Meet Chantrel Reynolds

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

Chantrel, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

I’ve often found myself as the only person of color in the room, particularly in the country music space. At first, it was intimidating, and I wrestled with feeling out of place. But over time, I learned to turn that isolation into an opportunity to amplify not just my voice but the voices of others who aren’t represented.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to stand firm in my authenticity. I realized that my perspective—rooted in my lived experiences as a Black woman from the South—is valuable and necessary in reshaping the narratives within country music. I started by embracing the discomfort, using it as fuel to be deliberate and thoughtful about how I contribute. When you’re the only one in the room, your voice carries weight, and I’ve learned to speak up for what I believe in, even when it feels risky.

I’ve also leaned into the power of collaboration. Early on, I worried about being dismissed or misunderstood, but I discovered that trusting the people around me and giving them the chance to support my vision made all the difference. By building strong relationships, I’ve been able to foster allies who stand with me and help amplify the mission of Equal Access.

Lastly, I keep the bigger picture in focus. I’m not in this space for my own comfort; I’m here to open doors for others. My goal is to ensure that I’m not the last or only one in the room who looks like me. It’s about creating pathways for more underrepresented voices in country music to thrive. That mission keeps me motivated, reminds me why I started, and helps me move forward, even when the road feels uphill.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I wear two hats that align perfectly with my passion for amplifying creativity and underrepresented voices. I’m the founder of Chantrel & Co, a creative agency that specializes in creative direction, video production, design, and experiential events. At Chantrel & Co, I work closely with artists and creative entrepreneurs, helping them transform their visions into tangible realities. Whether it’s crafting a visually stunning music video, designing a brand identity, or curating unforgettable live experiences, I thrive on bringing big dreams to life in ways that feel authentic and impactful.

I’m also the manager of Equal Access, an artist and manager development program dedicated to empowering underrepresented voices in country music. This mission is incredibly close to my heart because I’ve personally experienced the challenges of navigating spaces where I’ve felt unseen or underestimated. Through Equal Access, we aim to break down barriers and ensure that diverse stories and talents have a seat at the table in the country music industry.

What excites me most about the work I do is the ability to create spaces where creativity and representation flourish. Seeing an artist or entrepreneur light up when their dream comes to life is the most rewarding part of my work. Whether it’s a visually stunning campaign, an inclusive music showcase, or a mentoring program that changes the trajectory of a career, every project we take on is a step toward building a more equitable and inspiring creative landscape.

This year, I’m particularly excited to keep growing Chantrel & Co and work with more artists and companies to celebrate storytelling in all its forms. On the Equal Access side, we’re starting our fourth year and growing the family even more.

At the heart of everything I do is a belief in the power of creativity to change lives and the responsibility we all have to ensure that everyone has a chance to be heard. If you’re looking to bring your vision to life or join us in building a more inclusive creative industry, I’d love to connect!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back on my journey, three qualities have been most impactful: resilience, creativity, and relationship-building. These have not only shaped my path but have also been instrumental in helping me overcome challenges and build meaningful opportunities for others.

Resilience
Resilience has been key in navigating spaces where I’ve often felt like the “only one in the room.” Early in my career, I learned that setbacks aren’t failures but opportunities to grow. Being a Black woman in industries where representation is lacking meant I had to consistently advocate for myself and my ideas. My advice? Learn to embrace challenges as stepping stones. Build your inner strength by focusing on your “why”—that bigger purpose that fuels you when things get tough. Surround yourself with people who remind you of your worth and keep pushing forward, even when the odds seem stacked against you.

Creativity
Creativity is at the heart of everything I do, from designing events to crafting strategies that empower underrepresented voices. For me, creativity isn’t just about thinking outside the box; it’s about looking at the box itself and questioning its purpose. For those early in their journey, my advice is to nurture your creative instincts. Stay curious, consume diverse content, and practice flexing your creative muscles daily—whether that’s brainstorming new ideas, experimenting with a project, or collaborating with others who inspire you. Creativity is like a muscle; the more you use it, the stronger it gets.

Relationship-Building
Building genuine connections has opened doors I didn’t even know existed. Relationships have helped me not only professionally but also personally, as they’ve allowed me to find allies who share my vision and want to see it succeed. My advice for those starting out? Prioritize authenticity in every interaction. Don’t just network—build real, meaningful relationships. Listen, show up for others, and give as much as you hope to receive. Relationships are a two-way street, and the best connections are built on mutual respect and shared goals.

Ultimately, my journey has taught me that these qualities—resilience, creativity, and relationship-building—work together. Resilience helps you keep going, creativity sets you apart, and relationships give you the support system you need to thrive. For anyone starting out, focus on developing these skills and staying true to yourself. Success is a journey, and every step, no matter how small, matters.

If you knew you only had a decade of life left, how would you spend that decade?

One challenge I’m currently facing is balancing growth with sustainability, both for my work at Chantrel & Co and as the manager of Equal Access. As both ventures expand, the demands on my time, energy, and resources have grown significantly. It’s a good problem to have—it means the work is resonating and making an impact—but it’s also a reminder that growth comes with its own set of challenges.

For Chantrel & Co, the challenge lies in scaling our services while maintaining the personal touch and high-quality creativity that our clients value. I want to ensure every artist or entrepreneur we work with feels seen, supported, and understood, even as our client base grows. For Equal Access, the challenge is building long-term infrastructure that allows the program to reach more people and have a deeper, lasting impact while staying true to its mission.

The biggest hurdle is ensuring I don’t lose sight of the “why” in the process. When things move quickly, it’s easy to get caught up in meeting deadlines and tackling immediate needs. My focus now is on building systems, finding the right collaborators, and ensuring that the growth is intentional and mission-aligned.

It’s a challenge, but it’s also an exciting opportunity to redefine what sustainable success looks like, not just for me but for the artists and communities I’m working to uplift.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.chantrel.co & www.equalaccessmusic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecocochantrel/ | https://www.instagram.com/chantrel.co/ | https://www.instagram.com/equalaccessmusic/

Image Credits

Kay Renee
Jade Griffin
Thomas Crabtree
Camille Hughes