We recently connected with Cheynen Holland and have shared our conversation below.

Cheynen , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

The mission of Non~Artisan is deeply rooted in my journey of self-discovery, resilience, and the pursuit of authentic expression. Growing up, I often found myself boxed into expectations—told what success should look like, what paths were acceptable, and what creativity should be. I didn’t have the support or resources to fully embrace my artistic vision, and I constantly saw others receive opportunities that seemed just out of reach for me.

Non~Artisan was born from the desire to break free from those limitations, not just for myself, but for anyone who has ever felt unseen or unheard in their creative pursuits. It’s about rejecting the idea that artistry has to fit within traditional confines. The name itself—Non~Artisan—represents a rebellion against the notion that you must be formally trained or recognized to create something meaningful.

This mission is meaningful because it’s personal. I’ve lived through the struggle of being underestimated, of navigating spaces that weren’t built for me, and of fighting to carve out my own lane. Through Non~Artisan, I want to create a brand that gives others the permission and the confidence to do the same—to stand out, to be unconventional, and to own their uniqueness without apology. Every design, every detail, and every pair of shoes is a statement: You don’t need permission to be great. You already are.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Cheynen Holland, the founder, and designer behind Non~Artisan, a brand that challenges conventional design by blending artistry, individuality, and innovation into statement-making footwear. My journey into this industry was anything but traditional. Since childhood, I’ve been passionate about fashion, styling, and creative expression. However, my path wasn’t always supported or encouraged, which led me to carve my own lane—one that defies the idea that artistry must follow a prescribed formula.

Non~Artisan was created for those who don’t fit into a box, for individuals who want their style to reflect their uniqueness and fearlessness. I specialize in designing high-concept, bold, and unconventional footwear that tells a story. My work is not just about creating shoes; it’s about crafting experiences, emotions, and movements that empower people to step boldly into their truth.

What sets Non~Artisan apart is its rebellious spirit and commitment to authenticity. This is not just another shoe brand—it’s a statement against conformity. I design for those who embrace the unexpected, those who aren’t afraid to take risks and push boundaries. My goal is to create pieces that spark conversation, inspire confidence, and allow wearers to feel seen and valued in a world that often encourages blending in.

I’m most proud of the journey it took to bring this vision to life—from being overlooked to now being recognized for my creativity and originality. Non~Artisan represents breaking generational patterns, embracing growth, and proving that success doesn’t have to follow a traditional path.

For those discovering my work for the first time, I want you to know that this brand is for the fearless, the innovators, and the nonconformists. Non~Artisan isn’t just about footwear—it’s about stepping into your power, unapologetically.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One of the most defining moments of resilience in my journey was bringing Non~Artisan to life despite facing constant obstacles—both personally and professionally. Growing up, I often found myself unsupported in my creative endeavors. Whenever I tried to pursue something I was passionate about, there was always a roadblock—whether it was financial struggles, lack of resources, or simply not having a support system to encourage me to keep going. It felt like every time I started something, I had to stop because the odds weren’t in my favor.

When I launched Non~Artisan, I knew I had to break that cycle. There were moments when doubt crept in, when setbacks made me question whether I should keep pushing forward. But instead of letting those challenges define me, I used them as fuel. I sought out opportunities, built connections, and put in the work to create something that truly represents me. Even when resources were limited, I found ways to innovate, ensuring that my brand reflected authenticity and originality.

One of the biggest tests of my resilience was securing my first major shoe collaboration. It wasn’t handed to me—I had to network, show my worth, and prove that Non~Artisan is the table, not just seeking a seat at it. That moment solidified my belief that I was no longer waiting for opportunities—I was creating them.

Now, seeing Non~Artisan gain recognition, being featured in magazines, and collaborating with other creatives is proof that resilience isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving. My journey has taught me that rejection and setbacks aren’t the end; they’re just detours guiding me to something greater.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

There was a pivotal moment in my career when I had to make a major shift—both in mindset and strategy. As I was deeply involved in my sneaker line and running my consultation firm, I encountered a significant business challenge. I had always envisioned my sneaker line, Non~Artisan, as a creative outlet and a way to break into the fashion industry. But after facing several roadblocks, including production delays, fluctuating demand, and cash flow issues, I realized I needed to pivot and rethink my approach to keep moving forward.

Instead of focusing solely on pushing out new designs, I shifted my focus to building a stronger brand foundation. I realized that I needed to connect more authentically with my audience and create more meaningful collaborations that would bring visibility to the brand. This pivot allowed me to focus on building relationships, engaging with other creatives, and amplifying the uniqueness of Non~Artisan.

Additionally, I leaned into my consultation firm, “The Simple Life,” where I found a new avenue to bring in revenue and stabilize the business. I used my experience in business strategy, project management, and building brands to offer valuable insights to other entrepreneurs, which allowed me to expand my network and invest back into my sneaker line with fresh ideas.

This shift in focus gave me the flexibility to grow in different directions, which ultimately helped me strengthen both ventures. It was a tough decision, but it taught me the importance of adaptability. Sometimes, pivoting isn’t about abandoning your vision; it’s about reshaping it to make it more sustainable and aligned with where you are in your journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https.//www.nonartisan.signature.shoes
• Instagram: @non_artisan
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15KARPVrPm/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@non_artisan?_t=ZP-8ukWJVwprxO&_r=1

  IG Threads: https://www.threads.net/@non_artisan