We were lucky to catch up with Andrea Arnold recently and have shared our conversation below.
Andrea, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?
Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? It’s like trying to capture the essence of your dreams in just a few words. Today, I want to share the story behind how I came up with the name of my brand, The Chic Boho. So grab a cup of your favorite beverage and settle in for a little storytime!
When I first decided to turn my passion for jewelry into a business, I knew I needed a name that would reflect both the style and spirit of my creations. I wanted something that conveyed elegance, creativity, and the free-spirited nature of boho fashion. But finding the right words was no easy task!
Let’s break it down: “chic” means stylish and elegantly fashionable. It’s all about effortless elegance and a polished look. On the other hand, “boho,” short for bohemian, represents a free-spirited, unconventional, and artistic lifestyle. It’s about embracing your inner wanderer and expressing yourself through unique and creative styles.
Most people are familiar with the term “boho chic,” which pairs the free-spirited bohemian style with a touch of elegance. But I wanted to flip the script and create something that emphasized the stylish bohemian essence in a fresh way. That’s how “The Chic Boho” was born. By turning it around, I aimed to highlight the stylish aspect of the boho lifestyle – the perfect blend of elegance and free spirit.
The Chic Boho is more than just a name; it’s a philosophy. It’s about embracing your own style and individuality while maintaining a sense of elegance. It’s a collection for free spirits who love art in the form of jewelry and aren’t afraid to express who they truly are. Each piece of jewelry I create is like a small piece of art, designed to be worn as part of your everyday style.
For me, jewelry is more than just an accessory – it’s art you can wear. Each piece is handmade with love and care, capturing the essence of boho-chic. The intricate details, the choice of materials, and the unique designs all come together to create something special. My goal is to help everyone who wears my jewelry feel beautiful in every way, walking confidently in their own unique style.
The Chic Boho is a place for individuals to love who they are and not be afraid to express it. It’s about celebrating uniqueness and embracing your own style. I want my jewelry to be a reminder that you are beautiful, just as you are, and that you should always feel free to express your true self.
Andrea, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
For those of you who might not have read about us before, I’m thrilled to take this opportunity to introduce myself and share the story behind The Chic Boho. It’s been a remarkable journey, and I’m excited to bring you along for the ride.
I’m Andrea Arnold, The Chic Boho’s founder and creative soul. My newfound passion for handmade jewelry and boho-chic style has blossomed over the past few years. As I get older, I find myself even more captivated by the beauty of handcrafted pieces and the unique stories they tell. This passion eventually led me to start my own jewelry line, where I could bring my creative visions to life and share them with the world.
I started making jewelry as a hobby, crafting pieces just for the fun of it. I would take my mom’s old jewelry and recreate new designs, mixing and matching elements to create something entirely unique. It was a way for me to express my creativity and unwind. Family and friends started to show an interest, often asking if they could have or buy the pieces I made. I enjoyed seeing the excitement on their faces with each new creation.
As people enjoyed their pieces, I started seeing an interest in my designs, which made me realize there was a genuine appreciation for my work. This encouraged me to dive deeper into jewelry making. I began researching techniques, exploring different materials, and honing my craft. The positive feedback and encouragement from my loved ones gave me the confidence to take a leap of faith and turn my passion into a business. The journey wasn’t always easy, but it was incredibly rewarding, and I’ve never looked back since.
At The Chic Boho, we specialize in handmade jewelry that captures the spirit of boho-chic. Our collection includes necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and permanent jewelry, all designed to help you express your inner beauty and style. Each piece is crafted with care and attention to detail, ensuring that it’s not just an accessory but a statement of individuality. We use high-quality materials like natural beads created from various cultures around the world, polymer clay, as well as 925 sterling silver, 14k gold-filled, and 14k gold for our permanent jewelry line, offering both elegance and durability.
Our mission at The Chic Boho is to help our clients feel beautiful, confident, and unique. We understand that finding the perfect piece of jewelry can be a challenge, especially when you’re looking for something that truly reflects your personal style. That’s why we create pieces that are versatile and timeless, making it easy for our clients to incorporate them into their everyday outfits or special occasions. Whether you’re looking for a statement piece or a subtle accessory, we’ve got you covered.
What sets The Chic Boho apart from others is our commitment to creativity, quality, and individuality. We believe that jewelry should be more than just a fashion statement; it should be a reflection of who you are. Our designs are inspired by the free-spirited bohemian lifestyle, combined with a touch of elegance and sophistication. Each piece is handmade with love, ensuring that it’s not just a product but a piece of art that you can wear.
I’m incredibly proud of the community that has grown around The Chic Boho. Seeing how our jewelry has become a part of your lives, hearing your stories, and witnessing your unique styles has been the most rewarding part of this journey. I’m also proud of the craftsmanship and creativity that goes into each piece. Knowing that our jewelry brings joy and confidence to our clients is the greatest achievement.
At The Chic Boho, we’re all about embracing your own style and individuality. We’re here to help you find pieces that make you feel beautiful and confident, no matter where you are or what you’re doing. Our jewelry is designed to be versatile and timeless, making it easy to express your unique personality. We believe in the power of creativity and the beauty of handmade art, and we’re committed to bringing that to you in every piece we create.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
I want to share a personal lesson I had to unlearn on my journey with The Chic Boho. It’s about overcoming self-doubt and embracing confidence in my skills, creativity, and the visibility of my brand. So, let’s dive into the backstory and the valuable insights I gained along the way.
When I first started making jewelry, I was thrilled by the creative process and the joy it brought me. However, there was always a nagging voice in the back of my mind, questioning whether others would appreciate and value my work. I often found myself worrying about what people would think of the products I offered. This self-doubt held me back from fully embracing my creativity and putting my work out there.
The turning point came when I realized that constantly worrying about others’ opinions was stifling my creativity and passion. I had to unlearn the habit of seeking external validation and start trusting in my own abilities. I reminded myself that the uniqueness and beauty of The Chic Boho’s jewelry came from my personal vision and craftsmanship. It was time to be confident in my skill and creativity, knowing that my artful jewelry had its own special charm.
Building confidence wasn’t an overnight process. It took time and self-reflection. I started by celebrating small victories and focusing on the positive feedback I received from friends, family, and early customers. Their support and encouragement became a source of strength. Gradually, I learned to trust my instincts and embrace my unique style without constantly second-guessing myself.
Another significant lesson I had to unlearn was the reliance on word-of-mouth alone to grow my business. While personal recommendations were wonderful, I realized that to reach a wider audience, I needed to embrace new perspectives and marketing strategies. Social media and markets became vital tools for showcasing The Chic Boho’s creations and connecting with potential customers.
Initially, the idea of putting my business out on social media felt daunting. I worried about how my posts would be received and whether they would resonate with people. But I soon discovered that social media was a powerful platform for sharing my journey, creative process, and the story behind each piece of jewelry. It allowed me to connect with a diverse audience who appreciated the uniqueness and artistry of my work.
Perhaps the most transformative lesson was learning to step out from behind the scenes and show the face behind The Chic Boho. For a long time, I was comfortable working quietly, letting my jewelry speak for itself. But I realized that people wanted to know the person behind the brand – the heart and soul driving the creativity.
Sharing my story, inspirations, and challenges made my brand more relatable and authentic. It allowed me to build a deeper connection with my audience, who appreciated the personal touch and the journey behind each piece of jewelry. Stepping into the spotlight wasn’t about seeking attention but about creating a genuine bond with those who loved and supported The Chic Boho.
Unlearning self-doubt and embracing confidence has been a transformative journey. It has allowed me to fully express my creativity, share my passion with the world, and connect with an incredible community. The Chic Boho is more than just a brand; it’s a reflection of my artistic vision, and I’m proud of every piece that comes to life.
To anyone facing similar challenges, I encourage you to trust in your abilities, embrace your unique style, and share your story with confidence. The journey may have its ups and downs, but it’s through these experiences that we grow and shine even brighter.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
I want to share a personal story from my journey that illustrates the resilience that has shaped me and The Chic Boho. Life for me definitely hasn’t been a crystal stair. I’ve faced my fair share of heartache, storms, and challenges. But through it all, I’ve learned to find peace and purpose, and one of the ways I do that is through my creative work.
There were times in my life when everything seemed to be falling apart. Emotional struggles and unforeseen challenges tested my spirit. These moments were incredibly tough, and it felt like the weight of the world was on my shoulders. I remember feeling lost and unsure of what the future held.
In the midst of these storms, I discovered the therapeutic power of working with my hands. Creating jewelry became my sanctuary – a place where I could channel my emotions and find solace. Crafting beautiful pieces out of raw materials was not just a creative outlet, but a way to bring a little bit of beauty into a world that often felt chaotic and overwhelming.
My resilience comes from a strong belief in someone who knows me better than anyone else, even my parents – my Heavenly Father. My faith has been my anchor, giving me the strength to persevere through the toughest times. Knowing that I am created in His image has filled me with a sense of purpose and worth that nothing else can provide. It’s this deep, unwavering faith that has kept me going, even when the path seemed unclear.
One particularly challenging period was when I decided to turn my hobby into a business. There were moments of doubt and fear, wondering if I was making the right decision. But I held onto my faith and pushed forward. I remember late nights spent designing, creating, and perfecting each piece of jewelry. Each creation was a testament to my resilience – a small victory in the face of adversity.
Today, my life isn’t perfect, but I’ve learned to achieve peace by embracing the imperfections and finding joy in the process. The Chic Boho is not just a business; it’s a reflection of my journey, my struggles, and my triumphs. Each piece of jewelry I create is a piece of my heart, a symbol of my resilience, and a reminder that beauty can come from even the darkest times.
What I want you, my dear readers and supporters, to know is that no matter what you’re going through, there is always hope. Embrace your struggles, for they shape who you are. Find your sanctuary, whether it’s in art, nature, or something else that brings you peace. And never underestimate the power of faith and creativity to transform your life.
The Chic Boho is my way of sharing this journey with you. I hope that when you wear one of my pieces, you feel the love, strength, and resilience that went into creating it. Let’s continue to celebrate individuality, creativity, and the beauty of being uniquely you!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thechicboho.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopthechicboho/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShopTheChicBoho
- Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/thechicboho/