We were lucky to catch up with Chelsey Mckee recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Chelsey 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?

In 2016 when my twin boys were only almost a year old, I had a major surgery to remove my left adrenal gland and the rare baseball sized tumor inside of it.
After that surgery I was diagnosed with Addisons disease due to it, and put on four steroids a day. That medication was brutal mentally and physically, for someone trying to be a new mother to twin boys, and because of how much higher the steroids made my anxiety/ insomnia all around.
So my partner and father of our twins, decided one night. That he would teach me Epoxy Resin and custom Silicone mold making, in hopes to help me find an outlet at night. It then became one of my favorite mediums to work with, despite how many different art forms I had always created with throughout my high-school and college career.
It became such a therapy for me to immerse myself into epoxy resin and art all around again, after so much trauma and unknown health issues continued to ravage my body. Even now after 6 surgeries in total, throughout this time. It still continues to be an outlet, therapy and my way to bring a little light/ beauty back into this world.
If I had not have gotten so sick, and had to continue battling my disabilities now. I know my artwork and business would be able to thrive much more. But without those hard times first, I always wonder if I would have learned this new skill almost 9 years ago that I love so much.

Chelsey, 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?

Ghost Hive Studio’s is a woman owned business, based out of Chattaroy WA.
An Eco-Luxury artist and designer, creating handmade pieces, fully from foraged, vintage, upcycled and ethically sourced materials. Curating handmade and small batch collections that embody botanical artistry, slow fashion, and collaboration over competition.
Ranging from custom resin jewelry, body accesories, crystal crowns, handmade botanical/ oddities wall art, and decor as well.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Fast fashion and art, is one of the biggest threats to all artists and small business owners, especially right now. Taking the time as a business to locally source materials, helping support your fellow artists/ business owners, and to carry yourself and company with the same standard and ethics is vital.
Its just as important for consumers to support their local shops, businesses and choose handmade products as much as they can, instead of choosing products that are created throughout the fast fashion/ art industry.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My mission has always been to use my artwork/ therapy, to come together as a community. Much like a bee Hive, Supporting, thriving together, and helping uplift my fellow business woman and men.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.ghosthivestudios.com.
• Instagram: @ghosthivestudios
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1702873209879959/?mibextid=NSMWBT

Image Credits

personal cover picture.

@soylentgreenphotography