Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelsea Alston.
Hi Chelsea; I’m so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, how can you bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
First, I’d like to thank you for allowing me to be a part of the inspiring local stories highlighted by Voyage Jacksonville Magazine. I am Chelsea Alston, born and raised in West Jacksonville. I graduated high school at Andrew Jackson High and received my esthetics license at FSCJ in 2015. I obtained my Associate of Science in Nursing and RN license in 2023 and began working as a new grad nurse in Fall 23′. I always knew I had a creative side growing up. I was placed in a TV production class in middle school, which sparked my love for the camera. I’ve always believed that I could do and make anything someone else could! In 2014, I discovered YouTube. It became my entertainment from sun up to sun down. Many of my family and friends would say things such as, “You should just create a channel” or “Why watch someone else’s vlog when you can create your own?” I didn’t have enough material to create long-form content, so I aimed for short-form content instead. I posted mini vlogs on TikTok at the tail end of 2021. Those video diaries introduced me to UGC (user-generated content). This has allowed me to receive paid and gifted brand collaborations where I’ve created ads and content for their socials. I hadn’t thought about gaining any income from social content. My focus was solely to capture what I admired with my camera in hand.
We all face challenges, but would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No smooth road at all; one thing I’ve struggled with is growth. After the last social media class I attended, I realized that my growth may be stifled because I’m not allowing my audience to know my personality by getting in front of the camera. Truthfully, I’ve always felt much more comfortable behind the camera. A part of this hesitancy stems from the self-consciousness I developed after having nerve damage from maxillofacial surgery in 2011. Of course, there are more hardships I’ve dealt with along the way. This happens to be the main struggle. Despite everything I’ve deemed a battle, I’m determined to use my resources to continue developing my brand. Every upload reminds me that it is time to rise to the occasion!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
What sets me apart is that I capture moments and experiences that allow people to learn about things they may have never been exposed to. I am multifaceted, as my work consists of creating videos about lifestyle, local activities, food, self-care, product reviews, travel, and more. For 2024, I aim to upload content centered around local adventures in the Jax area. Jacksonville is a huge city with many eateries and activities, and I’d like to discover and share those experiences. I’m truly proud of myself for showing up and allowing what comes naturally to make room for me!
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Yes, my latest favorite book is The Bible in 52 Weeks.
- Podcasts: Hardly Initiated, Dear Future Wifey
- Editing: CapCut, which allows me to place my creative spin on edits and play around with templates
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seeshaniq/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@Cshaniq?si=SGDBU_JvR5M0csFF
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@cshaniq
Image Credits
PHXJAX
