We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cece Heath. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with CECE below.

Cece, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

The idea for Amazing Soldiers came from my own experiences as a caregiver. I was caring for my father, a disabled Marine veteran, while also helping raise my young nephew. At the time, I didn’t know anything about VA benefits, caregiver support, or where to find resources. When I moved from Michigan to Texas, I met other caregivers who were struggling with many of the same challenges. I realized that caregivers were often the backbone of the household, but many felt forgotten and didn’t know where to turn for help.

In December 2016, I decided to do something about it. I didn’t have a business plan or a background in running a nonprofit. I just knew I wanted to help people. So I started researching, asking questions, building relationships in the community, and learning as I went. One step led to another, and Amazing Soldiers was born.

Then in 2017, something happened that I never expected. A young Navy veteran who was also a rapper approached me and asked me to manage him. I laughed and told him, “I don’t know anything about managing artists.” His response was, “I don’t need you to know everything. I’ve watched how you help people, and I trust you. I want you to take a chance on me, and I’ll take a chance on you.”

That conversation changed the direction of my life. What started as helping one veteran pursue his dream turned into an artist management company, which eventually became Royal Court Records. Just like with the nonprofit, I learned by doing. I connected with people in the industry, attended events, sought out mentors, and kept learning.

One mentor who made a lasting impression on me was Roame, known to many music fans as “Maze,” from the legendary group Frankie Beverly & Maze. I remember him telling artists, “If there are five people in the audience, perform like there are five thousand.” That lesson stayed with me because it wasn’t just about music; it was about giving your best, no matter the circumstances.

Looking back, neither Amazing Soldiers nor Royal Court Records started with a perfect plan. Both started with relationships, faith, and a willingness to learn. Over time, the two organizations began to complement each other. Through music, I saw veterans and artists encourage one another, share their experiences, and find support during difficult times. What began as two separate ideas eventually became two organizations focused on helping people find hope, purpose, and community.

CECE, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Chandra “CeCe” Heath, and I am the Executive Director of Amazing Soldiers, Inc. and the Ceo of Royal Court Records LLC. While these are two very different organizations, they were both built from the same place: a desire to help people navigate life’s challenges and discover opportunities they might not otherwise have.

My journey into the nonprofit sector began through personal experience as a caregiver to my father, a disabled Marine veteran. As I tried to navigate benefits, resources, and support services, I quickly realized how difficult the process could be for veterans and their families. That experience opened my eyes to the needs of caregivers, veterans, and underserved families, which ultimately led me to launch Amazing Soldiers, Inc. in 2016.

Through Amazing Soldiers, we work to connect veterans, caregivers, and families with resources that promote stability, growth, and independence. Our programs focus on areas such as food insecurity, housing assistance, supportive services, and community engagement. At our core, we believe no one should have to face life’s challenges alone.

My journey into the music industry happened unexpectedly. In 2017, a young Navy veteran asked me to manage his music career. I had no background in artist management, but I believed in helping people pursue their goals. What started as artist management eventually evolved into Royal Court Records, an independent label focused on artist development, branding, marketing, and career growth for independent artists.

One thing that makes both organizations unique is that they often intersect. Over the years, I have seen firsthand how music can be a powerful tool for healing, self-expression, and connection. Through collaborations between artists and veterans, I’ve watched people encourage one another, build confidence, and find support through shared experiences.

What I’m most proud of isn’t a title, award, or business milestone. It’s the relationships we’ve built and the lives we’ve impacted along the way. Whether it’s helping a veteran access resources, supporting a caregiver who feels overwhelmed, or helping an independent artist take the next step in their career, those moments matter most to me.

If there’s one thing I’d want people to know about me, it’s that I didn’t start either organization because I wanted to own a nonprofit or a record label. I started them because I saw needs in my community and believed that even small actions can make a meaningful difference. Everything I do is rooted in service, relationships, and helping people see possibilities beyond their current circumstances.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

I believe people do their best work when they feel valued, respected, and included. For me, maintaining morale starts with open communication, recognizing people’s contributions, and making sure everyone understands how their role connects to the bigger mission.

I’ve also learned that a simple thank you and genuine appreciation can go a long way. When people feel supported and know their work matters, they’re more likely to stay motivated and invested in the team.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

For me, the best source of new clients and connections has always been relationship-building. Some of the most valuable opportunities have come from simply talking to people, whether that’s at an airport, in a hotel lobby, at a community event, or through everyday conversations. You never know where a genuine connection might lead.

Networking events, chamber of commerce memberships, and staying involved in local community and state events have also been incredibly beneficial for both Amazing Soldiers and Royal Court Records. I’ve found that people do business with people they know, trust, and have built relationships with, so I’ve always focused on making authentic connections rather than just looking for the next client.

Contact Info:

• Website: WWW.ROYALCOURTRECORDS.COM, WWW.AMAZINGSOLDIERS.ORG
• Instagram: @ROYALCOURTRECORDS
• Facebook: ROYAL COURT RECORDS
• Yelp: ROYAL COURT RECORDS

Image Credits
Christen “CoCo” Valentine, Ryan Pena & Ron Fontenot