Daily Inspiration: Meet Chelsea Rich

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelsea Rich

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?
I’ve been a hairstylist for 13 years. I’ve always been drawn to fashion and trends, and dedicated to helping others look and feel their best. But my journey wasn’t without challenges. Like many girls growing up in the early 2000s, I struggled with body image.
Having my first daughter in my late 20s was transformative but also overwhelming. After having both of my daughters, I battled postpartum depression, losing my sense of self and struggling with identity. I resisted therapy for many years, but once I started, it became crucial, helping me regain confidence, manage motherhood’s mental toll, and quiet my inner critic.

Seven months into my second pregnancy Covid-19 hit. My salon had to close and, like many, our lives were turned upside down. My husband, a professional photographer/videographer, was itching for a project. He thought it would be a good idea for me to put hair tutorial videos on social media to connect with my clients virtually since we weren’t able to be together in person. I wasn’t convinced it was a good idea, even though I’ve always loved to entertain, but after filming and editing our first video, I caught the content creation BUG! Not only did we enjoy making these videos, my clients and friends loved them as well! We ended up making 15 videos before the birth of our second daughter. We had the time of our life creating content together, and it formed a whole new part of our identity we didn’t even know could exist!

After our second daughter was born, balancing motherhood, work, and personal life proved extremely challenging, leading me to scale back on hairstyling and focus on family while grappling with isolation as a stay-at-home mom.

Two years later, feeling the void of full-time client interactions and missing boosting others’ confidence, I began sharing daily outfit videos on social media. This new creative outlet wasn’t about becoming an influencer, but about being a guiding light for struggling moms and women rediscovering themselves through fashion. I aimed to be the support I once needed, navigating the complexities of self-identity in the thick of motherhood.

The more I posted, the more confident I became. My friends and clients were so supportive, always telling me how much they love my videos. I realized I was on the right track when strangers on social media were telling me that I was helping them as well. It felt like a full circle moment, helping those in ways I wish I could have helped myself 6 years ago.

My journey of self-discovery has just begun and I fully intend on sharing the process as it unfolds!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Life is never a perfectly paved road. There are bumps and bruises, but they continue to make me into the person I am today.

Loss of identity after becoming a mother was extremely tough. There were days I felt like I would never recognize myself in the mirror again, or I would never lose the baby weight, but with time and learning self-love, I was able to overcome those mental and physical struggles.

Imposters syndrome and / or feeling like a fraud plague me daily. I remind myself that you don’t need a degree to be stylish.
Also, allowing myself to have days where I don’t look like I’m pulled straight from Pinterest. I just try to remember I’m a regular human being, and not every day needs to be a slay!

Self doubt and overthinking is a daily struggle, but with therapy, I have tools to help quiet those anxieties. I know who I am, and I know what I want to share, and what other people think of me is NONE of my business.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As a hairstylist, I specialize in lived-in color. I love the art of doing hair, but I’m starting to realize the physical demands of my job are wearing on my body. Since I’ve stepped back from doing hair full time. I’ve fallen in love with styling outfits and helping others figure out their personal style. I want to show up on my social media as my most authentic self, and I feel like I do a pretty good job of that!

I’m really proud of the little community I have. It’s so uplifting to get comments online from people you’re helping, and to even get comments from clients on the days I’m in the salon saying how much even they appreciate what I’m doing online.

I’m a pretty realistic gal, so my main goals are to stay true to who I am, and show that what I’m sharing is relatable, attainable, and realistic. I feel like that could be what sets me apart from others- I’m showing up as me, not the person I want people to see, not the person I think people would like better.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Relatability is key for me. Relating to someone or their experience is connection, and that’s what we’re all looking for, right?

People will move on quickly if they can’t relate to your content, or if you’re not adding value to their life, so that is something that is very important to me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @chelsearich.styling
• Other: TikTok @chels.rich