We recently connected with Chanel Bee and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Chanel thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I’ve gained my knowledge through lived experience, formal education, and a willingness to dive headfirst into new opportunities—ready to learn and get my hands dirty. When I left corporate cannabis, I knew I wanted to create. I had made festival glasses for friends, and I realized I had a network of people who would appreciate that kind of work. So, I took the leap into art.

I picked up social media skills while interning at Party Guru Productions, which later turned into a paid Branding Specialist role. My time at the Business School at Metro State University of Denver taught me data entry, website building, graphic design, and marketing. My coaching journey started in 2019 when I began working behind the scenes in the recovery industry—something that runs deep in my family. My mom has worked in this space my whole life, and my dad, a firefighter, instilled in me a passion for giving back.

After 60 hours of training and one botched career launch at the wrong recovery agency, I’m now 18 months into coaching and helping people get sober. There were moments when I wanted to quit—when imposter syndrome crept in because I hadn’t been doing any one thing for long. But out of all the skills I’ve gathered, my greatest strength is my ability to show up motivated, open-minded, and eager to learn. That mindset has carried me through every challenge and into every success.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Oh man, this is always such an interesting question. When I was younger, I got into the cannabis industry here in Colorado. Over 10 years, I worked my way up from budtender to corporate wholesale sales manager. I was making companies hundreds of thousands of dollars, working 60-hour weeks, yet barely making enough to cover my bills or maintain a healthy social life.

When I transitioned into sales, I hoped the judgment and stigma I faced for being polyamorous, agnostic, and living an alternative lifestyle would fade. Instead, it only intensified. Then came the 2020 pandemic—a turning point that, in hindsight, was the Universe forcefully shoving me out of the nest and into self-employment.

I started small, doing data entry by day and creating art by night. Now, I’ve grown into a two-time business owner—running Peachy Queen Creatives and Pink Dane Industries—while also working full-time as a recovery coach. I still take on branding clients under Party Guru Productions, helping businesses develop their identity.

Through Pink Dane Industries, I help small businesses bring their websites and graphic design visions to life. Peachy Queen Creatives is where I get to let my freak flag fly—creating festival fashion accessories, upcycled festival glasses, and raunchy 3D-printed home decor. But what I’m most proud of is that, alongside these ventures, I still get to be a full-time peer recovery coach, helping people break free from addiction and truly change their lives.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

There are a few books that have deeply influenced how I live my life. The first is a childhood favorite that has stayed with me into adulthood—Rainbow Fish. The story follows a fish born with beautiful, shimmering scales. Instead of keeping them all for himself, he shares them with others so they can all shine together. That lesson has shaped both my management style and my personal relationships—I believe in lifting others up and sharing success, rather than hoarding it.

I’m also a firm believer in the principles of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. That book has taught me how to take control, plan with intention, and align my actions with my values—an approach that has led to success time and time again.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Selling my soul to be someone I’m not—just for the sake of a successful corporate career—was never an option for me. Even with a Bachelor’s in Business Management, I realized that I needed to work alongside people who have strayed from the beaten path. I thrive in spaces where individuality is not just accepted but celebrated—where your story matters, and your uniqueness is seen as a strength, not a liability.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.peachyqueencreatives.shop/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peachyqueencreatives/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PeachyQueenCreatives
• Other: https://peachyqueencreatives.etsy.com

Image Credits

Personal Photo By Matt Maenpaa, Foolish Endeavors Photos

Product Photos and Logo by Me, Chanel