We had the good fortune of connecting with Chelsea Elwood and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Chelsea, we’d love to hear what makes you happy.
There are so many things that bring me happiness. Climbing is one that has brought me happiness over the years. I was struggling through an abusive relationship and as I was leaving that, I found climbing. This opened the door into content and sharing my story. I was so happy to be someone that could share but also listen to others going through similar situations. And it doesn’t stop there; helping people in need, a beautiful sunset, conversations with friends, a hug from my partner, sitting on a mountain and looking at the growth I made brings me joy each and every day.
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 wear so many hats that you don’t even realize it until you’re asked this question. Firstly, I am a Behavior Analyst working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other disabilities. I work within the severe behavior field which brings me so much happiness by helping families of individuals that truly need our support or aren’t able to receive support from others. Secondly, I am a climber. Climbing was introduced to me as I was exiting one of the hardest moments of my life, my abusive relationship. It gave me focus, community, love, and so much more. Thirdly, I am a content creator. I began sharing my story after my relationship ended, almost as a way to blow off steam. But soon I realized so many others had stories to share and I was so passionate to share not only my story, but others as well. The combination of all these hats I wear was not an easy one. I was overcoming the scars of my past while trying to create my future. I was in detrimental relationships from 17 until my early 20’s. Some of which I wasn’t even allowed to study, make friends, or be me. When I made it into graduate school, I was shocked. When climbing entered my life, I felt like I had something to work for, something to better myself with. The community I built eventually led me to Colorado where I met my partner, new friends and truly started learning about the power of content creation. I’ve learned that having a community and passion for something will get you so far but giving yourself grace in moments where you are not feeling yourself are key to moving forward. Burn out is so real and juggling what equates to 3 jobs can bring its own battle, but I have love the impact sharing my story has brought. I want to continue sharing the stories of brands, people and companies. I want the world to know that you are not alone and your voice can be heard.
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?
Oh the places we would go! Denver is such a beautiful area with a city to thrive in and mountains to get away to. I would have to take my friends to the crag and send our hardest boulder. A road trip to the mountains whether that be the San Juans, Crested Butte, or Breckenridge, there are so many beautiful sites to see. A cold beer at Golden Mill is perfect after a day at the crag before visiting a Speakeasy downtown. Sunsets by the mountains are much needed with the clouds covering the mountain range. Some of my favorite spots for drinks and food are Illegal Petes, Bierstadt, Denver Central Market, and Irish Rover. Not to mention the Farmers Market every Saturday morning before a day at the lake or St. Marys Glacier.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The biggest shout out to the community climbing brought me! I have met so many likeminded people that helped push me to be a better version of myself. I couldn’t be here without you. Shout out to my best friends Carol and Annika who always stood by me in times of need. Shout out to my amazing partner who has taught me I can be loved and that I can love again. And shout out to my family for never giving up on me or my dreams.
Website: https://www.chelseasadventure.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/okchelchel
Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@climbingchelchel
Image Credits
Karyll Catubig