Meet Chelsee Foster | Founder of CH3LS LLC: Artist, Entrepreneur, and Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chelsee Foster and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chelsee, how does your business help the community?
I have cultivated a conglomerate business revolved around performing and teaching. Let me explain; I have been a skating coach (ice/roller/hockey) for 15 years now. I have also been teaching vocal lessons since I graduated college with a music business degree focused in vocal performance. I have found that by following my dreams, I can spark a fire in others’ and ultimately help them follow those passions. As a competitive figure skater, I am armed with precision and artistry which carried over to my music career. I’m incredibly grateful to say, I haven’t worked a music licensing job in 5 years. I have instead been making a fulfilling living singing all over the world, sharing my fervor with anyone who will listen and connecting with everyone I meet. It’s the same feeling I had when competing at the figure skating nationals all those years ago. Whether it be instructing skating or singing, I enjoy witnessing my students overcome their fears, experiencing physical and emotional revelations, and overall some form of personal success.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Sure! My artist name is CH3LS, because I have 3 Es in my first name. Currently, my band and I are available for booking nationally: I’ve got a few original shows coming up and just played a cruise ship party in March! This last year I performed at all different kinds of events including motorcycle rallies, marinas, private parties and of course local venues. This includes curated cover sets and original showcases. Here in Nashville my band plays mostly at Kid Rock’s Big Ass Honkytonk and Tootsie’s world famous Orchid Lounge. As bandleader, I’ve acquired a vast network of musicians I can hire for shows. I’m known for being a ball of energy on stage! Even doing 4-hour shows throughout the week, I”m proud to say I always give it my all. People like the high kicks, spins, and matrix moves I do while singing. In addition, The Honky Tonk School offered me a steady position teaching vocal lessons. Now, I get to help the new singers that come onto the circuit! Naturally, I picked up coaching skating again as well to fill my soul with little dominoes and cutting edge hockey skills– working with kids is the best. Simultaneously I’ve been writing more of my own music, unveiling my true identity as an artist which is super exciting! I’ve released an EP and multiple singles over the last few years. Some recent ballads, which differ from my usual sound as a blues-rock powerhouse. Not to say, more groovy tracks are brewing. Keep your ear out for “Whiskey in a Wine Glass” and “Love on the Rocks” by CH3LS! I’m looking forward to the next chapter of my story, especially since I finally found a home here in Nashville and bought a house at 30, as a self employed single female nonetheless! You can do it too!

I would say my brand is connecting with people! In every aspect: as a performer, bandmate, or instructor. I’m so astronomically grateful and lucky to play with so many talented musicians that believe in me and my journey and vise versa. It’s a wonderful musical community that touches folks from all over the world. Most of the time we bring the joy of music and celebration. But sometimes we are able to connect through music on a deeper level. Everyone has hard times, and music is a natural healer. It somehow lets us relate to each other more directly than just words – hence the term universal language. I think that’s what sets me apart: I bare my soul on that stage. And if willing, people will let that into their souls. It’s a beautiful gift I wouldn’t trade for the world. I am most proud of every time someone tells me that my music made a difference to them-even if it was just for a moment. I’m grateful for that brief, real connection. From teaching skating or vocal lessons to performing on dream stages, I always try to find and provide serenity.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
This is a great question! I love hosting my friends when they come visit. Here’s a general Chelsee Tennessee itinerary:

Monday (because that’s when my week starts)
-Friends arrive, may be tired so I take them back to my lovely domain on the outskirts of nashville for a night in.
-Dinner, perhaps grilling or a bonfire and boardgames

Tuesday
-Show them the waterfall at the end of my street/get some hike and nature
-go into town for afternoon lunch at the Frothy Monkey, cuz, yum. and also coffee.
-Where I coach ice skating there’s s a park across the street. I would definitely swing with them prior to teaching.
-Take them to skate while I work and let them frolic, maaaaybe help if they can’t skate lol
-grab Jack’s BBQ on the way home

Wednesday (I’m off, so their choice)
-I would take a short road trip to some of the wonderful nature surrounding Nashville, such as Rock Island or Ruby Falls.
-Opry Mills especially if during winter
-A tour of the Ryman or Grand Ole Opry, to share the history of Nashville
-concert at Amphitheater or Bridgestone arena

Thursday
-I would show them Cumberland River, I know a few spots that lead to the water
-Lunch at Prince’s (I vote over Hattie B’s)
-Would show them where I record or have listen in on my vocal lessons taught from home, depending on my schedule
-Perhaps an escape game

Friday (my Monday)
-breakfast at waffle house – don’t judge me
-Listening Room to experience songwriting
-pedal tavern
-Downtown: workin till closing, so general tour but mostly Kid Rock’s unless they wander

Saturday (similar)
-I’ll cook some biscuits and gravy after sleeping in
-Nashville Zoo!
-Downtown: workin till closing, but bring them early to eat and watch a friend’s band

Sunday
-I would take them to East Nash first for some grub at Tower Deli, then maybe a picnic at the state capitol building
-Drop them off at Tootsie’s to peruse and end up on the other side of the strip at my show
-Perhaps shopping in the Gulch prior to departure

Just a few of my favorite things to share with visitors! So many of us are transplants or wanderers, but together we belong because of music.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate this article to my dad, who always taught me to stay disciplined, determined and focused to pursue a life worth living and never regretting. I thank my incredible mom who inspired me with the passion and love that was essential to my business. I also owe my success to skating, which includes my only mentor and coach: Shantell Autry; she taught me what I could be. Last but not least, every incredible musician I’ve been blessed to play with.

Website: http://ch3ls.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ch3ls.chelsee/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ch3lschelsee/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ch3ls.chelsee

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc9ZYh4Nv-s4gUywFv-pA1w

Image Credits
Mikki Foster Philip Rushmore Zan Frett Nate Milstein Marcus York Josh Kinds