Chelsea Workman, Tallahassee

Founder and Storyteller, The Workmans

The Workmans are a family, a photography business and a husband-wife creative team.

“I’m the quiet Workman,” said Chelsea Workman. “I sometimes call myself the invisible Workman. Alex has a big personality, and everyone knows Alex. I just kind of blend in and make sure things keep running and keep moving.”

She and Alex cofounded The Workmans photography business in 2017. The couple specializes in commercial and editorial photography, working from their home studio or at on-site locations and finding time to homeschool their three children. Workman ensures their business remains a well-oiled machine.

“Better busy than bored,” she said with a laugh.

Add to her already full plate a heaping side of compassion for community. 

“We try really hard to do a community project once a year,” Workman said. “Something that can bring humanity back to things.”

With any project, Workman said, the goal is to make beautiful art. In a community project, that goal becomes tied to humanizing an issue. The Workmans use photography to share stories, to serve as advocates and to stand as allies.

The community projects are often initiated by someone affected by an issue. The Never Forgotten Coast initiative happened that way. In 2018, Hurricane Michael leveled Mexico Beach, and Workman’s father was among residents who sustained losses.

After seeing the storm’s destruction firsthand, Workman helped initiate a micro-grant program for distributing financial assistance to businesses awaiting insurance payouts or federal funds. The Never Forgotten Coast campaign raised money from the sale of T-shirts printed with a logo that located Mexico Beach on an outline of Florida. They also shared the experience of locals through a series of aerial shots and portraits accompanied by their stories. A total of $60,000 was distributed to local businesses.

Partnering with the Florida Alliance to End Human Trafficking, Workman co-created the End IT TLH campaign. And in an effort to share the stories of African refugees, The Workmans created the Refugees of TLH project.

A family-oriented approach has brought seven years of business success and confidence to the introverted Workman. Still, she sometimes struggles with self-doubt.

“I have to remind myself that I know what I’m doing, and I am capable,” she said. “There are definitely days when I don’t believe that.”

She recommends regular affirmations and encourages women to own their femininity.

“Embrace being a woman, and be confident in your abilities.”

Chelsea Workman was nominated for the 2024 Pinnacle Awards by Kimberly Shoaf, President, Mexico Beach Community Development Council.

Videography by The Workmans