Meet Chelcey Farrar | Graphic and Web Design/Development

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

Hi Chelcey, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Since I was a kid, my parents have always encouraged me to follow my heart and dreams and to always remember that nothing is too far out of reach. They’ve motivated me to never fold under pressure and to always know and value my worth. Witnessing my parent’s hard work and resilience for all of these years, and following their core principles, is the true basis of who I am and why I followed all my entrepreneurial goals.

After playing Division-I college basketball at Kennesaw State and graduating with a degree in Psychology, I honestly had no idea what my next move was. Not long after graduation, I decided to get back into graphic design, a passion I had left behind for my hoop dreams. I began designing flyers and websites for local party promoters, musicians, entrepreneurs, and basketball trainers. Thanks to my dad’s investment, I also started designing and printing t-shirts. This was all fine and dandy but wasn’t paying the bills as needed, so I began working different graphic and web design jobs for businesses around Atlanta. I worked my way up the ranks and became the operations manager of a local print shop, where I developed administrative skills in the print and graphic design field.

I never stopped working on my personal client projects, and it only took a year or so before I felt like I was stuck in a box. My mindset was, if I can build this company, I can do this for myself. I was ready to expand, spread my wings and fly on my own. So, that’s what I did. In August of 2017, I put in my two-weeks notice and took that leap of faith. I was officially a full-time entrepreneur and I was terrified. But I didn’t let that deter me. My first 2 years were a never-ending rollercoaster, but I refused to give up. I worked hard to build my clientele and reputation, and by year 3, I officially had an LLC with authors, restaurants, trainers, apparel lines, inventors, hairstylists, and many more small and large businesses in my line-up.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am the owner of C. Farrar Designs LLC and I’m a graphic and web designer/developer who helps creatives, entrepreneurs and small and large businesses all over the world build their audiences and presence online. I am completely self-taught (with the help of Google and YouTube University) and I have been designing for over 15 years. My designs are fresh, minimal, timeless, and original. What sets me apart from others in my field is that I am a one-stop-shop that won’t break your pockets. I design everything from logos, flyers, banners, t-shirts, album covers, to fully-responsive websites. I also dabble in video editing/animation and mobile app development, all while traveling the world as a flight attendant.

I’m most proud of pushing through the more difficult times. It was definitely no easy feat getting to where I am today. Through lots of trial and error, I have been able to help over 500+ business owners and creatives bring their visions to life. And I’ve been able to do so by building an intricate network of professional clientele via referrals with minimal marketing and advertising. Being self-employed was a struggle for a very long time, but my only option was to keep pushing, keep designing, and keep making my clients love the outcome of their investments. The biggest lesson I’ve learned through my journey is to always bet and believe in myself. No one is going to go out and get the things I want and need but me and once I’ve marked an achievement, all of the hard work, dedication, ups and downs, always prove to be worth it. I also learned that you don’t need the biggest following on social media to maintain a successful business model. This builds my confidence and inspires me to continuously move forward.

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?
It’s so hard to narrow it down since there’s an endless amount of things to do in and around Atlanta.

For eats, I love a quick yummy breakfast at Rosie’s Cafe in East Point, definitely have to grab brunch at The Real Milk & Honey or Breakfast at Barney’s. Lunch at West Midtown’s Six Feet Under or Slim & Husky’s, Chattahoochee Food Works, or Desta in the Westside Village. Dinner at 10 degrees South in Roswell. I also love the happy hour, tapas, and ambiance at Little Trouble. And I can’t forget Taco Tuesdays at Blu Cantina on Camp Creek.

For entertainment, I like to hit the Beltline, where there’s more endless fun and art on any given day. Comedy shows all around the city. The Battery on game nights. Arts shows at Peters Street Station. Rollerskating at Cascade. Vibes in East Atlanta Village. Biking on the Silver Comet Trail. There’s endless hiking all over Georgia, some of my favorites are Sweetwater Creek Trail in Lithia Springs, Toccoa Falls in North Georgia, Amicalola Falls in Dawsonville, and Vickery Creek in Roswell. Also, you’ve got to catch a movie from the comfort of your car at Starlight Drive-In.

And much, much more…

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My parents and family for always being my number 1 supporters. They hold me down and support any and every venture I’ve ever had. They have always had my back and motivated me to keep pursuing my dreams. Their love is unmatched and I’m forever grateful for each and every one of them (and there’s a lot, lol).

Jen has been there for me physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. She has been a major force in helping grow my business these last few years. She has taken on the role of my project manager and is killing it. When we talk about partners and support systems, she is the definition.

Lastly, my clients, each and every one of them. So many people, I mean soooooo many people, have put their trust in me to bring their visions to life and it’s been such an honor and a blessing to be able to do so. They honestly keep me going.

Website: https://cfarrardesigns.com

Instagram: @cfarrardesigns

Image Credits
Jagged Edge Album Cover Photo by RoyalxRae (@royalxrae)