The entertainment industry was male-driven years ago. Lately, women have been unapologetically changing the game. The ladies have been doing it all from; video production to movie production, and music management to opening PR agencies, and now Chelsea Smith also known as Chelsea Speaks is opening doors literally. Chelsea, owner of 101TKO Radio, is here to set the record straight on just what being an entrepreneur looks like. Recently FEMI had the chance to sit down and speak with her, and here’s what she had to say.
FEMI: You’re a Jill of all traits, when you first started your station, what was the motivation?
CHELSEA: My motivation has always been to be seen, heard, and known for being one of the best at what I do in media. Simple.)
FEMI: The entertainment industry used to be male-dominated but now females have emerged and changing the game. How do you feel about being referred to as a “game changer”?
CHELSEA: Being referred to as a “game changer” is an honor. To really make an impact in this world, you have to bring change.
FEMI: Entrepreneurship is a full-time job. How do you navigate and balance it all?
CHELSEA: Navigating entrepreneurship, to me, means there may not always be “balance” and you have to be okay with that. I believe there’s a certain point where navigating entrepreneurship becomes a combination of consistent prayer, having adaptive strategies, and taking moments for yourself. For all the things that I’m blessed to do, my main source of navigating life, in itself, is my relationship with God and trusting my discernment. It lets me know when to do things and when not to. That’s MY balance. Altogether, I believe balance looks different for everyone.
FEMI: In addition to being an on-air personality, you’re an author as well. Let’s talk about that. How did that come about?
CHELSEA: Becoming a radio personality and becoming an author have always been intertwined, for me. As a radio personality, our main role is to be accurate journalists, which requires lots of writing. Well, so does a book. Simply put, I didn’t allow my creativity to stop just in media. I wanted to show my creativity and my intellect through my books, as well. Overall, I’m a big communicator, no matter the outlet.
FEMI: You have shown complete dedication to perfecting your craft, what all would you say you’ve had to sacrifice to keep going?
CHELSEA: More than anything, the thing I’ve sacrificed the most is people. I say that because when I first started, I had lots of people around me but as I grew to become more focused, I realized that some of those relationships had to be “sacrificed”. However, looking back, I don’t regret any of the sacrifices I’ve made bc they’ve made me who I am, today.
FEMI: What lessons have you learned throughout your journey?
CHELSEA: Throughout my journey, I’ve learned that it’s okay to be vocal about where I stand and what I don’t stand for as a business woman. I think this lesson translates to every other area of my life.
FEMI: If you could give advice to sixteen-year-old Chelsea, what would it be?
CHELSEA: Girl, keep your credit straight and your bag, right! You’re going to need it!
FEMI: What do you feel is the best advice you can give someone wanting to take your chosen career path?
CHELSEA: The best advice, I believe, is to lean in and develop the muscle of consistency.
FEMI: What do have coming up?
CHELSEA: Coming up, I have our Holiday events at PRIVI Event Center at Stonecrest, my new children’s book series, and of course, my heart, my Women Are DOPE Experience, coming 4/20/24!!
FEMI: What legacy do you want to leave?
CHELSEA: The legacy I want to leave… “Speak the truth, even if your voice shakes!”- Maggie Kuhn
Well, there you guys have it. Those were some really insightful answers. Honestly, we could all relate. Chelsea, we appreciate you. Continue being on your grind and paying the way. We need more boss babes out here changing the narrative for the culture.
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