-Compiled and edited by Shawn Nowlin
Who is Chelsea Lewis, and how would you describe yourself to someone who has never met you?
I am a strong, resilient, loving and optimistic person. The type of person who is always willing to help others, especially those in need.
Where were you born and raised? What was your upbringing like?
Being born and raised in Roanoke means that I am truly homegrown. My parents – Danny and Marlene Starkey (Hamlette) – made sure we attended church every Sunday, Monday and Wednesday. We also volunteered for community events on the weekend. Growing up, I spent a lot of time with my Grandmother Elsie. She lived in Wirtz, Virginia. Going shopping to get food for dinner and working in the garden were always a great time. Looking back, I was raised with so much love.
After high school, what was the next chapter of your life?
At this point in my life, I didn’t know what my next steps would be. I felt that not having a plan would just waste money in the long run. I eventually went into the nursing field and got my certificate to become a nursing assistant. Giving birth to my first child at 19 changed a lot of things in my life. As I matured, I began to find my niche in the insurance industry.
What is your official title, and what do your responsibilities consist of?
I am the owner of Elsie’s Grand Retirement Solutions. I am a licensed health, life and annuities broker. I help people understand retirement and hold their hands on how to properly set up a stress-free plan while instructing them to know how to pass on generational wealth.
How important is family to you?
Family is extremely important to me! I do believe family is not just blood; it’s community too. So many wonderful people have had a positive impact on my life over the years. My village is my family, and I’m so fortunate to have them in my life.
If you were building the ultimate music playlist for a six-hour road trip, which artists would be on it?
Pastor Mike Jr., Maverick City, Andre Taylor, Larnell Starkey & the Spiritual Seven, China Styles, Joy Rhodes, Anderson Paak, Silk Sonic and Beyonce would be on the playlist for sure.
What are some of your favorite City of Roanoke memories?
Attending the Henry Street Festival with loved ones. The same goes for watching various choirs on stage and seeing people support each other in the community. When I was a child at Kingdom Life Ministries, we would all get together before Christmas to drink hot chocolate and make memories.
And summer camp at Eureka Park was never a dull moment. We would walk from my grandmother’s house to camp and stay there long after 5 p.m. because we were having so much fun.
What are some of your hobbies?
Teaching my children about Black History, reading self-improvement books and watching history movies, just to name a few.
Which people have had the biggest impact on your life outside of family?
My partner, Raymond Robinson, immediately comes to mind. This man has poured so much into my life and business. I also go back to that village that I mentioned in a previous question.
If you could go back and give your younger self some advice, what would it be?
Give all your hopes, dreams and heart desires to God. Let him order your steps. You are enough, so walk with him and it will save you a lot of pain and heartache. Life is like fine wine…it gets better with time. And start saving your money for your future as soon as you can to leave a legacy for generations to come.
