Life & Work with Chelsea Davenport

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

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?
After my daughter had a life-changing event with Country Music star Miranda Lambert, I went home that night really thinking to myself how precious life really is. How there is so much opportunity and I was ready for a change.

My husband dragged home a beat-up 1955 Chevy and sat it in the yard. I had no clue what the heck I was going to do it with. One of our friends came over that week and made the comment that I had a lot of junk sitting around or shed (rustic antique pieces).

I told him “That’s not junk, We are just Raising Rust” that is when the moment clicked. I purchased some house paint, sprayed that ’55 Chevy teal, and said I am going to start a “Portrait Park” and name it “Raising Rust”. I love to decorate so I decided to decorate our truck and rent it out to Photographers or everyday people who just wanted to use their own camera/phone. But how can I make this a business? That was the next hurdle.

At first, it was a rocky start. Due to certain rules in Platte County. So after working with the county and jumping through hoops we successfully won. So Raising Rust was completely official in December 2020.

We had one prop to offer in December 2020 and now we have up to 15-20 different props each season for customers. We have grown so much in one year. It’s crazy to me that this dream is even happening. I think we had about 50ish customers in December 2020 and ending our season in December 2021 we had about 600+. So huge jump! We are always expanding and I can’t wait to see what 2022 has to offer!

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I wish it was a smooth road but what fun would that be? Ha!

We had a rocky road, to begin with. Trying to get this business passed in Platte County was a big struggle. We finally succeed. Learning how to make this unique business work was the next struggle. Every season I put out new prop areas across our acreage which is just a little over 2.5 acres. Always thinking of new ideas and what would customers like to see out here is always a challenge.

This is definitely a constant learning experience. I have always been creative when it comes to decorating so that is not really the issue. But to bring it to life on 2.5 acres is sometimes hard. Then when you decorate different props you have to put into consideration that they are outdoor props.

They have to last for about 2-3 months and withhold Missouri weather. Every time I get an idea in my head I have to immediately write it down and draw it out. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am not really sure what my “Title” would be since this is a unique business that is always growing in different ways. I guess if I had to give myself a title it would be “Event Decorator” I feel like each season is a new “Event” for me. I always have to remind people I am not a photographer though… I only decorate for anyone who wants pictures out here. With the success of our portrait park, we were able to start a mobile Photo Booth business also.

I think my most proud moment was when Casi Joy from the Voice decided to film her music video “Senses Fail” out here last July. I had decorated part of our woods like a fairytale and we had an old piano that sits back there my favorite part of her video was in that spot. She filmed all over the property which was so neat. As I sat back and watched it all happen I cried so many times. I just couldn’t believe this was happening on my property and I created this. It was a moment I will never forget.

I also held my first wedding here in October. It was for my friend and it was absolutely magical. It was a night wedding and everything looked like it was in a fairytale wedding. It was beautiful. I am so grateful they chose me to work with to make their night one they will never forget. Also, without help from my husband, none of this would be possible. He is the backbone of this business. He is always accepting of all my crazy ideas and he is so talented. Anything I want to be built he can do no questions asked. He is my everything!

What sets us apart from other people I think is that we are very “down to earth” kind of people. I have known the struggles of money my whole life. So I knew when I started this business I had to make it affordable for everyone. I don’t charge much to come out to our property and if you rent our photo booth I tried to also make it very affordable because I know for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries that a photo booth is just an extra add-on. So we would be last on the list for someone to book us.

Having super high prices was not going to get me anywhere. It’s not about the money to me. As long as I can pay my bills and have a little extra is enough for me. My priority is making sure my customers are happy and gaining lifetime memories that no one can ever take away. The best medicine on this earth is laughter. I want my customers to laugh and have a fantastic time with whatever service I am providing them. My only hope is that they are happy and they continue to come back and support me.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
There are so many goals I want to reach within the next 5 years.

My biggest is a wedding venue. But not like the huge ones you see so many places. I want a small rustic chapel in the woods. I would love to expand to a bigger property so I can create more setups for pictures. I also would like an indoor studio. I know I can make these happen with hard work and determination.

Without my photographers and returning customers this business would never happen. I owe everything to them. I can’t wait to provide beautiful setups so they can make their business successful also. I love working with them and creating this new adventure. Let’s see where it takes us!

Pricing:

• $20.00 for a 30-minute session
• $40.00 for 1-hour session
• Photo Booth ranges from $250-800

Contact Info:

• Email: raisingrust@gmail.com
• Website: https://raising-rust.square.site/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RaisingRust
• Google:  Raising Rust

Image Credits
Casi Joy of BZBee Photography