Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelsea Warren.
Chelsea, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
It all started with a random conversation! I remember talking to my mom and explaining to her how I wanted to design this 80s/90s collection! At that time, I was using the “gym” as an outlet to release my frustrations, anger and any emotional feeling, on the other hand, I was striving to become fit. Sometimes, it would be hard for me to actually get in the gym. and I figured if I dressed up it would give me that boost I needed to go! The thought of a cute neon bodysuit with the matching leggings and headband was promising, and I remember sketching it in a notebook… a notebook that I didn’t open until two years later!
Often times, we have conversations with our parents explaining our future plans and goals and they either don’t take them seriously or forget about them, but not my mom! In 2017, for my graduation gift, I expressed that I would love an LV bag and in fact, I felt like I deserved one! On that day when I was opening my gifts, there wasn’t a bag in sight! Although, I was slightly upset I was still thankful! My last gift was odd but I opened it anyway, it was an email! LOL. It basically stated that I could start my own clothing brand, the entire process was going to be paid for even the ticket to go! My mom knew I had researched manufactures and she trusted that I knew what to do! (I had NO clue) I was ecstatic, and on May 2017, I was on my way to design my first collection “The Movement Collection” in NYC! The notebook had reopened!
Has it been a smooth road?
A smooth road?? More like a bumpy one with holes, and glass, and some dead ends… but it’s always about loving what you do and trusting the process! My biggest struggle is, I have not yet been able to put my designs into production, I will be going on my third manufacture! The fact that I don’t know how to sew or make patterns put me behind tremendously! The hardest part for me is how expensive it is to keep having to find new manufacturers, and how discouraging it gets when you secure one and start paying (after researching for months) and they don’t meet up to your expectations and the things they promised! That’s why I tell people all the time whatever business you start, love it, protect it, nurture it; because when things get tough you wouldn’t have the urge to give up easily! There are going to be times when you find yourself pouring into your business but not seeing anything coming out, no results, but it turns back to trusting your vision and trusting God with it!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Uptimum Bodied story. Tell us more about the business.
Uptimum Bodied is a modern athleisure line, it mixes fashion with comfort! Our main styles include bodysuits, tracksuits, leggings, and sweatsuits! Take our looks and dress them down with sneakers or spice it up with a heel! The styles will usually be influenced by the 80s/90s.
The first collection “The Movement” takes us back to the late 80s early 90s. Inspired by Claire Huxtable, this line will bring about the 90s women, filled with so much beauty, happiness, and confidence. No Scrubs” was every girl’s jam highlighting the need for a real man, and not settling for anything less. We watched women like Ruth Bader Ginsburg break political ceilings and fight for equal rights. NASA astronaut Mae Jemison became the first African-American woman to travel into space aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour in 1992. A lot of important highlights took place in the 90s supporting women rights and I wanted the styles to have some background importance!
However, we don’t ever want to send a message that being cute is just for the outside appearance we want to signal the alarm of being cute in the inside!!
We encourage women to discover the virtuous, raw, and confident version of themselves. In a treacherous society where women are expected to achieve unrealistic beauty standards, Uptimum bodied creates a space where women can be unapologetically who they are. No matter what race, place, creed or deed, Uptimum bodied stands with all women looking to love their bodies from within.
Uptimum bodied women are conquerors, warriors, survivors, and supporters. They are motivated dreamers with brave hearts and strong minds. They are over-comers. They stand with you!!
Who do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
There are sooo many dope women, my favorites are my mom, Wendie Warren (teacher and AirBNB host) JenniferLe (shoe designer), Conna Walker (clothing designer), Milan Rouge (clothing designer) and Jai Nice (clothing designer) These women are extremely humble but have a fierce hustle! It is evident that they put in the time and dedication into their businesses! My favorite designers visuals and marketing are also A1!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Uptimum Bodied
Image Credit:
@photosphresh, @designsforlifeco
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