Meet Chloe McKenzie | Creative, Artist, Stylist, Content Creator

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

Hi Chloe, other than deciding to work for yourself, what else do you think played a pivotal role in your story?
Oh my goodness, it seems so small but looking back, it made big waves for me personally. I think it had to be the first time I put myself and my lettering services out there. A friend asked me to do some signs for her wedding and although my anxiety was screaming no, I said yes- and I’m forever happy that I did. More blossomed from there as I let my guard down and got a little more vulnerable by sharing my art, my process and myself. Since then, I started exploring new avenues like floral design, more lettering, clothing and interior styling, content creation, and custom art. I really do think that first wedding sign was a huge catalyst for me to shift from doing creative things for myself to doing creative things for others.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Thank you for asking! It’s been a journey that’s both challenging and exciting but I’m looking forward to seeing how it will evolve. In the last year, I’ve said “yes” to some key opportunities that scared the crap out of me, but led to some incredible growth and new relationships that make me feel very affirmed in those decisions. It wasn’t without growing pains, long hours, hard mental and physical tolls and those days aren’t behind me yet, but you just have to put one foot in front of the other. I’m self taught in the majority of my crafts so I find that my imposter syndrome is quite healthy, maybe a little too exuberant at times. I just try to remember my intention behind creating: connection and emotion. When things are getting challenging, I try to make opportunities to connect with my support system, have a juicebox, and write/ doodle out the brain tangles. I’ve also learned that I do really well when I can have at least one morning a week to have slow coffee, blast my Spotify repeats with something in my hands – a floral arrangement, paint on canvas, a rack at the thrift shore, wood burning, old design magazines. I love getting to play and have no outcome or expectation behind a finished project.

My brand @nosnostalgia is pronounced “no nostalgia” – has layered meaning that resonates with who I am and how I seek connection with others. “No nostalgia” is a cheeky nod to my deep sense of sentimentality and chronic nostalgia for the past. I’m forever bringing up little snippets of memories and moments that nobody but myself seems to remember. My family and I constantly joke about how most people will keep a shoebox filled with sentimental items, but my “memory box” is actually like 4 overflowing Tupperware bins. I have such a hard time getting rid of sentimental things! So many residual memories! The other half/ play on words is in the spelling of NosNostalgia. In French, “nos” means “our”. I loved the duality of something as intimate as sentimentality being shared and felt by a collective of different people. When someone asks me to do a portrait of their best friends’ wedding, it gives me a nostalgic rush like I’m making my best friend’s bridal bouquet again. Feeling goes into everything I create.

I think I’d like my work and my legacy to reflect deep love and care. I hope that my intentionality always comes through in my work.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’m so fortunate to have the love and support of an amazing partner, and group of friends and family who encourage me endlessly. There are also 3 very special sources of mentorship, inspiration and “ah-ha” moments that need a special shout-out.

Liv Jellie @oleafloral for being the most incredible mentor to my budding floral practice. Her craft is locally focussed, artfully designed and sustainability-driven. I’m forever grateful that my love of florals could be deepened through such valuable education and training.

Kara Hlookoff @indiandlou for engaging in thoughtful, intentional, and empowering conversations and actions with me. Her perspective on dressing for empowerment has been incredibly grounding and healing. She’s also funny as f and really gets me as a human.

“Find Your Unicorn Space” by Eve Rodsky. I admit. I fully judged this book by the cover. I am so glad I read it though, it truly changed my life. I am surprised to say this, but I honestly think everyone needs to read this book. For reals. Eve, I don’t know you, but I feel like we would be pals. Thank you for writing this book, you will never know how much I needed it.

Instagram: @nosnostalgia

Other: Best way to reach me is via instagram or email for inquiries nosnostalgiaart@gmail.com 🙂