We were lucky to catch up with Chelsea Nye recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Chelsea, great to have you with us today and excited to have you share your wisdom with our readers. Over the years, after speaking with countless do-ers, makers, builders, entrepreneurs, artists and more we’ve noticed that the ability to take risks is central to almost all stories of triumph and so we’re really interested in hearing about your journey with risk and how you developed your risk-taking ability.
Developing the ability to take risks is like learning how to navigate a ship through uncharted waters. It begins with a belief deeply ingrained from a young age — the belief in being ‘all in’ on life. Growing up with limited resources wasn’t a constraint; it was a crucible for creativity and resilience. When you’re faced with scarcity, every decision, every risk taken is not just a leap of faith but a calculated stride towards an envisioned future – The Long game. It’s about seeing beyond the immediate challenges and trusting that a realm of possibilities lies just beyond the horizon.
The foundation of this risk-taking ability is built on trust. Not just trust in the outcomes, but trust in yourself. Trust that, no matter the adversity, the setbacks, or the failures, the determination to not quit will pave the way to achieving the goals you have set. It’s not blind optimism but a deeply rooted belief in your capabilities and potential.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
The acquisition of the Till I Die brand marks a significant milestone in our journey as entrepreneurs. It was the culmination of a series of serendipitous events that began as casual conversations and transformed into a tangible offer that we couldn’t pass up. It was an opportunity that emerged almost by chance, but we recognized the potential it held. Chelsea’s involvement with the company stretches back a few years, initially in a contractual capacity, which evolved into a pivotal role as the company’s creative director at the start of 2023. Her vision was instrumental in refining the brand’s aesthetic, striking a balance between its raw energy and a more polished, universally appealing identity. She always saw the diamond in the rough — a brand with a powerful message at its core: ‘Do what you love. Do it forever.’ This ethos didn’t just resonate with Chelsea; it echoed in the hearts of a passionate community that had rallied around what Till I Die stood for.
When we considered the brand’s potential, it wasn’t just about financial gain. It was about being purveyors of a philosophy that aligns with our personal values. We wanted to nurture this brand, to fuel its growth and to expand its reach so that more people could connect with its core message. Our aim is to build on its legacy, elevate its presence, and ensure that it continued to inspire and empower individuals to pursue their passions with relentless dedication. As the new owners of Till I Die, we are committed to investing not just capital, but our creativity, dedication, and unwavering belief in the brand’s promise.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Reflecting on our journey with Till I Die and operating business, three core qualities stand out that have been paramount to our success: creativity with limited resources, a commitment to continuous learning, and the resolve to never give up. Creativity with limited resources isn’t merely a skill; it’s a mindset. It’s about viewing limitations not as obstacles but as opportunities to innovate and think outside the box. This kind of creativity is born from necessity, from the moments when you’re forced to make the most of what you have. To develop this, especially for those starting out to, is to embrace constraints. Use them as a creative challenge. Make a habit of brainstorming multiple solutions to a problem, and don’t be afraid to experiment. When you are a small enterprise, you can react quickly so keep trying until something sticks. Resourcefulness becomes second nature when you consistently practice it.
Continuous learning is the fuel that drives progress. The landscape of business and creativity is ever evolving, and maintaining a student mentality keeps you adaptable and competitive. To sharpen this skill, cultivate curiosity. Read widely, seek mentors, attend workshops, and stay informed about your industry. Remember, learning is not confined to formal education; it’s an ongoing process that happens every day.
Lastly, the tenacity to never give up is perhaps the most critical. This grit is what sustains you through the challenges and setbacks. Developing this resolve is about building resilience. It’s important to set clear goals and remind yourself why you started. Surround yourself with a support network that believes in your vision and be prepared to face rejection and failure as part of the journey. Resilience is like a muscle; it strengthens each time you push through a difficulty.
For those early in their journey, our advice is to actively seek out situations that challenge you, engage in lifelong learning, and nurture a resilient spirit. These are not qualities that you’re born with; they are developed through practice and perseverance. Remember, the path to success is a marathon, not a sprint (The Long Game). It’s the consistent effort in these areas, day after day, that will build the foundation for a successful and fulfilling journey.
What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?
In the context of entrepreneurship and business growth, we are firm believers in playing to your strengths. This philosophy has been central to our approach with Till I Die, and it’s grounded in the principle that we all have unique talents and abilities that, when leveraged, can propel us to extraordinary heights. The rationale behind this belief is efficiency and effectiveness. When you focus on your strengths, you operate in your zone of genius — that sweet spot where your skills, passion, and the impact you make align. This doesn’t just lead to better performance; it also fuels your motivation and satisfaction.
Our partnership thrives on a dynamic balance of vision and execution. Chelsea’s visionary nature allows us to dream big and chart new territories for Till I Die. She sees beyond the horizon, imagining not just what is, but what could be, crafting a compelling future that motivates and inspires. On the other side, Melissa’s tactical acumen and attention to detail ensure that the grand visions laid out are underpinned by a robust and practical framework. Her meticulous approach to business operations translates our ambitious goals into actionable steps and measurable milestones.
This synergy between Chelsea’s expansive foresight and Melissa’s methodical precision is the cornerstone of our success. As partners, we embody the duality of dream and deed. Chelsea’s innovative strategies are seamlessly complemented by Melissa’s thorough planning and execution. Together, we strike a fine balance, enabling Till I Die to not only envisage a bold future but to march towards it with confidence, ensuring that every detail is accounted for. This powerful combination of dreaming and doing is what propels our business forward and is reflective of our belief that a great vision, paired with tactical expertise, is the recipe for extraordinary achievements.
This approach becomes even more crucial as a business scales. No one can be the best at everything, and recognizing this is not a weakness but a strategic insight. By hiring talent that is not just equal but superior to you in certain domains, you create a team that is formidable. In a start-up environment, you might have to be a jack-of-all-trades initially, but as you grow, it’s essential to bring on specialists.
The role of a leader in this process cannot be understated. A leader must have a clear vision, exceptional communication skills, and an infectious enthusiasm for the goals set forth. Leaders don’t need to have all the technical skills; they need to create the environment where those with the skills can thrive. A leader who plays to their strengths can inspire others to do the same, creating a synergistic effect where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tillidie.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tillidieofficial/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tillidieofficial
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tillidie/about/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/skitillidie
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/tillidie
Image Credits
Image credits: Amy Rose Photography and Motion
