Meet Chelsea Johnson | Owner and Curator of The Sea Collective

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chelsea Johnson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chelsea, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I have always felt a strong pull to be in a creative line of work. As a child, I loved playing with dolls like many children do, but I enjoyed setting up the houses and putting together outfits even more! I always looked forward to art classes in grade school, and eventually pursued a design degree in my early 20s.

I believe a lot of my creative abilities have been passed down to me through my family. My mother and grandmother have always inspired me to create warm and inviting spaces through decorating, and I think my personal creativity stems from years of watching them create such beautiful environments.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I first opened my shop on Etsy in August of 2020, driven by my lifelong passion for interior design and a love for discovering unique pieces through secondhand shopping. What sets The Sea Collective apart is my commitment to curating collections of vintage decor that bring character and warmth to any space. I am truly passionate about creating environments that inspire joy and comfort!

After two successful years on Etsy, I decided to launch my own online shop in 2022 when I obtained my LLC. This transition was a significant learning curve for me, and I have continued to grow and adapt throughout the process of owning my business. I am incredibly proud of the community I’ve built around The Sea Collective. Connecting with customers who appreciate the beauty of vintage decor has been one of the highlights of my journey.

I am always brainstorming new ways to enhance the shopping experience for my customers. In addition to website sales, I offer live Instagram sales and shopping through my Instagram stories. I am also exploring opportunities for in-person sales through pop-ups and antique shows. Exciting collaborations and projects are on the horizon, allowing me to expand my offerings and further engage with my buyers!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Being an Ann Arbor native, I have plenty of great recommendations for the area! Visiting local coffee shops is always a wonderful way to start the morning. I love The Drip House, located right next to the Michigan Stadium. I’m a big fan of a good almond croissant, and I think they offer the best ones in the area!

Taking a stroll into downtown Ann Arbor is a great way to spend the day. There are many local shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. I enjoy going to Union Rec for delicious food, drinks, and a great atmosphere. The Blue Llama Jazz Club is also a fantastic spot for entertainment.

One of the things I love most about the Metro Detroit area is the abundance of thrift and antique stores! I source most of my items from local Salvation Army and Goodwill stores, as well as unique antique malls. I also check out estate sales in the area most weekends. I’ve found so many treasures while shopping in Detroit, Canton, Livonia, Birmingham, and, of course, Ann Arbor!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Owning a business has always been a dream of mine, and I couldn’t imagine pursuing it without the unwavering support of my family and friends.

Each day presents its challenges, and at times, owning this business can feel daunting. That’s why I am incredibly grateful for the new friends I’ve made along the way; standing alongside other women in this industry is both humbling and inspiring.

Ultimately, my business is rooted in my faith, and I know I would not be where I am today without God’s continued provision and guidance!

Website: https://www.shoptheseacollective.com

Instagram: theseacollective