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

Chelsea, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.

Huntington’s Disease has impacted four generations of my family. When my Mom was diagnosed, after finding out she was at risk when meeting her birth mother, the reality hit that she could have passed on that gene to myself and my siblings.

This terrible disease is genetic and is passed down through families from one parent with a positive gene to offspring with a 50-50 chance.

I decided I wanted to be tested as soon as possible, which is usually 18 years old, unless you are showing juvenile onset symptoms of Huntington’s Disease. My reasoning behind this huge decision was because I wanted to plan my life accordingly depending on the results; I’m a planner through and through.

After psychiatric evaluations, meetings with genetic counselors, psychologists, and social workers, I took a simple blood test and waited for the results. Several weeks later, I remember going into that white room filled with health care professionals with my Mom and Dad by my side. We all wept with gratitude when the news was I was negative for the Huntington’s Disease gene.

Two more times I entered this room with my siblings awaiting the news. However, their news was different and we all wept.

Being the only sibling who did not inherit this genetic marker, I presented with a large degree of survivor’s guilt and I wished with all my heart I could trade my results with theirs.

As the years have passed, I have turned this deep guilt into a drive and passion to spread awareness for Huntington’s Disease. For ten years I have worked with organizations all over the world to spread a message of Hope to families coping with the effects of Huntington’s Disease.

We have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for medical research, support groups, and social workers that support those diagnosed, their families, and their caregivers. I have created viral videos titled “Let’s Talk About HD” that have reached audiences worldwide and won many awards. Just recently I was so honored to have been awarded “Most Impactful” at the Global Beauty Awards for my service for the Huntington’s community. I have been busy . . . but there is still SO much work ahead. We will find a cure.

That moment defined the trajectory of my life and I have dedicated my life to fighting this terrible disease.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am, foremost, an all girl Mom – so there is a lot of frills and pink at our house…and a lot of drama. I have been married to my high school sweetheart for the past 13 years and we have lived all over the Western United States loving every adventure and precious memory.

I am a decorated trail runner, professional painter and children’s book illustrator, Art History Teacher for grades 2nd – 8th, and am the social media coordinator for the Still She Rose Mental Health Wellness organization. I am also the “Queen of Support” for Pageant Planet, which is a global marketplace for the pageantry community. I am just a little busy to say the least.

I have dedicated my life to raising awareness for Huntington’s Disease and supporting the families affected. This year I was honored to be awarded the Presidential Volunteer Service Award, Oregon Mother of the Year, and “Most Impactful” by the Global Beauty Awards.

I look forward to walking in Paris Fashion Week next month for the amazing designer Robin Towle.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I have built my reputation in the pageant industry with my work ethic, grace, and service. Title or no title, I will always be of service to my fellow men showing that I’m not just in it for the crown. Win or loose, I always strive to show grace and kindness to those who have helped me along the way and my competitors – which usually turn into life long friends.

Be authentic. Be real. Be kind always.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I have learned in life is that sometimes they want an apple, but you are a dragon-fruit.

Especially in pageantry, you have to remember, it’s a business and they are looking for a spokes-model. Just because you were not chosen does not equivocate your worth. You are worthy crown or no crown and the opinions of others can not take that away.

Shine your light and never let it dull.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @chelswaltonroberts

Image Credits
Moda Chic Photography Kelly and Matt Photography