Who Are You?
I’m Chelsie, a 30 year old, freelance writer and Founder of Matchstick Moms. I’ve been published in HuffPost, Blavity, HelloGiggles, Whyy and EBONY Magazine. I'm a mother to a three-year-old girl, which is by far my favorite title.
Where do you currently reside?
I’m forever a New Yorker, but I currently live in Philadelphia.
How long have you been writing professionally?
I started writing professionally shortly after quarantine began. I had my first published piece the summer of 2020. So in reality I’ve been writing less than a year!
Who or what inspires you to write when inspiration is lacking?
My village constantly inspires me. From my husband calming me down when I’m lacking ideas or facing a deadline with a writers block, to my best friend Jorge, always on FaceTime to bounce ideas off of. My daughter sneaking in, giving me cookies and kisses while I write. Knowing that I’m using my voice, so that she always knows she can use her voice, that’s what inspires me. I’m also, constantly calling my mom and dad for advice and encouragement.
When did you or will you know you’ve arrived as a writer?
I think about this a lot. I don’t think I will ever truly arrive as a writer. As writers, we are such creative beings, hungry to get our words and next story out to the world. For me, success in writing or in whatever I do, will always be a constant journey. Always striving for the next byline.
What piece of writing are you most proud of and why?
I’m most proud of my next piece. The one I haven’t written yet. The next story that moves my soul and I know I need to tell. Unwritten words that you work through to find and get down on the paper are something to be the most proud of.
Do you have any current published pieces?
I have two current pieces published. One in HelloGiggles and one in EBONY Magazine.
Long, Acrylic Nails Aren't New—Society Just Used to Call Them "Ghetto"
Self-Care for Black Moms Who Considered Breaking When The Pandemic Was Enuf
What is your favorite quote from yourself or from your favorite writer?
“Tokenism is the concept that companies and institutions hire and admit Black people to convey the illusion of diversity and inclusion. More often than not, we are undervalued. Our ideas are second guessed because we are not there for our minds, we are there for our melanin. Decoration for a narrative. A tool used to atone for decades of segregation and white guilt.”
What does being a Black woman identifying writer mean to you?
It means the world to me to be a Black woman writer. For so long our demographic has been unheard, unseen and our voices have often been ignored. I write to tell not only my story, but the story of other Black women and mother, because I know I am not alone in what I’ve felt or been through.
What do you wish you knew before embarking on this journey?
I wish I knew how intoxication writing would become for me. How dedicated I would be. It’s a beautiful ride, but freelancing is hard. Hearing ’no’ is hard.
What do you do when you’re not writing?
When I’m not writing (even when I am writing) I’m raising my three year old daughter; Aria. I’m typically getting snacks or cleaning up toys.
Any last words?
To the writers: never give up. Never stop using your gift to amplify your voice. Never stop telling the stories you believe in.
How can people keep in touch with you?
You can follow me on Instagram!
