Today we’d like to introduce you to Chanta Robinson.
Hi Chanta, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hello beautiful soul, I am Chanta Shrese Robinson arising from the humble town of Johnson Corner, GA, located in Toombs County. I would like to start off by thanking God for everything He’s done, is doing, and will do. My journey started as me being a little curious country girl, and my mom always asking me what did I want to be when I grew up. Me and my family have faced many, many trials and tribulations and through it all, God has consistently opened new windows of creativity for me. The skills that I poses weren’t taught, they simply were effortless, self learned, natural characteristics, and I’ve used them all to express myself. From music in all avenues, health and beauty, math and science.
The gift of song is apart of my make. My late, beloved Grandfather placed the microphone in my hands at a very young age. Ever since that day he expressed that I could indeed sing, the choir director asked me to sing “Yes Jesus Loves Me”, and I have not stopped since. I always knew I was in some way set apart. I always knew that through song, I would be able to create an Ora of understanding, anointing, empathy, and empowerment. I understood my assignment as a vocalist, as a child. Throughout the years, I’ve been given vocal trainings and a great number of opportunities to perform in different parts of the United States and record whether it was televised church services, tv shows such as Disney channel, or in a studio. I’ve made it through rounds of tv shows such as America’s Got Talent, and Sunday’s Best, and have sang for different production companies. Now I am an independent recording artist with currently 5 singles on all music streaming platforms. I do indeed plan to continue leaving precious minutes of my gift behind as I move forward.
Hairstyling was also a gift I developed in my youth. I would never brag and say I’m the best because I always knew that, that too was a ministry of mine, yet I am still perfecting my craft. When I first started as a little girl, it was just another way to express myself, but I was actually good at it. I expanded throughout college and was given an opportunity to work in different salons, style for weddings, and many other special occasions. The motive of my business is to be accessible for individuals who have demanding lives, and make your grooming and beautification easy. Seeing my client’s hair growth makes me feel so blessed to have these hands. It has taught me the blueprints of owning an actual business, accountability, and self-reliance. My clients not only come to me to fix their crowns, they come to speak their minds, relax, and vibe to good music! I truly believe in encouraging someone to be their best. The life I speak into myself, I speak it into my clients, in return they also speak life into me, and our agreement leaves us blessed.
I obtain a bachelor’s degree in Biology from the illustrious institution, THE Fort Valley State University. During my educational journey at Fort Valley, I withheld interest in Optometry. Now, I currently work for one of the top 10 best Ophthalmology companies in the United States. In this field, we cater to individuals who have retina complications or chronic eye diseases that could cause blindness. Common diseases amongst our patients are ARMD (Age-Related Macular Degeneration) or my favorite acronym CSR (Central Serous Retinopathy). I believe “the eye is the light of the body”. I also believe that beauty lies in the eyes of its beholder. You can tell everything about an individual just by looking into their eyes, whether it’s spiritual, mental, or physical. This came about just by pretending that I couldn’t see in class in the 3rd grade. Education is very important to me. The knowledge is out there. Find your interest and commit to it. Education is much more broad than school alone. Educate yourself on self-respect, time and money management, responsibility, accountability and stability. Most importantly, get to know you! I must say, I take great pride in being a self-sufficient young lady, as well as knowing what I’m capable of.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
This ride has not been a smooth one at all. I have faced much adversity. Many obstacles have presented themselves mentally, spiritually, and physically. There have been days where I have wanted to give up on these, as some would say, “childhood dreams”, but these are the things I’ve walked in my entire life, and I know no other way. People have questioned my efforts in being an entrepreneur instead of pursuing a solid career, but I wanted both. The verbal abuse has come as a surprise at times I must say. I have been overlooked many times. Facing rejection to perform, or not receiving a golden ticket to go to Hollywood on American Idol, will make one want to give up. I have overcame health issues that could have taken me. I’ve overcame depression many days, and I have built myself up behind closed doors. I must say, losing my Grandfather is yet and still a hard pill to swallow.
When you are trying to self-teach yourself by maneuvering through different avenues that others are afraid to travel, people judge every little thing you do. In that position, all you can do is stay the course and continue to believe in yourself. I’ve lost clientele, but if I lost one, God would turn around and bless me with two more. I have honestly tried to stop everything and go a totally different route because of the lack of support and the fears of overworking myself, but it follows me. When I noticed that it was a part of who I am as an individual, I began to love it and embrace it even more. My gifts have made room for me and I am thankful. “Ye tho I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. For thou art with me. Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me…”-“Be strong and courageous for your work will be rewarded.”
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an artist, singer/songwriter , a hairstylist, and I have a career as an Ophthalmic Technician. I specialize in all three, and I am actually known for all three. I am most proud of everything that I do. I have my entire life to perfect these things, and I don’t mind doing just that. I believe in beauty. I believe in the vision. I am so proud of myself for being myself and doing these things at my own paste. I’m so proud of myself for learning how to handle each one of these gifts and adding on to them every single day. I am currently focusing on building these things to its fullest potential. The thing that made me happy was noticing that I now benefit off of everything that I spoke into existence as a child. Granted, it’s never about recognition, it’s just the simple fact of knowing that it’s all valuable in this life.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Throughout the Covid-19 crisis, I have learned to live. I have learned to continue to take life serious but enjoy it while I can. I have also learned that whether or not we are in a pandemic, take precautions for your health and stability. The things you do now will definitely affect you in the future. Understand the lessons in preparation, and you will continue to stand firm in the midst of adversity. Don’t be afraid to invest in yourself because everything you see, was once just a thought. Never give up, it may seem as though it’s not working, and the entire time, you are building your empire piece by piece and walking in your purpose. No matter what comes your way, keep moving forward. It may hurt, make you cry, make you wish you were never alive, but you have to continue to press towards the mark for the high calling of God in Jesus Christ. Thank you so much, for your time.
Contact Info:
- Email: chantarobinson95@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.styleseat.com/m/v/chantrobinson
- Instagram: @soulfullofshrese
- Facebook: Chanta Shrese
- Youtube: Chanta S. Robinson
- Other: https://music.apple.com/us/album/mmi-single/1529760463
Image Credits:
Braylon Bell Evisionaryproductions Chanta Robinson Quan Spivey Family and Friends
