- Website: Under construction
- Email: chelsea@retromahogany.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/retromahogany
- Other: www.etsy.com/retromahogany
Image Credit:
Ineyes Wright – portraits, me, Chelsea Page (product photos)
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
