Chela Mitchell Is D.C.’s Resident Art Connoisseur

It’s past time we remixed the entrepreneur archetype. The tried-and-true definition of an emerging or aspiring business owner feels tired. The modern entrepreneur is a mover, shaker and doer who’s not content with simply breaking all the rules. Our 52 trailblazers featured in the October issue are rewriting the rules, tearing them up and doing it all over again. It’s creation at its purest, because the fruits of one’s hustle are not actualized overnight or by following one jet-lagged recipe. It’s no longer adequate to measure entrepreneurs by the brick-and-mortar spaces they manifest or the jobs they create. Those are all important elements but fall short of what it truly means to build something — often with blood, sweat and tears. Whether you’re revamping the vintage clothing industry, introducing a fresh dining concept, cultivating an advocacy-focused creative agency or advancing the cause of equality for the LGBTQ+ community, the only thing that matters is freedom — the freedom to march to the beat of your own badass drum. Read our full rundown of trailblazers here.

Chela Mitchell has a lot on her plate. Founder of an art gallery and an arts club for artists of color, Mitchell is also an art consultant, and an artist herself. Whichever business hat she is donning, her work maintains its place as a beacon of inspiration across the board.

Advice that keeps you hungry
The best advice I’ve ever received is to only worry about what I can control. It changed my life.

What your day is incomplete without
My day is incomplete without my laptop, Notion [app] and voice notes with my friends/family. My life mustn’t revolve solely around work. My family and friends keep me grounded.

Your power outfit remix
A power outfit is anything that makes one feel glorious. I personally like clean, sharp lines and anything architectural. Blazers, skirts, pants and texture are my go-tos. I always feel good when I’m wearing anything navy. It’s such an intense color. I look to brands like Pyer Moss, JW Anderson, Proenza Schouler, Monse and Attico to make me feel my very best. When you look good, you feel good and do good. It’s the gift that keeps on giving. 

What every entrepreneur needs
Oh, I love breaking the rules. Yoko Ono once said, “My religion is to trust myself,” which has always resonated with me. You have to trust your vision even when others aren’t ready or can’t see it. Trusting yourself is no easy feat, but once you fully grasp how best to do it for you and your business, you’ll be unstoppable. 

@chelamitchellart; chelamitchellart.com // @chelamitchellgallery; chelamitchellgallery.com // @komunahouse; komunahouse.com 

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