Getting to know Chelsea Hooper of Red Poppy Pickin' by Chelsea's Creations

Recently Chelsea L Hopper was recently featured in the Richmond Times dispatch newspaper for her astounding success as a business owner.  Chelsea will be soon expanding her once 2000 sq foot store front to 7000 sq feet! Her new store will feature over 30 artisans and is scheduled to open April 2, 2016.  You can visit the new and improved Red Poppy Pickin' by Chelsea's Creations LLC at 8167 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Suite A, Mechanicsville, VA.  

"Getting to Know Chelsea L. Hooper" - The Richmond Times

Business: Red Poppy Pickin' by Chelsea's Creations LLC

 FB page: https://www.facebook.com/Red-Poppy-Pickin-by-Chelseas-Creations-LLC-604571136232659/

Title: Owner/founder of Red Poppy Pickin, a boutique in Mechanicsville featuring refinished furniture, repurposed home decor and handmade goods of more than two dozen artisans.

Born: Dec. 3, 1993.

Education: Varina High School, 2012; attending J. Sergeant Reynolds Community College in pursuit of a business degree.

Career: Abercrombie & Fitch; server at TGI Fridays; Red Poppy Pickin owner/founder, July 2015-present.

In which part of town do you live? The Elko community in eastern Henrico county (still living with her parents). 
Best business decision: My best business decision was to quit nursing school and go after what I love, which is art and design. I have been in my current location for only six months and am already expanding from about 2,000 square feet to 7,000 square feet."

Worst business decision: My worst business decision wasnt extremely bad for everyone, it just wasnt great for me. I started with custom orders - that was all I used to do. It was very hard to meet deadlines and please everyone. Now I create whatever I like, and that works better than custom orders."

Mistake you learned the most from: The paint product you use is crucial. Using the wrong one is the worst mistake anyone in my business could make. I first used regular acrylic paint, which wasnt really meant for furniture and could easily peel and chip. Now I both sell and use all the General Finishes (paint) products - made specifically for furniture."

What is the biggest challenge/opportunity in the next two to five years? Running a small but expanding business, trying to squeeze in family time, beach trips, paperwork (thank goodness for my accountant) and girl time."

First Job after college: I started doing what I do now out of my home three years ago - just taking on custom orders, saving for my own store one day while I attend college to study nursing. I soon switched to business. 

TV show that inspires you the most: I watch HGTV daily and every single show on that channel inspires me because they all have the drive that I have in my career. I promise you I will be on that channel one day."

Favorite/least favorite subject in school: Favorite: Math. Least favorite: History. 
 

General Finishes is so proud to have such an amazing advocate and user of our products!