We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Cheynen Holland a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Cheynen , we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
My confidence and self-esteem were shaped by the powerful presence of my mother and grandmother, Hilda. They both played a major role in teaching me self-worth, individuality, and strength.
My mother pushed me to be my own person and embrace my individuality. She encouraged me to make my own choices, from what I wore to how I expressed myself through fashion. She saw early on that I had an eye for creativity and style, allowing me to put my outfits together, choose my accessories, and develop my sense of expression. Through her guidance, I learned to trust my instincts and embrace my unique perspective.
My grandmother, Hilda, left me with a statement that has stayed with me for life: “If you let people treat you however, they will do you however.” At just two years old, I didn’t fully understand it, but I later realized she was preparing me not just for the world, but for everyone—including those closest to me. She, like others in my life, was a showstopper—a woman who commanded attention, was respected by all, and never took no for an answer. She taught me to hold my head high, walk with confidence, and never shrink myself for anyone.
Together, my mother and grandmother laid the foundation for my confidence and self-worth, shaping how I carry myself, how I navigate challenges, and how I own my identity—boldly and unapologetically.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am Cheynen Holland, the Designer, Founder & CEO of Non~Artisan, a luxury footwear brand redefining craftsmanship, individuality, and purpose. Non~Artisan isn’t just about shoes—it’s a movement. I created this brand to break barriers in fashion, blending high-quality design with storytelling that empowers individuals to walk boldly in their purpose.
What excites me most is the intentionality behind every detail—from the selection of premium materials to the innovative construction that merges art with function. Each pair is designed to make a statement, much like the people who wear them. Non~Artisan is for those who move with confidence, disrupt norms, and embrace their unique journey.
Right now, I’m focused on expanding the brand’s presence, with upcoming collaborations and exclusive releases that will continue to push creative boundaries. Recently, Non~Artisan took the stage at Fashion Week, joining forces with incredible visionaries like World Bride Magazine, & The Modern Day Wife. These moments reinforce the brand’s mission—not just to be seen, but to leave a lasting impact.
Stay tuned, because this is only the beginning. Non~Artisan isn’t following trends—we’re setting them.
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?
Looking back, three key qualities that had the most impact on my journey were resilience, vision, and adaptability.
Resilience – Building something from the ground up comes with setbacks, but I learned early on that obstacles are just part of the process. The key is to keep going, even when things don’t go as planned. My advice? Develop a strong mindset—one that embraces challenges as lessons rather than roadblocks. Stay committed to your vision, even when the path isn’t clear.
Vision – Non~Artisan was never just about creating shoes—it was about creating a movement. Having a clear why behind what you do will keep you grounded, especially when things get tough. For those just starting, I’d say dream big, but also map out actionable steps to bring your vision to life. Stay focused on the long-term impact, not just short-term wins.
Adaptability – The industry is constantly changing, and being able to pivot without losing your essence is critical. I’ve learned to embrace new opportunities, shift strategies when needed, and evolve while staying true to my core mission. My advice? Be open to learning and unlearning. Stay flexible, but never compromise your values. Growth requires movement, and sometimes that means stepping into the unknown.
Additionally, be mindful that not everyone needs to know your ideas, dreams, or vision. Vet people carefully, do your research, and surround yourself with mentors and a solid community—because you can’t do everything alone. Use wisdom in who you share your journey with, and align yourself with those who genuinely support your growth.
For those early in their journey, build a strong foundation in these areas. Surround yourself with people who push you to grow, stay relentless in your pursuit, and always bet on yourself. The journey won’t be easy, but if you stay true to your purpose, it will be worth it.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
This is a powerful reflection on self-awareness, resilience, and emotional regulation. Not letting emotions be your guide doesn’t mean ignoring them—it means acknowledging them without allowing them to control your decisions. We often internalize pain, stress, or grief without realizing how it manifests in our daily lives, affecting our mindset, relationships, and even our physical health.
The Importance of Processing & Seeking Support
Grief is necessary. Avoiding it doesn’t make it disappear—it only creates deeper emotional stress and trauma. Processing emotions, readjusting, and seeking help are essential, and sometimes the support we need comes from unexpected places. Humility, gratitude, and reciprocity are key—say yes to help, appreciate those who show up, and return the favor when you can.
Seek counsel. Everyone needs someone neutral, safe, and unbiased—a person you’re not directly connected to, someone who isn’t invested in your everyday life or business but can offer true guidance. This is someone you can share your deepest thoughts with—who will listen, challenge, and help you work through them. The process won’t be easy—you’re unloading things that have weighed on you for years, getting to the root of them, acknowledging them, and actively working to remove them. But once you clear that space, you make room for something positive and brand new. Healing takes time, but if you put in the work, the results will speak for themselves.
How I Reset When I Feel Overwhelmed
I’ve learned that instead of pushing through, I need to reset. Here’s what helps me:
Pause & Breathe – Take a moment to step back, breathe, and re-center. Rushing through stress only worsens it.
Meditation & Stillness – A few moments of silence can bring clarity and balance. Meditation helps me focus on the present.
Prioritize & Break It Down – Being overwhelmed often comes from trying to do everything at once. I focus on what truly matters and tackle it step by step.
Lean on Faith & Wisdom – I remind myself that I don’t have to carry everything alone. Prayer, reflection, and trusting the process keep me grounded.
Seek Counsel & Set Boundaries – Having the right safe space and people to talk to is essential, but not everyone needs to know your life or business. Protecting your energy means being selective about where you share your struggles and victories.
Recharge & Replace – Once I remove negative emotions, I replace them with something that fuels me—whether it’s rest, creativity, faith, or a new mindset.
Final Advice
Listen to yourself. If your body and mind tell you to slow down, honor that. Being overwhelmed is temporary, but burnout can set you back. Stay grounded, stay intentional, and always give yourself grace.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/Non_Artisan
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/non_artisan?gsh=N3AOMGdhZ255dzlz
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NonArtisan
- Other: Tik-Tok: https//www.tiktok.com/@non_artisan?_t=ZP-8tzE67Ca4Fi8_r=1
IG Threads: https://www/threads.net/@non_artisan
Image Credits
2nd image only image credit: @azustudios – ig page
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
