Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelsi Stancil.
Hi Chelsi, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I started acting about 16 years ago at the beginning of high school. I would volunteer at different museums and art centers for service hours and always ended up in an acting troupe or presentation of some sort. I’ve always been “The Speaker” of the group; always ready to take the simple presentations to the next level. After many voluntary performances, I noticed my ability to quickly adapt to different characters and the unspeakable joy I felt every time I would perform. I knew it was something I needed to pursue. So that’s exactly what I did. I went to college for my bachelor’s and master’s degree in Acting. I figured if I am going to be a successful actress, I need to study this craft in and out and learn everything I can to become the best actress I can be. After completing my Master’s degree, I moved to Los Angeles to pursue my career on a professional level. I knew that if I wanted to do film and television I had to go where it thrives most. Five years later I’m still here living out my dream. God has blessed me tremendously so far, the rest still unwritten.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Smooth road? What is that?!? From learning a completely new city to adapting to a new culture, unwavering traffic, dealing with rejection, to the dry seasons of not booking, to loneliness from being away from friends and family, to balancing finances in between gigs, it has definitely been a not so smooth journey for me. I wouldn’t have it any other way though. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 I recite this scripture every time a new obstacle arises. I’ve learned that the challenges will come, it’s inevitable. Once I learned that I realized I needed to shift my response and perspective when the detours arise. Especially in an industry such as entertainment, you have to learn to manage or pivot with the struggles or you will allow them to destroy you. I’ve also learned to take a deeper look at the obstacles and see the lesson in it. Every lesson I’ve come across has always been attached to a blessing. I can go all the way back 5 years ago and skim across the timeline of all of my struggles and I can always see a thread of blessings that are connected to those lessons. So, I’m grateful for my bumpy road, it’s only preparing me for all of the amazing blessings that are in the near future!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am an actress and model here in Los Angeles, CA. I have been in multiple commercials, short films, online print ads, billboards, industrials, fashion shows, and music videos. At this moment, I am known for my Chevy commercials and my Stella Rosa Wine Company billboards. I am most proud of the Chevy commercials. I call that experience the Hollywood Connection, simply because I booked those commercials by networking on a completely different commercial set. I always say, “You never know who’s watching.” We meet so many people on set and you just never know who you are speaking to. A simple conversation with a producer on set, who noticed my work on one commercial turned into two major Chevy commercials, as the spokeswoman! That’s what I call a true Hollywood Connection. The thing that sets me apart is that I am a light. I walk into every room knowing that there is a purpose for me there. Whether that is to book the role or book the room; there is something there for me. Even outside of acting, I am me. There is no one with my DNA and I am uniquely and wonderfully made, so I bring something different in every room that I walk in. I know that God has gone before me, so I just bring me and let God handle the rest.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
The best advice I can give is to stay grounded, work for what you want, and don’t give up on your dreams. Stay grounded in your beliefs and stay true to who you really are. Hollywood can be a lot and sometimes it can make you evolve into a completely different person. You have to hold onto people who can keep you grounded and remind you who you truly are. They will surely come in handy throughout this journey. When I say work for what you want, I mean really work for what you want. Not the “Look good for a picture and go back to the couch after” work, but the real blood, sweat, and tears work. There is so much to learn about this industry and so much work to be done, but you won’t know unless you put your whole self into it. Stay in the rooms where it is happening, do the research on people who are doing the things you want to do, and work on your craft every single day. Don’t just think about the work, DO IT! Finally, do not give up on your dreams. It may require more work, longer hours, more sacrifices, and it may take longer than others, but don’t give up. If God placed a dream on your heart that you just can’t seem to shake, go after it with everything in you. DON’T GIVE UP!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chelsi_stancil/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chelsi.stancil
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC890-uYRiCV4lFKBkdxm_6Q
Image Credits
Brandon Tabiolo
Aryka Randall
Normandy Europa
Aryka Randall.
