I grew up in Southeast Asia before moving to the Pacific Northwest, where I eventually called Oregon home. Being surrounded by such different landscapes early on shaped my curiosity for the world and made travel feel less like a luxury and more like a way of life. Adventure and adrenaline have always been part of who I am. I was a competitive ski racer growing up and spent my time playing tennis, swimming, dancing, and chasing anything that pushed me outside my comfort zone. Alongside that, I’ve always loved the creative side of capturing moments, even when it started with disposable and Polaroid cameras long before social media existed.

Photography became a way for me to document not just where I was going, but how those places made me feel. I love meeting people from all walks of life, hearing their stories, and finding moments of connection and humor wherever I land. When Instagram came along, it felt like a natural extension of that creativity. It started as a fun space to share photos, experiment (sometimes a little too much with the filters), and collect inspiration.

Over time, it evolved into Lax.Chelsea, a visual diary of travel, adventure, and experiences that continue to grow my bucket list and push me to explore more of the world. What began as a passion has turned into an incredible adventure I never could have fully planned. Travel fuels my creativity, jewelry anchors my memories, and storytelling ties it all together. Each trip, piece, and photograph represents a moment in time, a feeling, or a reminder of why I fell in love with exploring in the first place.

There were so many unforgettable moments, but a few truly stand out. Kayaking through glaciers was surreal in the quietest, most powerful way. Being that close to the ice, surrounded by nothing but water, mountains, and silence, is something I’ll never forget. The polar plunge was another highlight — equal parts exhilarating and slightly insane — but it felt like a rite of passage and a moment I’ll always laugh about. Some of my favorite moments were actually the quiet ones. Sitting on the back deck of the boat, fully realizing where in the world you are, felt almost impossible to put into words. Antarctica has a way of forcing you to be completely present. There’s no distraction, no noise, just you and one of the most remote places on Earth, and it’s absolutely surreal. And then there was the wildlife. Seeing orcas and humpback whales in their natural habitat was breathtaking, and the penguins completely stole my heart. There were so many of them, endlessly curious and wonderfully goofy, and watching them go about their day never got old. I’m excited to share some of my favorite photos from the journey, though I’ll say this — even the images only begin to capture how magical the experience truly was.

I came across Minka Jewels while casually scrolling on social media and it stopped me in my tracks. The pieces were absolutely stunning and completely unlike anything I’d seen in traditional jewelry stores. It immediately spoke to me. Bold, unique, multidimensional — it felt like a reflection of my own journey. When I knew I was ready to mark this milestone with a piece of jewelry, I wanted it to be intentional and deeply personal, and Minka felt like the perfect fit. What made it even more special was how seamlessly it all came together. The stone that was chosen perfectly mirrors the water colors of Antarctica, those icy blues that feel almost otherworldly. It’s as if a piece of that place came home with me. Now, every time I wear it, I’m reminded of my 40th birthday, my last continent, and the incredible adventure that marked the start of a new decade.

Antarctica has officially taken the top spot. Partly because of how rare the experience is — I’ve still never met anyone else who’s been — but mostly because it’s so unique, so unexpected, and so out of the box. It feels very “me.” It’s the kind of place that completely shifts your perspective, and now that I’ve experienced it, I genuinely think everyone should go if they have the opportunity. Cape Town, South Africa is a very close second. I fell in love with it about two years ago. There’s something incredibly special about how diverse it is, yet everything somehow exists in this beautiful, chaotic harmony. I stayed in Camps Bay, which I would happily call home one day. Watching the waves roll in while the sun sets feels almost unreal, like the scenery is too perfect to be real. My third would be Sydney, Australia. I studied abroad there in college and that experience left a lasting mark on me. The city has an energy that’s completely unmatched. As a young student, hopping on and off buses, exploring different neighborhoods, and feeling totally free in such a vibrant city was unforgettable. Sydney will always hold a special place in my heart for that reason.

My first tip is to pack light. Carry-on only if you can — and trust me, you can. Less luggage means more freedom, and that freedom changes how you move through a place. Less really is more. Free yourself from overpacking and allow yourself to be fully present. Some of the most meaningful travel moments happen when you slow down and simply take in where you are. Do something that pushes you outside your comfort zone. Whether it’s something extreme or as simple as trying a new food or going to a live show, say yes to experiences that make you feel alive. Those are the moments you’ll remember most — for me, that was hang-gliding in Cape Town. Walk as much as possible. Some of my favorite discoveries have happened between destinations, while wandering from one place to another. You notice details, energy, and hidden gems you’d completely miss from a taxi. Choose your accommodation thoughtfully. I love a good hotel — and good doesn’t have to mean expensive. I’m always drawn to unique, boutique hotels that embrace local culture and reflect the personality of the place. And finally, be flexible, or at least try to be. I struggle with this one too, like A LOT. Travel these days can be complicated, and things won’t always go as planned. Let go of expectations, go with the flow, match the energy of the city, and remember to look around and appreciate where you are.

My first memory of jewelry goes back to my 16th birthday. My grandmother gave me a tiny silver heart necklace, and it meant everything to me. As a teenager, I felt like royalty wearing it. It wasn’t just a necklace — it was a gift filled with love, care, and a memory I would carry with me forever. That moment really shaped how I’ve always viewed jewelry. To me, every piece has a story, and the moment and intention behind when it’s given locks that memory in forever. Jewelry becomes a way to celebrate milestones, honor important people, and remember specific dates and places. You can wear it, carry it with you, and instantly be brought back to that feeling. What I love most is how timeless it is. Even as life moves forward, those memories stay intact. Every time you put a meaningful piece on, you’re reconnecting with a moment that will always be part of your story.

I honestly love it all! I’m drawn to anything that sparkles, but I also appreciate bold shapes without stones. I’m a fan of yellow gold, though lately I’ve been experimenting with mixing metals, shapes, and stones. For me, it’s really about the story and the significance behind each piece — what it represents, the moment it marks, and how it makes me feel when I wear it.

When it comes to fashion, I’m pretty laid-back. Some of my go-to staples are flip-flops, jean shorts, and a long-sleeve tee — simple, comfortable, and effortless. But that’s where the jewelry comes in. For me, it’s what I want to wear even more than clothes. I love stacking rings and bracelets, playing with different necklace lengths, and hunting for vintage charms while on the road. It’s all about having fun and letting the accessories shine. I’d rather have the focus on the baubles than my outfit. Overall, I’d describe my style as California surf-girl chic by nature — relaxed, effortless, and with a little sparkle wherever I go.

Turning 40 felt like a moment worth marking in a way that truly reflected who I am and how I move through the world. Antarctica had been calling to me for years. It was the last continent I hadn’t been to and I couldn’t think of a better way to welcome a new decade than by going as far off the beaten path as possible. There was something powerful about choosing a place that feels untouched, remote, and completely humbling. It felt symbolic of stepping into a new chapter with curiosity and courage. Getting there is an adventure in itself! We flew from the States to Buenos Aires and spent a few days soaking up the city before continuing south. It was actually my second time in Buenos Aires and I absolutely love it. The energy, the culture, the food, and the creative cocktail scene is incredible. It’s one of those cities that feels alive in every sense and I highly recommend it to anyone who hasn’t been. From there, the journey continues toward Antarctica, which only adds to the anticipation and makes finally arriving feel even more surreal. From Buenos Aires, you then take a chartered flight down to Ushuaia, the southernmost tip of South America, fittingly nicknamed the “End of the World.” This is where you finally board the ship bound for Antarctica after a brief day tour of Tierra del Fuego National Park. Once you board the boat, you set sail across the famous — and famously rough — Drake Passage, spending over two days at sea before land finally appears on the horizon. It truly felt like trains, planes, and automobiles to get there, but that long journey only adds to the magic. Trust me, every mile is absolutely worth it once you arrive.

Words and photos truly don’t do Antarctica justice. The scale, the colors, the stillness, and the raw beauty are unlike anywhere else I’ve ever experienced. Celebrating my 40th in a place like that was epic on its own, but I knew I wanted something permanent to remember it by. Since I couldn’t exactly bring home a piece of ice, I wanted something meaningful, impactful, and forever. That’s where jewelry of course came in!