Daily Inspiration: Meet Chelsea Mooney

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelsea Mooney.

Chelsea, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
While attending FIT for fashion design, I landed an internship with Rachel Zoe’s clothing brand working in Technical Design. From there I was hooked on product development. I was all set to continue my education at FIT pursuing a degree in Entrepreneurship but instead took a permanent role on the TD team at RZ. From there, I went on to work for a few smaller brands before joining Madewell’s Technical Design Team. I’m so fortunate and proud to have worked for a wide range of brands and different size companies because it opened my eyes to different ways of working, and eventually, that desire for entrepreneurship grew bigger and bigger until I couldn’t ignore it anymore. Each team I was a part of taught me so much, but each place wasn’t perfect. That’s why after over a decade in the industry, I started my own brand, Terrae Collective, as a way for me to address the issues I’ve experienced in my career, from sustainability to toxic work culture.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has definitely been a journey of ups and downs! While sustainability has become a huge passion of mine and is at the forefront of my career, I also struggled with hustle mentality and burnout culture, which I think are issues within the fashion industry that need to be addressed more often. I hit a breaking point in the pandemic; With all of the supply chain issues, my team’s workload doubled and our calendar was cut in half, all while our team size remained the same. So for a long time, I worked from the time I woke up til the time I went to bed. I wasn’t eating healthy and I convinced myself I didn’t have time to exercise, all I had time for was work. I started having panic attacks, and it was when I had let my boss know this, and her response was “well everyone is feeling that way”, that I knew I had to make a change. I couldn’t continue accepting that “this was the way it was”. I started doing yoga and meditation and really changed my mindset and priorities. Once I set boundaries at work, I actually found that I was more efficient and focused. Now I want to be an advocate for others who find themselves in a toxic work environment because nothing should ever be prioritized over your own well-being.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My brand, Terrae Collective, is a wellness and lifestyle brand founded on the importance of prioritizing self-care and well-being, offering meditation accessories like candles and eye masks, as well as tips and resources. I started Terrae as a way to create beautiful things that help people create an oasis in their homes where they can unwind and find pure bliss. A way to remind people to put themselves and their health above all else, and to take a breath, a break, have a laugh or whatever else they need in that moment. A way to ensure that if more product is being put on this Earth, it’s being made with the best and safest materials and by people who are fairly treated, respected and happy. A way to create an environment where employees are proud of their work, fulfilled and encouraged to follow their passions. An environment where all people are celebrated and welcome.

We’re here to shift the status quo from a culture of hustle mentality and burnout to one of happiness, balance and well-being. We’re not just a candle, we’re a state of mind, a feeling, and a reminder to put yourself first.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
My ultimate goal is to open a Retreat Center/Animal Sanctuary. Aside from hosting Terrae’s headquarters, it will be a place somewhere quiet and peaceful that hosts weekend retreats (think modern yurts to stay in, with candle-making workshops and yoga classes to attend) and also a farm for rescue animals, including dogs, goats, alpacas.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.terraecollective.shop
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/terraecollective