Today we’d like to introduce you to Renee ChaCha.
Hi Renee, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My name is Reneé Settle aka ChaCha, and I am from Inglewood, CA. I am the youngest of three. My siblings, parents and community of grandparents, aunts and cousins shaped me to be ambitious and self-sufficient. My mother and her family are from Belize, which has been a key factor into shaping me and my lens in regards to how I see the world. As the youngest, I was determined to go far far away for college to establish my own identity. After attending Howard University and receiving my BFA, dance major (FINE FINE FINE….ARTS), my best friend and I packed our things to move to NYC. While in NYC, I danced for black-founded companies but more importantly made lots of mistakes personally, and financially. Once I left NYC to return home to Inglewood, my life changed. It was my mother’s breast cancer diagnosis that lit a fire in me like no other. That fire resulted in pursuing a lifestyle change in fitness and becoming a NASM CPT.
As a professional dancer, my lifelong job is to ensure movement is attainable for all bodies- inclusion. I believe it is important to be inclusive and compassionate no matter how tall, short, slender, thick, black, brown or anything in between. The idea of inclusion is what catapulted me to begin Catch Th3 Frequency. Catch Th3 Frequency is a tie-dye apparel company founded in Inglewood, CA. This company not only makes custom tie-dye apparel but also exists as a partner in the community hosting book, backpack and food drives. CTF gives scholarships to students (freshman or transfer) who have committed to furthering their education at an HBCU. My foundation of my family and the sense of community I had growing up, has inspired me to continue that for the next generations through sharing information on how to heal from generational trauma, financial hardships and personal pain. We are all we have.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road to growth has been jagged. The biggest roadblock has been myself. There are many times throughout this journey, that I allowed others to project their fears into my dreams. I have heard “that’s too expensive”, “that takes up too much time”, “that career path makes no money”, and I listened to them all. People are always going to have their opinions on what you should and should not do- and sometimes they are the closest people to you. My biggest struggle was in doing my internal work, which included going to therapy, mourning friendships I had to distance myself from, and missing out on the “fun stuff” because I needed to make a deadline (and not feeling guilty about it). The businesses that I am in, I hear NO way more than I hear YES. The struggle in hearing so many no’s and still waking up to pursue all aspects of my dreams takes confidence and discipline. However, in my journey, that confidence and discipline could only be established by sitting with myself and unpacking all the yucky things.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a professional dancer, a personal trainer and instructor at P.volve LA, and the founder of Catch Th3 Frequency. The thing that sets me apart from most is my passion. How you do one thing, is how you do everything. How I teach a class for one person, is how I teach it in a sold-out room. How I show up as a dancer and creative for a local artist, is the same as I would for the most popular artist. An order placed for one item from Catch Th3 Frequency is handled with the same care as a larger order. I am a compassionate person, but also someone who holds others accountable for their actions. At times my passion comes out in tears and sometimes laughter, but I believe I am set apart by my ability to feel. Feel for myself and others, and how to do everything from love and respect.
What makes you happy?
GOD. My family makes me happy. My siblings, Sheena and Stan II are my rocks. They have treated me with such respect, that I truly receive so much joy from being their little sister. My parents make me happy. They continue to show me that internal work has no age frame. I’m proud to see them making efforts in their personal growth. My grandmother, Marion Perez makes me happy. She is our Queen Mother. She continues to SHARE stories, and always at the right time- her vulnerability as she gracefully ages is unmatched. My Tia makes me happy. She has taught me how to do for others without reward or acknowledgment. Do the right thing. My cousins make me happy- for their support and tenacity. After all, they have gone through they continue to be compassionate and loving humans. Winnie, my new nieces, and nephew are the heartbeats. GOD and MY family will always be the root of my joy. You can’t take that away.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.catchth3frequency.com
- Instagram: @reneechacha
Image Credits
RCW Images by Rhapsody James Ocie Clelland Alex C.
