Designer Spotlight: Chelsea Farmer
I’ve always had a passion for arts. I grew up painting, drawing, sewing, and learning new crafts on a weekly basis. I always knew I wanted a creative career I just wasn’t sure how to obtain that. My job allows me to create meaningful, inspirational pieces for my customers. I often hear “It’s exactly what I didn’t even know I wanted” and that to me is one of the best comments a customer can make.
How did you get into jewelry design?
I have been making jewelry as long as I can remember. In high school I got an internship at a local bead store through DECA. After I graduated I became manager of the shop and started to focus more on finding my own style. It was an amazing place to work! We always had different jewelry artists come in and teach classes which I sat in on to learn as much as possible. I’ve since studied at the Gemological Institute of America and am constantly looking to learn new techniques and take new courses. I strongly believe you can never have too much knowledge on your trade.
What makes your collection unique?
We really pride ourselves in being an eco-friendly company. We use recycled and reclaimed fine silver and bronze in all of our creations. We also love mixing my bohemian style with my mom’s country western style which I think sets our designs apart.
What are your inspirations?
Bright bohemian textiles, rusted barn tin, wildflowers, vintage dishes, literally everything! We often travel to barn sales and flea markets taking photos all of the little trinkets and funky furniture for our inspiration board. I believe one of the best parts of having a creative mind is that you find inspiration everywhere you look!
How are you making a difference in your life?
A portion of the proceeds of each sale are donated to two organizations we care deeply about, The Hands & Feet Project and The ASPCA. Seeing the impact that we can make has taught me to not take for granted what all I have been blessed with. I find joy in knowing that we are helping making a difference in the lives of many animals and orphans.
What's something unusual about you that makes you “you”?
I would say my style. I’m not afraid to mix colors, patterns or lifestyles. I wear what I love and make it work, something allot of people seem to struggle with when trying to “fit in”. I think if you love it wear it, no matter what “trend” it fits in with at the moment.
What is the biggest struggle in running your jewelry business like a business? OR What is your biggest success in running your business like a business?
When I started HorseFeathers back in 2009 it was just a part time gig. I never expected it would become the full time job for me and my mom. I started HFG because I love creating, not because I love business. I think the hardest part of running my business now is finding the resources to help me gain more knowledge on the actual business side of things.
About Chelsea
Chelsea Farmer, and her mom Tammy Asher, have been best friends from the beginning and in 2009, they harnessed that friendship and turned it into a business partnership, launching HorseFeathers from their hometown in Western Kentucky. From barn sales to style consultations, the HorseFeathers brand quickly came together – exemplifying heirloom quality at everyday cost.
SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES/LINKS:
Website: https://horsefeathersgifts.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/horsefeathersgifts
Twitter: @horsefeathers13
Instagram: hfgifts
