Bazaar Babe ~ Chelsea from Golden Hippie Co
Chelsea Neille is pure sunshine in human form. She's the creative behind one of our favourite '70s inspired accessories brand and we just can't get enough of her fabulous style! Spreading her message of positivity and light, she sure knows how to shine from the inside out and make the world feel golden!
Tell us a little about yourself - who you are, where you're from and what sets your soul on fire?
I’m Chelsea the creator of Golden Hippie Co, a one of a kind funky accessory business that carries 70’s inspired accessories all from my home located in Houston, Texas. My soul is on fire when I make people (really visionaries) feel golden.
You’re the creator of Golden Hippie Co- a ’70s inspired fashion accessories Brand. Tell us about your vision behind the brand and how it began?
The vision behind the brand came from a pain point that I once had as a plus size woman. I always felt insecure because my outward appearance (in fashion) didn’t fit my inward personal style. I always gravitated towards accessorising to build up my outfits, which in part built my confidence. In building my confidence, I was able to be the best Chelsea in any situation so I used those feelings to create GHC. I wanted to be able to help provide that same boost of confidence.
We all have a light that begins to shine when we are feeling our best. We begin to show up and show out in so many spectacular ways within our community because we feel amazing!
So...
The business is accessories but the vision for the brand is to feel sooo good that you can be the best human being you can be on the Earth. (if you were ever wondering where the “hippie” part came from)
What do you love the most about the ’70s?
The '70s was such a huge era. Monumental movements took place within our society. Music, fashion, and just the thoughts of that time were radical and visionary. I hope to embody and provide those same feelings and moods that people think of when they think of the 1970s. I like to call the ‘70s, “The era of discovery”. Breaking out of the '50s and '60s picture perfect box within America and I have grown to love that the most about the ‘70s.
From retro earrings to rainbow sunglasses you’ve got all the goodies for our vintage lovers. What’s your go-to favourite accessory?
Oh my!! This question is too tough, especially since I’m an accessory addict. However, my favourite go-to accessory are… earrings!!!
How typical (lol) but when I was growing up my most fashionable Aunt, Auntie Lisa always said “You should never leave the house without a pair of earrings on, you never know who is looking”. Which spoke on just being presentable, looking your best, feeling your best. You can never go wrong with a pair of earrings, they add a little pop to your outfit, even a simple t-shirt and your favourite bell bottom jeans.
Have you always had a creative flare? And what other ways do you like to express yourself?
I’ve always had the ability to be creative while growing up, I thank my parents for that. However, I never would have imagined my creativity producing such a beautiful brand. Golden Hippie has been my first real “jump out on faith” way to express myself. I was conditioned to believe that I only express myself on the weekends, when I’m not at a 9 to 5 so I didn’t get a chance to really express myself before. It’s not until Golden Hippie that I have really been expressing myself. As of now, I express myself by enjoying other crafts outside the norm on my “off” days, as well as evolving my personal clothing and home decor taste.
Where do you draw inspiration from when creating and curating?
Inspiration is drawn from all over! 1970s was an era, so many songs, colours, shapes, words, trends that took place over 10 years that are still relevant and loved today. I just pick a topic, colour, song and just flow from there, as far as creating. Curating takes more magic, a lot of research goes into my curating to ensure the looks of the era can be reached with GHC’s accessories.
How would you describe your personal style?
My personal style is all over the place. I most definitely have elements of the '70s, with a mix of black culture, and a sprinkle of regular t-shirt & jeans kinda style. It wasn't until the pandemic of 2020 that I actually looked at my closet and myself and really asked “Chelsea, what is YOUR personal style?”. However, I’m excited to find more about my personal style as I continue to grow over the years!
Who are some of your favourite style icons?
Diana Ross... Icon. Donna Summer… Icon. I’m fascinated by the bold styles of Bootsy Collins as well as Betty Davis. Although she wasn’t intending to be, Angela Davis also became a style icon to me as well. I also love the works of Bob Mackie and Yves Saint Laurent.
What makes you feel confident?
My confidence comes from self awareness. If I am in tune with myself, in that moment then my confidence outshines everything. Making sure that I always check in with myself continues to build and keep my confidence intact.
You spread so much light and positivity on your IG, what keeps you motivated?
The people that are inspired, motivated, entertained, or loved by Golden Hippie Co and I! My business, my home is not for me specifically. My motivation comes from the joy I see that GHC brings to all people who come into contact with GHC or me. I poured my heart and soul into GHC so anyone who is willing to receive me keeps me motivated to strive for more!
What's up next for Chelsea and the Golden Hippie Co?
While already providing funky accessories and custom wholesale opportunities. I am in the works of opening up two more divisions to Golden Hippie Co. Flwr Crwn, a home accessories division of GHC as well as opening up to consulting services for other artisan entrepreneurs. Everything is in the making, so I’m super excited for what's to come!
Follow Chelsea's journey @goldenhippieco
Shop Golden Hippie Co for the ultimate '70s accessories
