5 Apr 2022
- 5 Apr 2022
Journey Of An Original: With Chelcee Grimes
SPRING SUMMER 2022
Last week we introduced you to Pro BMXer and Olympian, Kye Whyte. Up next in our Journey of an Original series, we meet the talented Chelcee Grimes - singer/songwriter, footballer, TV presenter and podcast/radio host from Liverpool.
Join us in learning more about Chelcee’s journey, and how she’s making her mark of originality.
Chelcee styles the B.Intl Ballerio Knit and the B.Intl Pace Joggers.
How did you get started in both music and football? Tell us about your journey.
People always ask what comes first, the chicken or the egg? Football or music? For me, it was football. I was signed to Liverpool Ladies when I was 9 and played there up to the age of 16 before discovering that music and I could make a lot more money (given the way the women’s game was 10+ years ago). I signed to SONY RCA records when I was 19 and I’ve been lucky enough to be able to have careers in both industries. More recently, I've been doing more TV, radio and podcast hosting, but I love doing a bit of everything - it’s amazing for my ADHD.
What challenges have you had to overcome to get to where you are today?
Being the only girl in a boy’s football team, to being told I shouldn't have girls in my music video as my love interest because it would ruin my sales. It's been a rollercoaster but now I'm fully living authentic to me, and it feels amazing!
Chelcee styles the B.Intl Ballerio Knit with the B.Intl Nola Quilt.
What is your proudest moment?
I've had so many along the way. I honestly can't pick one. Being nominated for a Grammy for the Dua Lipa album Future Nostalgia, was insane. It went on to win best album at the Brits! Other proud moments include having my own Tedx talk, winning the league this season with my tier 3 club Merseyrail, playing soccer aid and recording in Abbey Road Studios for a week with Nile Rodgers... too many to choose from, and it's only getting better.
What is the best piece of advice someone has given you?
Rejection can be turned into PROjection. Every time something goes wrong or not specifically to 'plan', I now turn it into a positive. I always learn and never sit there feeling sorry for myself. I dust myself off and go again. That's something that the Istanbul 2005 Champions League final taught me when Liverpool were 3-0 down at halftime, and then went onto win. That was a valuable life lesson.
Chelcee styles the B.Intl Ballerio Knit and the Nola Sweatshirt.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Keep at it and do what feels right to you. Don't listen to people in suits, or the people in a boardroom. Nobody really knows anything, we're all just winging it. Good luck Kid!
Where do you find your inspiration?
All around me. Inspiration is everywhere. It could be from overhearing a conversation on a train, to personal experiences. I find inspiration from all walks of life really.
What makes you an original?
First and foremost, I'm an original scouser. I love where I come from, and people usually tell me they knew it was me they heard on the TV or the radio just because they hear my accent. I'm so proud of my roots and where I come from.
Chelcee styles the B.Intl Ballerio Knit.
Stay tuned on the Barbour International blog for the final story in our Journey Of An Original series, and shop Chelcee’s look from the SS22 Barbour International range here.
We’d love to hear how you live your life as an original like Chelcee, so share your stories with the hashtag #BadgeOfAnOriginal.