Community Highlights: Meet Chelsea Adinuba of ChelsDesigns

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

Hi Chelsea, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
As a 16 years old with a desire to gain knowledge and a plan, I created my business from scratch. From what started as a hobby that I enjoyed as a little girl from 15 years old, I knew that I could turn my talent into a profitable business. Since I was a little girl, I’ve always told myself that I would become a fashion designer. My sister had a sewing machine, and I begin to teach myself how to sew and bring those items to school where girls wanted to purchase my items! From this statement, I learned that the first step into succeeding was to simply believe in yourself. When you have faith in yourself and begin to put in that work, you are going to profit no matter what. “All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty” (Proverbs 14:23). I got to where I am today by first having faith in God and having faith in myself. There’s nothing that is impossible with God, and I put that first because I have never been failed by believing in him. The next step that got me to where I am today was finding out my “why.” When you figure out your “why” your business now has purpose. I would think of crazy ideas such as turning college sweaters into two piece sets, solving a problem in the hair industry by making quality bonnets for girls with natural hair like myself, writing two books to help others, and more. My goal was to give other people hope to believe in themselves and their talents, to help others. Once I did that, I began to plan and execute out my ideas which brought me to where I am today.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road at all. Don’t get me wrong, the good outweighs the bad. Starting a business means taking a risk, and you truly miss 100% of the shots that you do not take. I’d rather take a risk and start a business rather than have the idea in my head and do nothing about it! Some of the struggles along the way included being so young in this industry, meaning you do not have much knowledge when you first start. That is no excuse to stop though! You have to go out and take it upon yourself to gain knowledge and do your own research. I believe that there’s benefits in this because you now have the proper knowledge to execute your skill to the best of your ability. There were also days where I would design items and they would not turn out how I wanted them to, but it just helped me become stronger in my talent. In business, there are days where you make a lot and days where you do not make that much…this can be rough. I encourage all entrepreneurs to not let that discourage them, the more they stay committed to their gift and continue to work hard, they will bear fruit!

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
The name of my business is ChelsDesigns and it was established in 2020. Every single item that is sold from my business is hand-made from scratch by me, Chelsea Adinuba. I specialize in sewing and writing: I sell a variety of items from bonnets, durags, scrunchies, dresses, college sets, swimsuits, wigs, books, and so much more. At the age of 16 years old, I wrote and published my first book “How To Be a Young Boss.” I took my time to do a great amount of research and take everything that I’ve learned while starting a business and put it into a book. Although I already published a book at the age of 16 years old, I did not stop working! Months later, I came out with my second book titled “Heart over Hustle” which encourages people to do what they love to do to make a profit because that will help them accomplish their purpose on Earth. When you truly do what you love, you will never work a day in your life! I am most known for and most proud of writing a book at the age of 16 years old because it is something many people would not expect to have been done. Both books touch on personal growth, entrepreneurship, networking, the tips and tricks to success, investing, college application tips, and so much more.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
The fact that I am 17 years old is probably the most surprising thing that people who know my work or my brand might not know about me. I ship items to many different states and countries, and some of my customers have no idea that those items that they purchased were made by a 17 years old girl. It is very exciting though because it shows others that anything is possible. It also helps me grow and learn from a young age so that when I get older, there is a lower chance of me repeating mistakes!

Pricing:

• $25 (How To Be a Young Boss book)
• 70 (College Sets)
• $20 (Heart over Hustle book)
• $20 (Reversible bonnets)
• $50 (starting price for dresses)

Contact Info:

• Email: chelseaaa.adin@gmail.com
• Website: designsbychels.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chelsdesignss/?igshid=1up9b151v1gmj
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/chelsdesigns
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkkYeWtFMFsnHtikCqvDZ0A
• Other: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grow-with-me/id1537416650