Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Chelsea Montero. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Chelsea thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

My artistic abilities are a family trait shared by my mother. As a result, art was always my favorite subject in school. It is a subject that turned into a passion, and the older I get, it becomes an escape from everyday chaos.

When obstacles are in my way, I need to stop, see the issue in front of me, continue to move forward, and learn from the journey around those speedbumps in the road. As an artist, I believe it is essential to continue learning, taking risks, and finding inspiration in everything around me.

Like most people, if one could go back in time and talk to their younger self, I would tell myself to listen to my heart and stick with what makes me happy. I am unsure what opportunities I have missed over the years, but I know I plan on making up for lost time.

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 followed my passion when I was younger and became an art major. Here my appreciation for art and history turned into an obsession, an obsession where I appreciate things of yesterday. It left me wanting to turn worn items into newfound gems, think outside the box, and create one-of-a-kind conversation pieces.

With that, I created Montero Manor. Drawing inspiration from anywhere and everywhere, I offer handcrafted compositions to make a statement. My pieces are carefully curated and restored, providing clients with an upscale experience featuring unique finishes and one-of-a-kind designs.

Montero Manor by Chelsea is about a love for yesterday’s furniture while connecting to a time passed but not forgotten. Here timeworn antiques into forever treasures.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to bring beauty to something that has lost its luster. It is the ability to find inspiration around you. And it is the ability to connect with others who share the same passion as you. It truly is an exhilarating profession, mentally and physically.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Yes, the ability to learn more, create more, and raise money for charity. You see, my Mom is the reason for my passion for art history and why I am an artist today.

In February 2019, Mom was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Her stubborn Irish mentality fought a brave and brutal fight. Finally, after an infinite amount of chemo and radiation treatments, Mom was given a chance at surgery. Following and by the grace of God, she was then cancer free for several months. However, her cancer returned, and she lost her battle in December 2020.

While on earth, Mom was an extraordinary woman who wore many hats. She was a child of faith, a devoted daughter, a caring sister, a forgiving wife, an inspirational mother, a loving grandmother, and an all-around perfect friend. Mom was also a great painter, a classic movie buff, a compassionate animal lover, an astounding dog whisperer, and an avid bird feeder. She was also known to be a baking master, a sewing perfectionist, a word search guru, and the proudest grandmother of three grandchildren she loved more than life itself.

In her honor, with every sale, 5% of the proceeds will be donated to PanCan. The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is a United States-based 501 charity that funds research, provides patient & caregiver support, conducts community outreach, and advocates for increased federal research funding for those affected by pancreatic cancer.

This type of cancer usually goes undetected until it’s too late. As a result, so many families are crushed by this life-threatening disease. Hopefully, with numerous donations and extensive research, this malignancy will be erased giving precious time back to families.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://monteromanor.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/montero.manor/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/montero.manor
• Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/monteromanorbyccm/

Image Credits
Photos taken by Chelsea Montero, Montero Manor by Chelsea.