Adore April 2022

A fter a decade of studying and working in forensic psychology, Kelsey took a "sabbatical" from her Ph.D. program and never looked back. She always had an interest in design, so she bought a vintage sewing machine, and with a lot of work, perseverance, and support, Fringe and Company was born out of her apartment five years ago. Her colorful brand, featuring plenty of fringe and sparkles, has continued to grow, and she loves slinging wearable fun all over the world. Kelsey Campion MIDCITY

Chief Sequin Officer of Fringe and Company fringe-co.com

FAVORITE PART ABOUT LIVING IN NEW ORLEANS? This list is a mile long, but I've never lived in a city that looks at someone walking down the street in head-to-toe sparkles on a Tuesday afternoon and rather than thinking "that person is a little crazy" you immediately think "where are they going and how can I join?" The sense of community, excitement, and celebration is unparalleled, and those of us who have felt an ounce of the magic that New Orleans has to offer are eternally indebted.

FAVORITE QUOTE? "Life is too short not to sparkle."

BIGGEST INSPIRATION IN YOUR WORK? I truly can find inspiration in anything. Give me a beat- up old T-shirt to customize? Inspired. Give me a bolt of sequin fabric? Inspired. At a museum and falling in love with the color story of a painting? Inspired. Walking my dog and finding the most gorgeous blooming bush? Inspired. By nature, I am the most curious human being, so I find aspects of most things fascinating. HOW DID THE PANDEMIC INFLUENCE AND AFFECT YOUR CREATIVITY? I actually took on my studio space during the pandemic — it gave me a creative space outside of my house to fill with ideas and sparkles. It is so hard to work on dream projects when you are in the weeds and going from one thing to the next. The pandemic forced me to slow down which led to some of my best creative and business decisions. WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE FOR TAKING CREATIVE RISKS? Taking risks is really scary, and it doesn't get any less scary, the risks just change. What I've found is the things I was scared of a year ago are nowhere near the things I am scared of right now. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable and just know this too will pass. And then you'll be faced with another even scarier risk but with a little more confidence knowing you overcame the last one. FAVORITE WAY TO SPEND A SUNDAY AFTERNOON? Walking around the bayou with my fiancé Liz and our dog Tripp. Grabbing a po-boy and listening to music with friends outside. Slow Sunday afternoons in Nola are truly magical.

ADORE • APRIL 2022

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