Chelsea Poppens’ journey is nothing short of extraordinary—a story of persistence, passion, and a knack for building meaningful connections. It all began with her entry into the professional world through sales, where she quickly proved her mettle. Driven by her ability to lead and innovate, she transitioned into project management, a role that would define her unique strengths. But Chelsea didn’t just treat her roles as jobs; she poured her heart into them, bringing solutions to challenges as if she owned the business herself.
It was this dedication that caught the eye of Liz Hunt, the founder of DayCloud Studios. Liz saw something rare in Chelsea—a deep sense of ownership, unwavering energy, and a problem-solving mindset that went beyond the typical nine-to-five. Chelsea wasn’t just working for the company; she was living and breathing it. She cared about its success as if it were her own. Recognizing this, Liz made a life-changing proposal: “Would you like to join me as COO and partner?”
For Chelsea, the decision was clear. Working alongside Liz, her friend and mentor, was an opportunity to not only make an impact, but also build something meaningful. Over the past three years as COO, Chelsea has been instrumental in driving DayCloud Studios’ growth and success.
The Art of Branding: Setting the Stage for Transformation
When it comes to branding, Chelsea and the team at DayCloud Studios have redefined the process. It all begins with a unique, two-to-three-hour workshop where they dive deep into the heart of their client’s business. They don’t just talk about target audiences and customer bases; they spark creativity by asking thought-provoking questions.
“If your brand were a car, what would it be? If a celebrity represented your company, who would it be?” These questions may seem fun and light-hearted, but they open up perspectives that clients never considered. “Wow, we never thought of it that way,” is a common reaction. This workshop sets the tone for every project, paving the way for innovation and collaboration.
From there, the team creates three distinct concepts for the brand, involving the client in every step—from selecting color palettes to finalizing content. This collaborative approach ensures that every brand reflects not only the client’s vision but also their values. The process, crafted and fine-tuned by Liz, has earned the love and loyalty of their clients. It’s not just about creating a logo or a website; it’s about bringing a brand to life.
While the branding process typically takes three months, Chelsea emphasizes that the results are worth the wait. Whether it’s a brand guide, a marketing website, or a complete brand overhaul, the team’s commitment to excellence shines through.
What Sets DayCloud Studios Apart
What makes DayCloud Studios truly unique is their unwavering focus on the client. “We actively listen,” Chelsea explains. From the very first discovery meeting, the team ensures that every client feels heard and valued. Communication is clear, expectations are set early, and every step of the process is transparent. But it’s not just professionalism that defines them—it’s their personal touch and ability to infuse fun into the journey.
Clients get so much more than a branding agency; they’re partnering with a team who genuinely cares about their success.
The Role of Storytelling
Storytelling lies at the heart of DayCloud Studios’ design philosophy. Every branding decision—whether it’s a color, an element, or a font—is tied to the client’s story, values, and vision. Liz often leads these discussions, explaining the “why” behind every choice. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating an emotional connection between the brand and its audience.
The Challenges and Innovations
Every business faces challenges, and DayCloud Studios is no exception. For Chelsea, the biggest challenge is navigating the seasonal ebb and flow of the industry. December tends to be slow, but January brings a fresh wave of opportunities as businesses finalize budgets. Balancing client work, building relationships, and keeping the pipeline full is no small feat.
Adding to the mix is the launch of DayCloud Studios’ Agency Rocket Academy—a passion project born out of client demand. “Our clients kept asking for mentorship,” Chelsea shares. The Agency Rocket Academy will offer lessons on creating compelling content, mastering social media, understanding SEO, and even tackling HR challenges.
The team has also ventured into podcasting, an idea that Chelsea championed. She and Liz used to have long, insightful conversations about their clients and projects. Chelsea realized these discussions were too valuable to keep private. Though Liz was initially hesitant, Chelsea’s enthusiasm won her over. Today, the podcast features not just their insights but also guest appearances from clients and designers, sharing lessons, mistakes, and success stories.
Looking Ahead: Trends and Vision
Chelsea is excited about the future, especially the role of AI in business and design. “It’s the AI moment,” she says. From empowering creatives to streamlining workflows, AI is transforming the industry. Chelsea believes businesses that embrace these advancements will thrive.
Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs? “Just start. Don’t wait for the perfect moment. If you’re passionate about something, go for it.” Chelsea emphasizes that true motivation comes from passion, not money. “Money will only take you so far. If you’re passionate, it will resonate with your employees, your clients, and everyone around you.”
A Balanced Dream
For Chelsea, success isn’t just about growing a business; it’s about living a balanced life. Along with her husband, she dreams of building a life where work doesn’t consume them entirely—a life where they can continue to pursue their passions while making time for what truly matters.
Her journey from sales to COO, her dedication to her team and clients, and her relentless pursuit of innovation all reflect one core belief: when you care deeply, work hard, and stay true to your values, the possibilities are endless.
Chelsea Poppens’ journey is a testament to what’s possible when passion and purpose align. Through their work with DayCloud Studios, Chelsea and Liz have built a thriving creative agency fueled by collaboration, empowerment, and a commitment to creating meaningful impact for brands and entrepreneurs.
To learn more about Chelsea Poppens and the incredible work happening at DayCloud Studios, visit daycloudstudios.com and discover how they can transform your brand and bring your vision to life. Find their podcast, The Agency Rocket Show, on your listening platform of choice; Liz, Chelsea, and their team share insights and stories that resonate with entrepreneurs, business owners, and curious listeners alike. You can also follow them on social media @daycloudstudios to stay connected and explore their latest projects.