We had the good fortune of connecting with Chelsey Victoria and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Chelsey, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Honestly its extremely hard to maintain balance in my life but I am a strong believer in chasing all of my dreams and not just some. I have to balance my “job”, 2 businesses, family, and music career. I try not to make excuses. Sometimes I find myself procrastinating and I have to force myself out of it. You have to stay focused on what you want out of this life. My favorite quote is Eric Thomas, “When you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe then you’ll be successful.” My brand is “Paid and Pretty” which means I have to get to the BAG!! Before I made my brand there were a multitude of women claiming to be pretty and paid, but I stress the fact that the money comes first then we get pretty immediately after. #BALANCE
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Everything I create is meant to reflect a journey of power, femininity, and resilience. I started performing at a young age, using music as a way to express the complex environment I grew up in. That passion evolved into becoming a multi-dimensional creative, launching projects like Summerland Baby, which honors my Mississippi roots and my rise in Atlanta, and Paid & Pretty, a lifestyle brand for women who work hard and show up beautifully doing it.
It wasn’t easy. I faced discouragement, lack of resources, and moments where I questioned everything. But I kept pushing. I leaned into learning—through finance (bachelors degree, licensed life insurance agent, and entrepreneurship)—and built my own platforms when others wouldn’t give me a seat at the table. Those lessons taught me grit, timing, and that my story is valuable.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I grew up in Atlanta so we would have to go to Ponce City Market, TEN ATL Jazz Lounge, Lenox Mall, Massage Etoile (Spa), Breakfast at Barneys, Party of 5, and of course dinner at Pasha or Knife. Be sure to check out Simple Outlook for the deals on everyday items. For nightlife we would go to Revel, Candyland, Opium, Palo Santo, El Malo, Rose Bar, Babylon ( Afterhours ), Josephine Lounge, Suite Lounge, Vods, ETC.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate this story to the paid and pretty women all across the globe. The women who work hard and make sacrifices everyday to be successful. The women who do not make excuses. The women who have early mornings and late nights. Definitely the single mothers, nurses, and entrepreneurs working long shifts to provide for their family. This life does not come with a rule book which is why I created Paid and Pretty as an opportunity for women of similar walks in life to come together. This lifestyle brand provides all necessities for a hustling woman; planners, scrubs, coffee mugs, water bottles, active wear and more. I am also creating a lifestyle blog for testimonials and weekly updates, creating the idea of community. This brand is for the women who are ready to take control of this life. #PaidandPretty
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