We recently had the chance to connect with Chelsea Teater and have shared our conversation below.
Chelsea, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
I won best jewelry store/jewelry designer in the St. Joseph News Press Reader’s Choice Awards for 2024. (I won in 2022 & placed second in 2023). This is always an amazing moment because it means I beat out all of the box chain jewelry stores. I think people are drawn to my jewelry because its local, its quality, and its affordable.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Chelsea A Teater and I am the owner of CAT Designs Jewelry & More and The Frog Prince: Local Artisan Market & Boutique in St. Joseph MO. My background is in social services, but I have always been an avid jewelry person and really embraced it in 2020. In 2024, I opened The Frog Prince as a place where any vendor could set up and sell their items. This cool place also houses CAT Designs Jewelry. I am married and have 4 children who have all been very supportive of my journey.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
When I started CAT Designs Jewelry I was dealing with some health issues and I needed something to do. I stepped away from social services/not-for-profits and wanted to embrace a more creative side of myself. I believed in the work I was doing, but I was also burnt out and feeling a bit lost in it all. I was very fortunate that people responded well to my jewelry or this transition could have gone a much different way. I think that is why it’s so important that my jewelry is quality, but also affordable; anyone can purchase my items. I remember going to vendor events and not really being able to afford much and that has definitely carried over into my role as a jewelry designer.
It’s the same situation with The Frog Prince. I wanted to make an affordable, yet fun & creative space that any vendor could come into and sell their goods. Our youngest vendor is 13 & our oldest vendors as told me its no ones business how old she is. This space gives individuals, especially new crafters and vendors the steps they need to really succeed; as we also help with social media, branding, and getting their items in front of an audience.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I feel like giving up at least twice a year haha. I think that just goes hand in hand with being a small business owner. You have rough months, maybe some rude customers, bad sales days, and you wonder “what was I thinking?”. Those are the easy thoughts. The hard part is dusting yourself and finding a way to fall in love with it all again – to get inspired. I’ve been very lucky to have regulars that jump in and lift me when I am having a moment. They remind you why you keep creating!
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
When you choose to work in any industry you are your business card. How you behave and represent yourself is hugely important. You don’t have to like the job to show integrity and kindness. Everything I make, everything I do in my store (or don’t d0) is a reflection of me and who I am. I think we’ve forgotten that in our daily lives. I’m in a business where I need people buying what I make/sell, because if they don’t I’m out of business – so I put a lot of effort into what I make, making sure its durable and functional and won’t fall apart. Building on that reputation, standing behind what I do, not talking badly about competitors, & admitting to/fixing my mistakes has been a huge key to my success I think.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
Worrying about other people’s criticisms and opinions. The older I get the more confident I have become and I have great people in my life who are constant supports. There are always going to be people who don’t like you, that’s life, but staying true to you and surrounding yourself with people who love and can be honest with you is a treasure. The people with negative comments or opinions or are the type to tell you what you should be doing aren’t paying your bills. They aren’t doing what you are doing. Listen and then let it go.
Life is short anyway. Do the thing! Ask for help. Take the risk. Whether you succeed or fail you will never have the regret of not trying.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @CAT_Designs_Jewelry @thefrogprincemarketstj
- Facebook: CAT Designs Jewelry & More / The Frog Prince St. Joseph
