Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Chynelle Priyanka Stephen . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Chynelle Priyanka , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
So this is a very interesting question that I love answering!I had always been a creative child from the very beginning and I knew that I was inclined towards making things by hand.I was always fascinated by clothes very early on as I would love stitching them for my barbie dolls.At one point of time I was soo engrossed doing that, that I almost stitched up my own clothing along with that of the doll.I was 7 back then! My sketchbooks used to be filled with soo many illustrations as I loved doodling outfits and other paintings.
As I grew up and completed my graduation with BBA from St Xavier’s College Kolkata,there was a certain point in my life where I even gave up a corporate job at Google, just so I could pursue Fashion Design at NIFT.That was a turning point in my life because I gave up a cushy job in order to dive into the world of design,an unconventional choice,considering my family background where both my dad and uncle ,where in Sales and Marketing. In every friend circle, I used to be addressed as ‘The Girl who said No to Google!’
Things are never easy when you are on your path to exploring your passion and chasing your dreams. But the one thing I knew that whatever I do ..if I do it with dedication, there is nothing there to stop me.
I completed my Fashion Designing and took up a design job…but i still felt empty.My purpose was missing.I wanted to explore more and start something of my own instead of being boxed into one genre.
That is how CrackPotByCPS came into the picture.I started exploring design in its entirety with various products and services in the field of design.
Looking back I think getting into design was my best gamble because now, not only do I design clothes, I design a whole lot of products and focus on painting and Illustrating anything that comes my way.
Expanding your vision is the key to creativity. No one understands my perspective but that is ok.You need clarity within yourself first!
I have anyways been the black sheep all along!
Since then challenges come to me like a visitor at every step of my life and I greet it like a good host!
I have a special child who need me 24/7 so I made a commitment to myself that I will run this business from home and on my own terms,taking care of my baby and working at the same time.It does take a huge amount of self motivation to do what I do.
I really cannot go out and work at a job at this point of time because now I have a bigger responsibility and purpose in my life and he is my greatest blessing and my biggest strength.
We all find our Ikigai at some point in life and I have found mine too!
I’m soo blessed that I get to do what I like every single day!
My parents have been my biggest support system as they help me to take care of my kid at every step. I’m grateful to them for everything.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
Like I said I’m always known as a person who has been breaking conventions right from the beginning.
Giving up that amazing job at Google at 21 didn’t seem to sit well with soo many people who know me but I’m very sure that what I do today is something that makes me very happy and satisfied.
I was a topper in my graduate school and everybody had expectations from me that I would rise up the corporate ladder and do wonders.
I have been a creative person all my life and I always knew that design is my life and my soul.
Everyday I wake up eager to learn something new and something challenging that I can apply in my life.
My aim in life is to explore all avenues of design and I strongly believe in this quote which says…
Jack of all trades is a master of none but oftentimes better than master of one !
Being a maximalist and a multitasking ninja by nature, I tend to get satisfied by a whole lot of ideas, projects and avenues. That is a bit overwhelming sometimes but I enjoy the thrill of the chase!That keeps my creativity alive and kicking.
That chacteristic tends to show up in my designs and illustrations too as I love alot of details ,colors and textures and that is precisely what my clients come to me for.
That is our UVP or unique value proposition!
CrackPotByCPS is a tiny home studio that I run from my little room but it has a big heart and has alot of dreams and aspirations.
I love creating and painting soo many products like
Kettles,coasters, bags ,furniture, wall hangings, canvas art, shoes ,clothes ,stationary products,prints,surface pattern designs,coaching and workshops …
I can go on adding to the list because I don’t stop exploring new product lines .It is always evolving with time and that is something that captivates my audience.
We want to create happiness through our body of work and spread that joy worldwide.Thats our vision!
In life we must always do things that we love and cherish .
Have your list of ‘Why’s ‘ clear…because people don’t just buy What you do or How you do it ..they buy ‘Why’ you do it!
Your sense of purpose is soo important for creating something of value .
And that is exactly why ‘Word of Mouth’ communication works best for us.
Every satisfied client become a part of your tribe and they become evangelists for your brand.
If you are a good brand …your own clients will become your cheerleaders and spread the word around.
You don’t need a million likes or followers ,you just need a few loyal clients who will buy from you because they believe in your story and identify with it.
My strategy has always been to win hearts by honest story telling and that is our manta!
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
Creativity is a very interesting journey but it is not an easy one. Sometimes you need to struggle to make ends meet. Every unconventional choice comes up with a set of challenges that are unique to every individual.
However the most common ground we struggle with is making the world understand the importance of the value of art and creativity.
Very often we struggle to make people see our value and appreciate art and design.
I have faced many issues where people bargain to pay me for my creations, comparing me to another artist or designer. This mindset is heartbreaking and we as a community need to change that perspective.
Art and Design makes life brighter and more cheerful an even simpler.
It elevates your mood and mental health.
Just like you would not bargain with a heart surgeon for operating your organ ,why do you bargain or devalue the importance of creative objects or art pieces?
So we as a larger congregation of designers, artists and fellow creative must stand together and raise awareness in the society.
We must make people understand that supporting small businesses and buying from them boosts their confidence and also helps them to thrive in the world.
After all they also have bills to pay just like all the others.
Artists also must not lower their prices just to fit into that mold ..that would hamper market value.
Creating awareness by coaching and mentoring others is also a good way to take the legacy of art and design forward. It will be vertical as well as a horizontal movement of information.
That is the best way to make people understand and value artists and designers.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
I am a firm believer in the power of gaining information and knowledge from books and podcasts.
Learning to be a student and absorbing things is the best way to move forward.
There have been many books that have shaped my journey and mindset and I’m indebted to them.
‘Show your work’ and ‘Steal like an artist’ by Austin Kleon have been two revolutionary books in my life .It’s changed the way I thought about design and creativity.
It’s made me more open and flexible to change and experimentation and made me aware of the fact that it’s the process that is way more important than the output.
That is how you can learn about design and gain creative fulfillment.
Another book that inspired me was
Power Up your creativity by Rachael Taylor.
That has shaped the way I think as an entrepreneur and made me explore endless possibilities in the field of design.
You can make multiple sources of income as a creative person.All you need to do is to give it time and commitment and put in the hard work coupled with smart work.
Podcasts are also a great way to get ideas and grow as a person.
Make it in Design ,Design and Shine and Freelancer Podcasts are great resources to begin with.
Always keep that spark alive through learning and creating.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/CrackpotByCPS
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandname_crackpot
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrackPotTheBrand/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chynelle-priyanka-stephen-9b456b123
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjULb30j3SDGQB226dRV6Dw
Image Credits
CrackPotByCPS Home Studio