Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelli Look.
Chelli, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
St Louis born, Midwest raised, Chicago-rooted. With a steadfast interest in creating through sewing, I started making bags in high school as a side-hustle. It was a way to turn my ideas into functional objects, but even more than that, it was a way to connect with people. Wanting to build my own company, I went to Columbia College Chicago and graduated with a Bachelors in Fashion & Retail Management. I spent the next several years in Retail Management, specifically Visual Merchandising, while continuing to hone my craft in leather work. In 2013, I went full time with CHC and have been learning how to cultivate my business ever since. My latest journey will be this fall as I venture off to Italy for leather school.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
What would be the fun in a smooth road? It has been anything but that! I struggled with the transition from corporate to entrepreneur; freedom is not an easy adjustment. I struggled with some self-realization of who I am as a designer. I struggled with being taken seriously as a female business owner…this has not ended. I struggled with finding my lane in the market of the Midwest when many of my clients are on the coasts. I’m so grateful for all of this though; these struggles have been the real schooling.
Please tell us about CHC.
CHC is a leather accessories company featuring unisex designs with minimalistic and thoughtful features. All of our materials are sourced within the US, with most of our leather being sourced from Chicago’s own, Horween Leather. Each piece is made by Chelli in our Ravenswood studio and ten percent of profits are donated to WINGS; an organization providing services to end domestic violence and homelessness.
As a company, we are most proud of our internal decision making to remain intergroup with business practices, sourcing, production and giving.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Playing (anything) outside with my siblings and friends. I really enjoy being outdoors!
Pricing:
- Average price point is $250
Contact Info:
- Address: 4001 N Ravenswood
Suite 204-A
Chicago, IL 60613 - Website: www.shopchc.com
- Email: connect@shopchc.com
- Instagram: @shopchc
- Facebook: facebook.com/shopchc
Image Credit:
Rachel Loewen, Kwesi Yanful, Aiyana Taylor, Chelli Look
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