Chelsea Vonne James - Hairbrained Awrds

As anticipation mounts for the forthcoming Hairbrained Awards, we can't help but feel the electricity in the air. As we prepare to celebrate excellence in the industry, we have the privilege of diving into the remarkable journey of Chelsea Vonne James, an extremely talented figure in the world of hair, multimedia, and personal connections. Chelsea, a proud past winner of the Hairbrained Awards, is not only a top-tier stylist behind the chair but also the visionary behind Denver's Fōrma + Collective Salon, which recently grew into a second location.

Chelsea's expertise extends far beyond the salon, with her masterful cutting techniques and session styling gracing the runways of New York Fashion Week and the screens of music videos. Her work has found a well-deserved place in prestigious publications, earning her recognition as an industry trailblazer. As the Hairbrained Awards approach, we delve into Chelsea's world, where her passion for hairstyling meets multimedia artistry, all while celebrating the upcoming awards that continue to set new standards for excellence in the hairstyling realm.

Make sure to join the crowd on March 3, 2024 in New York City for the highly anticipated Hairbrained Awards.

Hairbrained Awards 4, Photo by Randy Taylor

Could you share a memorable moment or highlight from your journey with the Hairbrained Awards that has stayed with you over the years?

The hairbrained awards are the place where I got to meet some of the people I most admire in the industry. Hairbrained created a place where artists had the opportunity to show aspects of our craft that didn’t have a platform. I remember going to the awards for the first time and meeting people I had relationships with only online. It was an opportunity to thank them, hug them and create in person relationships. I felt at home. 

The Hairbrained community is known for its creativity and innovation. How do you think being a part of this community has helped you push the boundaries of your craft?

The Hairbrained community has attracted artists and given them a platform to elevate us all. They have a way of recognizing artistry and value. The revolutionary thing about Hairbrained for me is that they have a way of recognizing value and will share that no matter what level of following. It becomes a breeding ground of opportunity and motivation. 

Can you describe your creative process when working on a Hairbrained Awards submission? What inspires your unique concepts and designs?

My process for creating a submission starts from thinking about what could add value to our industry or my peers. I try to push myself because I know the people I respect most in the industry might watch and the thought of trying to add value to them somehow, is really motivating to me. The community inspires me so much so I try to think if I have anything to give back

What are your thoughts on the impact of social media and digital platforms in shaping the careers of today's hairdressers and artists?

LOL this is an extremely broad question that is hard to answer in a paragraph, it is a podcast topic. Generally, I think it’s the greatest and the worst thing ever. It has benefited our industry with things like transparency, cancellation policy, pricing, education and community. I think to truly be successful at it, it takes a level of focus that becomes a second job. Sometimes that can take away from our craft. I think it can be extremely toxic in ways. I see it creating a comparison mindset that is really hurting some people. I have watched friends have extreme mental health struggles trying to keep up. I watch people spend so much time looking for the dopamine hit and that distracts from growth. This is to deep of topic to write

What role do you see Hairbrained and similar platforms playing in the future of the beauty and hairstyling industry?

Honestly I think platforms that are built from sharing artists viral content come with a large responsibility. I think large platforms that truly support those individual artists are amazing as long as they stay aligned with a mission to elevate the industry, hairdressers and create opportunities for the community. I think they can also be very dangerous. They amass a lot of power and off of other peoples work. With that amount of influence, money and power it can cause a lot of harm in our industry. I hope these platforms focus on empowering, compensating and creating opportunities for artists they use to gain their level of influence and if that is the focus I think they will thrive.

How can people find out more about you?

@chelseavonnejames @formacollectivesalon www.formacollectivesalon.com

Join us in celebrating the artistry of hairstyling at Hairbrained, where creativity knows no bounds. To learn more, visit www.hairbrained.me and become a part of the #crafthairdresser community.