Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelsea Thompson.
Hi Chelsea, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Growing up, I always loved to watch talk-shows or reality shows and would rehearse lines aloud in my room behind closed doors. Always the director, never the actor, I even remember choreographing backyard talent shows with my brothers as a young girl! Bossing them around for missteps or stumbles. Whether it was Conan, Letterman, Leno Oprah or Fallon- there was something so special to me about a sit-down, face-to-face conversation that incorporated laughter, witty repartee, meaningful discussion and of course, silly “get to know you” games. I grew up in the Northside of Houston and went to Klein Forest Highschool. This passion started as early as freshman year of high school.
During that time, made the morning announcement team, became the first sportscaster to announce players at the beginning of each game and then went on to announce at homecoming and graduations too. I got my first (and current) job out of college at CBS Austin & Telemundo News-KEYE42 here in Austin Texas and I found myself watching a lot of daytime TV and daydreaming about sitting in a chair next to Ellen, Steve Harvey and Stephen Colbert or better yet- being the next one. If it’s possible to say the words “positive” and “2020” in the same breath, this year has renewed a spark in me that cannot die out. It has reassured me that life is too short and unpredictable to sit around doing things that just make you feel average. It was time to start my own show. I am passionate about creating an environment where any and everyone can come to fill their cup. I started CHELSEATTV with the intention to create, inspire and most importantly, give others an the opportunity to share their message.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not! Being a self-made Talk Show Host while also having a full-time job has its own challenges. I not only host my show myself but produce, edit and do a lot of the behind-the-scenes takes on my own. It takes A LOT of planning and the demand for smart-budgeting is mandatory- if not vital to the success of my show. But the feedback has been overwhelming and the support that my viewers have shown me is what keeps me going. Like most entrepreneurs, business owners or individuals starting something that their passionate about, I am still learning and embrace every setback, bad take, shot and/or word stumble. The biggest lessons that I have learned so far is if you’re passionate about something, you’ll definitely find a way to get it done. I have also learned a thing or two about setting a schedule and being self-disciplined. The biggest lesson though, is that life truly is about connections and networking and though 2020 has been challenging to get out and about- utilizing social media and whatever resources you can to put your name out there and to let your voice be heard is possible!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I work at CBS Austin News as a Marketing Associate and also work with our Lifestyle Show, called “We Are Austin” which airs live M-F from 9-10 am. At only 21 years old- this was my first job out of college and I have been with the company now for over three years. I am most proud of myself for landing this job directly after graduating and for being their youngest employee. I started off and got my foot in the door as a Sales Assistant and have been climbing the ladder ever since. I have done my own segments on the morning show- and met hundreds of local business owners, philanthropists, non-profit organization leaders, community service leaders, authors, CEO’s, athletes, artists/creatives and more throughout the way. I am also one of the only African American women that work in this company so I am proud of that.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
AUTHENTICITY is the first and most important characteristic in my opinion. To be successful in this world, it’s vital that you be genuine and truly yourself. Especially when it comes to on-air/lifestyle/talk show settings where your personality is or could be perceived by all sorts of people. After that, I believe honesty, outgoingness and of course relatability are all incredibly important qualities and characteristics to express. When you have a relatable struggle or experience to those watching you, it makes for an incredible story and helps motivate others because they see that they are not alone in whatever fight, battle or internal hump they are trying to get over.
Contact Info:
- Email: chelseattv@gmail.com
- Website: chelseattv.com
- Instagram: @chelseattv
Image Credits
Christopher Steinke @stankxm marshall tidrick @marshalltidrickphoto
