We were lucky to catch up with Chelle Winn recently and have shared our conversation below.

Chelle, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

After my parents divorced and my father passed away my mother did everything in her power to make sure when she raised me I would get everything I wanted and needed. She didn’t have a full-time career or a diploma because back then you didn’t need one. You got married, had kids and your children were your job. She loves taking care of her kids and was absolutely okay with that being her full-time job. She is a master at it! She still dedicates her every day to her kids and now grandkids.
At a young age, my mom taught me to never give up or quit any sports or activities I did. If I didn’t like it I had to at least finish out the year or season. I was never allowed to just quit in the middle of something. This taught me dedication and perseverance. My mother’s insistence on finishing what I started, be it sports or activities, taught me the value of perseverance. This lesson has translated into my professional life, instilling a strong work ethic and the ability to overcome challenges. By emphasizing the importance of seeing things through, my mother taught me respect for others and the value of patience. These qualities have helped me build meaningful relationships and navigate professional environments with empathy and understanding.

My mom also showed me that money isn’t the most important thing in the world, love and happiness is. If you love what you do you’ll never work a day in your life. She didn’t care if she made a lot of money, she didn’t keep a job if she felt it was not fulfilling her. Although some people may see that as a negative I see this as a positive. As I said previously, her kids were her full-time job, and the “jobs” she had were to pay the bills. If you aren’t happy or felt negatively about going to work why go and waste your precious time? Why voluntarily go into an establishment that is not fulfilling you or creating a safe space for you just for a paycheck? My mother’s approach to work and prioritizing fulfillment over solely focusing on monetary gain is indeed a valuable lesson. Her willingness to leave a job that didn’t bring her happiness or fulfillment demonstrates courage and self-awareness. It’s a reminder that our well-being and personal satisfaction should be key considerations when making career choices.

She didn’t care if I made a lot of money when I got a career she cared if I was happy and loved what I was doing, who I was with, and where I was going with my life. She taught me the importance of pursuing happiness. My mother prioritized my happiness and encouraged me to find fulfillment in my chosen path, rather than focusing solely on monetary success. This perspective has shaped my approach to my career, driving me to seek joy and passion in my work and prioritize the well-being and happiness of those around me.

She put my happiness first and that has taught me a great perspective when it comes to careers and business. It taught me to care about the employees under me and treat everyone equally.
It taught me equality and fairness. My mother’s care for my happiness extends to my interactions with others. By treating everyone equally, regardless of their position or background, I learned the importance of fairness and respect in professional relationships. This has influenced my leadership style, fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment. This perspective has had a positive impact on me, as it has taught me to value happiness and fulfillment in my own career. By prioritizing the well-being of employees and treating everyone equally, I create a positive and supportive work environment. This approach fosters employee satisfaction and can lead to increased productivity and a strong sense of camaraderie within the team.

My mother’s emphasis on happiness and personal growth as important aspects of one’s professional journey is a valuable lesson that can benefit individuals at any stage of their careers. It encourages self-reflection and the pursuit of work that aligns with one’s passions and values. By valuing happiness and fulfillment, you are likely to create a more meaningful and satisfying career for yourself, as well as positively impact the lives of those around you.

Overall, my mother’s dedication, values, and focus on happiness have had a profound impact on shaping my journey in life and my career. I have carried forward her lessons of perseverance, respect, and prioritizing personal fulfillment, enabling me to approach my work with passion and care for the well-being of those around me.

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

Hello, readers! My name is Chelle Winn, and I have immersed myself in the vibrant world of festivals and the music scene. My journey began when I attended my first festival, realizing the immense joy and connection it brought me. Motivated by this experience, I took the initiative to reach out to the festival organizers and quickly formed a bond with them. This led to an incredible opportunity to join their promo team, where I showcased my dedication and leadership skills.

As my involvement deepened, I pursued an internship as a marketing assistant, further honing my skills and knowledge in the festival industry. However, the unexpected arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the entire landscape, causing festivals and events to come to a halt. Undeterred by the circumstances, I stayed connected with the festival community and continued to contribute to the promo team.

Seeking new avenues to utilize my skills and with the desire to turn my passion into a career, I ventured beyond my previous organization and discovered The Festival Babes, an Influencer Marketing Agency. This company resonated with me as a female-focused network of influencers and content creators in the EDM community, collaborating with festivals, events, artists, and brands across the United States.

Joining their influencer team, I persistently engaged with The Festival Babes, demonstrating my commitment and skills until an opportunity arose. I began by working in graphic design and project management, showcasing my leadership abilities and proficiency in operations. Within a little over a year, I proudly earned the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO). During this time, our team has grown significantly, expanding to ten employees, including three talented interns.

One of our notable accomplishments has been the tremendous growth of our influencer network. We have successfully increased our influencer count from 3,000 to 6,000 within a year, with followers ranging from 2,000 to 1 million. The services we provide include Influencer Management Programs for festivals, single-day events, artists’ campaigns (such as song releases, album launches, tours, and shows), and brand campaigns.

What sets us apart from other influencer programs is our commitment to customization and collaboration. We work closely with festivals and brands to understand their unique goals, creating tailor-made programs that align with their vision. We value creative freedom, allowing influencers to express themselves while handling all the technical aspects such as tracking and analytics on their behalf.

The Festival Babes originated as a Facebook community group, and we have maintained our dedication to fostering a community, particularly for women, within the music event space. Through our influencer programs encompassing marketing, community engagement, and experiential strategies, we assist festivals and brands in building their businesses.

I take immense pride in the extraordinary growth our company has achieved in the past year. The trajectory we are on assures me of a bright future for both The Festival Babes and myself. We believe wholeheartedly in our capabilities and are driven by our desire to help your business thrive. As an all-female team, we are acutely aware of the challenges women face and are committed to ensuring inclusivity and safety in every endeavor.

We guarantee that with The Festival Babes by your side, we will remain dedicated to your brand’s authenticity and success, ensuring everyone receives an equal and deserving slice of the pie. Together, we can create memorable experiences and drive remarkable growth.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about me, my journey, and the incredible work we do at The Festival Babes. We are excited about the future and look forward to collaborating with potential clients, followers, and fans like you!

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

When reflecting on my personal and professional journey, one significant lesson I had to unlearn was the belief that I had to accomplish everything on my own. Growing up, I developed a strong sense of self-reliance and believed that seeking help or support was a sign of weakness. However, as I progressed in my career and faced more complex challenges, I realized the importance of collaboration and leveraging the expertise of others.

The backstory behind this lesson stems from a project I was leading a few years ago. I took on an ambitious initiative and felt the weight of responsibility to prove myself. Despite encountering difficulties along the way, I hesitated to reach out for assistance, fearing it would reflect poorly on my abilities. As a result, the project suffered delays and setbacks.

Upon reflection and seeking feedback from mentors and colleagues, I recognized the need to unlearn my deeply ingrained belief in self-reliance. I came to understand that true success often lies in the ability to harness the collective knowledge and skills of a team. I learned that seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but rather a demonstration of humility, collaboration, and a commitment to delivering the best possible outcomes.

Since then, I have actively embraced a more collaborative approach in my work. I prioritize open communication, actively seek input from diverse perspectives, and encourage team members to contribute their ideas and expertise. By fostering a culture of collaboration, I have witnessed firsthand the positive impact it has on productivity, innovation, and overall team morale.

Unlearning the notion of self-reliance has allowed me to develop stronger relationships, build trust within teams, and ultimately achieve better results. I now understand that seeking support and learning from others not only enhances my own growth but also leads to a more dynamic and successful work environment.

Any advice for managing a team?

When it comes to managing a team and maintaining high morale, I draw inspiration from the way my mother raised me. Her approach to prioritizing happiness and fostering a supportive environment has influenced my leadership style and the way I interact with my team members.

Similar to how my mother emphasized open communication and transparency, I believe that clear and honest communication is vital for building trust and creating a positive team environment. Just as my mother encouraged me to share my thoughts and concerns, I actively listen to my team members, value their feedback, and address any issues that arise. This open communication fosters a culture of collaboration, where everyone feels comfortable sharing their ideas and opinions.

In line with the values my mother instilled in me, I also believe in setting clear goals and expectations for my team. Much like she taught me the importance of finishing what I started, I ensure that each team member understands their role and how their contributions align with our objectives. This clarity allows them to stay motivated and focused on their tasks, ultimately boosting morale.

Additionally, my mother’s belief in recognizing and celebrating achievements resonates with my leadership style. I make it a point to acknowledge and appreciate the hard work and accomplishments of my team members. By recognizing their efforts, I not only boost their morale but also create a sense of camaraderie and shared success within the team.

Furthermore, just as my mother encouraged my personal growth and happiness, I prioritize the professional development of my team members. I provide opportunities for learning, training, and advancement, similar to how my mother supported my interests and passions. By investing in their growth, I foster a sense of value and engagement among team members.

Lastly, my mother’s emphasis on creating a positive work culture and treating everyone equally has shaped my leadership approach. I strive to foster a supportive environment where teamwork, respect, and inclusivity thrive. By promoting work-life balance and encouraging a sense of belonging, I create a space where team members feel motivated and valued.

Incorporating these lessons from my mother’s upbringing, I lead by example, demonstrating the qualities and behaviors I expect from my team. I believe that by creating a positive and inclusive work environment, fostering open communication, recognizing achievements, and prioritizing personal and professional growth, I can effectively manage my team and maintain high morale.

By intertwining the influence of my mother’s teachings with these leadership strategies, I aim to create a work environment where team members feel supported, motivated, and inspired to achieve collective success.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thefestivalbabes.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chellbaee/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chellewinnxx/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellewinn96/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/chellbaee

Image Credits
@eyeofnas