Woman Of the Month: Chelsea Alford

This month we honor Chelsea Alford. Through her many careers, she provides a space for others in the community, giving them a place to be themselves.

Chelsea’s remarkable journey and strength show us what accurate determination and hard work look like.

Each month I get the distinct honor to uplift women in my community who I believe are trailblazers in their own right, and Chelsea’s journey, strength, and story is one to be remembered.

Thank you for sharing a part of your jorney as we honor you this month and always for all of the exceptional work you do.

MEET CHELSEA ALFORD

What is your background in?

Journalism and communications, also Dance. I studied at Dean College in Franklin, MA, right outside Boston, for two years.

Then I did an internship where I lived in Washington D.C for 6 months. That’s where I learned about journalism, politics, and writing.

I was there during the Trump election. I learned a lot about news judgment and how to network with people. After my internship I transferred to NKU to study journalism and communication.

While I was at NKU I was a part of the “Northerner” Newspaper I had my first published work there and kept growing for the two years I attended the university.

I graduated with a Bachelors in Journalism and communication. On the Deans List with Honors.

Side note: I am also a dance choreographer for multiple local dance teams in Union kentucky. I also do choreography at local dance studios.

What is your favorite part about your career?

I currently have multiple careers. As a News Producer at FOX19, I enjoy informing the community about what’s happening locally and nationally.

I like knowing that I am helping people inform themselves about things they would never come in contact with inside their own circles.

As a news producer I have a lot of control over what goes into my shows and what interviews I have live on air.

With that being said I like high lifting up and coming business owners, students and people who are doing interesting things in the area. I like giving a voice to people who otherwise wouldn’t have one on a huge platform.

As a business owner, I love doing something that brings me so much joy. This business started out of passion and need.

My mother and I wanted something that helped us sleep during our difficult times with our health.

This business is much more than a business to me it’s a “thank you” to my mother, because without her I wouldn’t have begun or continued this business.

Making people feel special with my teas and collaborations is such an amazing feeling.

Can you describe a significant event that changed your life ?

There are many events that helped shape who I am and I am still growing and changing.

But right now, the death of my mother pushed me to continue this business. I channeled my grief into my business at first as a way to stay busy, and then it became more of a “thank you, mom” and a way to give back.

I always wanted to have something of my own that I could put my name on and Montoniea is literally my name- it’s my moms and my middle name.

Another moment is the collaborations I’ve had over the last year, I’ve partnered with other small businesses for seasonal items, I’ve attended events that helped get my name out there.

And now I have a partnership with Dee Felice Cafe in Covington where they’ve infused two cocktails with my teas and even though it just happened I have high hopes that this will bring my company to other people who I haven’t reached yet.

Where do you see yourself growing in the next year?

In the next year I would like to grow my business in other avenues and partnering with more shops, cafes and restaurants.

I have many goals- I don’t want to share all of them but I do want to grow and become a known company in the city and northern Kentucky area.

How do you navigate through the challenges of your career and life?

I have a hard time separating the two. My news life I leave at work, and I do my best not to bring it home- but my small business life, that is my life. My reputation, my presence, alone gets people to buy from me.

So it’s im difficult to separate the two. People buy from me because they trust me and they like me and then they try the teas and they like those too.

I have to network, and be available daily almost everyday to keep my business on the up and up and succeeding.

What advice do you have for others?

To keep pushing, it gets hard but if it’s something you really want you have to keep pushing. Think positive and be hopeful, if something doesn’t workout try something else but don’t give up.

What is your mantra for success?

I don’t really have one, I work hard and think about what I like and incorporate that into my business.

I think about having a legacy and a footprint in this world and that’s currently my goal. Is to leave something for my family and for us to be successful- the way I see it is if one person makes it or has a platform we all help each other and make it together.

What’s one word you would use to describe yourself and your journey?

One word, there are many words I’d use to describe myself- particular and hard-working.

I think in terms of my journey it’s hard to condense it down to one word. It’s more of multiplier words and feelings a bunch of highs and lows.

Success and failure has been my drive- everything doesn’t work and then I re-evaluate my plans and try something else. I just don’t give up easily and I give things 100% until I know I’ve done all I could do.

How can people stay connected with you?

Instagram: https://instagram.com/montonieas_tea