Photos: Uptimum Bodied Holds Ribbon Cutting
Chelsea Warren believes the grand opening of her new clothing store, Uptimum Bodied, is a testament to “perseverance and resilience” and could not have accomplished her goal without her family and friend’s support.
As part of the store’s grand opening on Saturday [September 28] Ms Warren premiered her film, It’s Only Up From Here, at Speciality Cinema.
The film screening was followed by a ribbon-cutting event at the store, located on the upper level of Washington Mall, and the celebration concluded with an after-party at Karma Night Club.
Ms Warren said the store is paying homage to her late brother, Marco Warren, a former Bermuda and PHC Zebras footballer, who was killed in a hit-and-run incident in Hamilton Parish, aged 29, in May 2023.
The grand opening was an emotional event for Ms Warren, who told Bernews: “The film documented my journey, and it was a humbling experience opening up to other Bermudians and supporters and showing them what it took for me to get to where I am now.”
Following the film, guests gathered at the store, where Ms Warren was putting on the final touches before opening the doors.
“When I opened the door tears were in my eyes because there were so many people coming out to support me – I saw family, friends and co-workers,” she said.
“It felt like all my hard work had paid off – the late sleepless nights people don’t see.
“It made me feel like I’d executed my mission. I couldn’t control my tears, so I let them flow!”
The store’s airport-themed decor reflects Uptimum Bodied’s slogan: “It’s Only Up From Here.”
Ms Warren hopes visitors will not only appreciate the fashion but also feel uplifted by the motivational quotes featured throughout the space.
Her brother Marco, a graphic designer, played a role in shaping the brand, designing the store’s logo and, alongside Chelsea, crafted football boots and tracksuits, which are now available for purchase.
After Marco’s death, Ms Warren considered closing the business, which has had on online presence since 2018.
However, she decided to continue in his honour by opening her first physical store.
“Marco was very impactful in the community,” said Ms Warren, who returned to Bermuda in November from Atlanta, Georgia, having launched her business several years earlier in Huntsville, Alabama.
“He has helped propel me to open a store. I was looking for somewhere to put his football boots to sell.
“I stumbled across this vacant spot in Washington Mall, enquired about it, and within the next week, I had it. It felt perfect.
“I don’t have the opportunity to share this with the person I started it with, which is heart-breaking, but I have the support of my friends and family.”
Ms Warren described Uptimum Bodied as a “family affair” and said it was a “beautiful experience” assembling her store with the help of those she loves.
“Everyone has pushed me along the way,” she added. “My grandfathers, mother, father, sisters, uncle, cousins and friends. They have got me through each part.
“They have all played pivotal moments. It was far bigger than just the store – it was about seeing the love and camaraderie of the community.
“I was ready to throw away the brand last year and never would have believed to have got to where I am now.”
Instagram: @uptimumbodied
Website: uptimumbodied.com
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Congratulations! All the best for success.
Oh Chelsea!!
This is the most invigorating thing I have seen in the Bermuda fashion scene in some time.
Bermuda is not ready for this level of marketing and branding.
SHAKE THE INDUSTRY UP – You are on to something. This is very urban, trendy, and has a lot of US / Boss Girl tones throughout, but soo needed for a change in BERMUDA’S climate.
There is noooo store in Bermuda, this loud, this intuitive, creating not just a store but an EXPERIENCE, quite like this.
You have worked so hard for this, and as an entrepreneur myself, I love to see this.
Break all the barriers, and be a trailblazer for the young ones behind you, and set the tone for the neighboring stores that the mall needs more visuals like this to revitalize things.
I’ve watched a lot of your social media content around the store, and just on a whole, and just you evolving, and you GOT THIS girl.
My hats off to you!
Congratulations! I can only imagine all of the hard work it took to get here. Wishing you much success!