“Creativity can hold both loss and joy at the same time, and continuing to create can be an act of love all its own.”

Meet Chelsea Pellegrino

Full-time working mom of two, a natural leader, and a creative spirit who finds expression in both big moments and quiet, everyday ways. Whether she’s crafting seasonal décor, baking, building party backdrops, or energizing teams at work, Chelsea’s creativity shows up wherever people gather. She has a gift for making spaces feel thoughtful, festive, and alive — and for inspiring others to do the same.

Chelsea has been a meaningful part of my life for well over a decade. From the moment we met, she confidently declared we were going to be friends — and she was right. Over the years, I’ve watched her grow into herself in ways that are both powerful and deeply human.

Her creativity, warmth, and ability to lead and inspire others — both in her work and as an astounding mother — have left a lasting mark on my life. I’m deeply grateful for the friendship and connection we’ve built. Chelsea shows up fully, even in seasons that are busy, messy, or uncertain, and that presence is something I’ve always admired.

So I asked her a few questions about where creativity fits into her life now, how she keeps going when time and energy are limited, and what it means to continue creating through change and loss.

Chelsea’s story doesn’t always arrive neatly or on schedule. Sometimes it carries memory, grief, joy, and resilience all at once. Even in grief, there is room to grow. Creativity can hold both loss and joy at the same time, and continuing to create can be an act of love all its own — a quiet, powerful choice to keep showing up, making, and expressing.

Creative Conversations is a monthly Q&A series where I sit down with creatives from all walks of life — some familiar, some newly discovered — to talk about creativity as it really exists. The pauses. The pivots. The returning. And the courage it takes to keep creating in the middle of everyday life.

✦ Everyday Creativity

Can you tell us a little about yourself and what your days generally look like?

I am a 34 year old full time working momma of 2 (Hank and Luna). Happily married for over 8 years to my husband Kyle. During the week we have our work and school routines keeping us busy and enjoying dinners together. I love to cook and use recipes as inspiration by following my moms method of cooking and putting my own flair on things. Then some unwind time with a new show or rewatch something comforting.  Weekends are typically filled with activities with friends and family. My husband and I are big music lovers and enjoy attending music festivals.  I love to squeeze in time to craft when I can whether it’s something holiday related or baking. I used to bake a lot more before children and while my first child was very young. My kitchen is far too small but one day I plan to get back into it and have even more fun with it.

Where does creative expression show up in your daily life, even in small ways?

Creative expression shows up in both my professional and personal life, often in simple but meaningful ways. At work, it comes through creative problem-solving and finding engaging ways to connect teams—whether that’s developing fresh approaches to meetings, energizing tasks, or adding festive touches through holiday crafts that bring a sense of fun to the office. I like to think of myself as a “Fun Director,” helping spark collaboration and creativity across teams. Outside of work, creativity is often finding a small, thoughtful way to let others know I’m thinking of them.

✦ Process, Planning, and Pivots

Are you more of a “plan it out” creator or a “figure it out as you go” creator?

I start with a loose  plan and if I need to pivot I’ll figuring it out as I go. I may or may not have forgotten a crucial item while at the store because I can get easily distracted (especially at a craft store) or something does not go as planned.

What helps you start even when time or energy is limited?

I generally thrive in chaos and short time frames but also take a moment to review what I have available and strategize  what I am capable of doing well.

How do you work through self-doubt or creative blocks?

Typically, I reach out to my late friend Audrey if she wasn’t already with me. Getting insight from someone else is always helpful. Even just taking a break and stepping away helps. Looking through pinterest for further inspo has also been very helpful to generate that spark.

✦ What She Loves to Make

What types of projects do you most enjoy working on?

I love doing seasonal crafts and adding to my seasonal decor each year. Halloween is my favorite, followed closely by Christmas.

Baking is a bit of love hate because I can be a perfectionist. Baking is a science and I tend to go off script (recipe).

In recent years it has been party backdrops for a nice area to take pictures with friends and family. Adds to the magic of those events (it also helps me keep track of the years).

What’s your go-to creative fuel?

MUSIC 100% I cannot function in silence. I enjoy adult beverages when I am at home or crafting with friends. If I am at work, an emotional support coffee  and snacks are very helpful.

If you could spend a whole day making anything, what would it be?

I have been really wanting to learn how to do stained glass. Looks beautiful and I think it would make great gifts. If it had to be something I already do I would say making a spooky craft!

✦ Meaningful Moments

Do you have a favorite piece you’ve made or a project that feels especially meaningful?

Anything I’ve made with Audrey will now be even more meaningful to me than it already was. A few things have been broken over the years like holiday painted windows and little knick knack holiday crafts. But my skeleton fairy light stays out year round.  I have also made my father a very large string art Harley Davison sign that took months to finish.

He is very proud of it. It makes me very happy, but I would never make a string art piece that big EVER again. Hit my fingers with the hammer too many times….

✦ Encouragement and Reflection

What would you say to someone who feels like they don’t know what they’re doing creatively?

You don’t have to know. It’s never too late to try something new. Push yourself to be uncomfortable. Make mistakes and try again, make a mess and learn something new. Believe in yourself!

What’s one way creativity has positively impacted your life?

Creativity provides a great outlet to decompress and forget about the real world. I truly enjoy making things for others and taking the time to work on something that can challenge me.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your creative journey?

My creative journey, especially lately, is very much a work in progress. Losing my creative bestie has been deeply impactful, and finding the spark to create without her has been challenging. During this time, I haven’t attempted as much creatively as I once did. That said, I feel drawn to re-enter creative spaces with intention—seeking opportunities to continue learning, try new things, and refine skills in familiar crafts. While my bestie is no longer by my side, I hope to honor her by channeling her spirit and continuing the creative pursuits we loved and shared together.

Final Reflection

Creativity doesn’t always look loud or polished — sometimes it shows up quietly, in persistence, in memory, and in choosing to begin again. It can return after pauses, carrying resilience, connection, and the joy of expression. No matter the season, our creative spark waits, ready for us to pick up the tools, show up, and keep making, sharing, and shaping the world around us.