The Girl Behind My Grand Rapids Life
Six years ago, a conversation over a beer at Brewery Vivant completely changed my life.
Hi, I’m Chelsea! 👋
At the time, I was working as an Inside Sales Representative and, if I’m being honest, I wasn’t in the best place. I needed something creative. Something that brought me joy. With a degree in Television & Digital Media Production, creativity had always been a huge part of who I was, and I missed having an outlet where I could create, tell stories, and connect with people.
My husband Tyler and I are Monk Club members at Brewery Vivant, and whenever we’d strike up conversations with visitors sitting at the bar, we’d inevitably end up talking about all of our favorite Grand Rapids spots. Restaurants, coffee shops, breweries, events, you name it.
Before long, people would ask, “Do you have a blog where all of this is written down?”
The funny thing?
I didn’t.
I knew almost nothing about blogging. Social media? Also not my thing back then. But I thought…why not?
So I bought a domain, started sharing places I loved, and hoped a few people would find it helpful.
That little creative outlet has now grown into something I never could have imagined.
And six years later…here we are.
More Than a Blog
What started as a hobby has become one of the greatest joys of my life.
My Grand Rapids Life has introduced me to incredible local business owners, talented creators, passionate community leaders, and so many wonderful people who love this city just as much as I do.
It’s become my way of giving back to the community that’s given me so much.
One of the greatest compliments I can receive isn’t a like, a comment, or a follower.
It’s hearing a local business tell me, “Someone came in because they saw your post.”
That never gets old.
Knowing that something I shared helped a small business welcome a new customer is exactly why I keep doing this.
Then I Became a Mom ❤️
In 2024, my greatest adventure began when our son, was born.
Motherhood has completely changed the way I experience Grand Rapids, and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Before Mason, grabbing coffee was a quick midday pick-me-up.
Now it’s a mommy-and-son coffee date.
A trip downtown isn’t just about me anymore. It’s about watching him point excitedly at murals, splash in fountains, discover a new playground, or wave at every dog we pass.
Seeing Grand Rapids through his eyes has made me fall in love with this city all over again.
These days, you’ll find a lot more family adventures mixed in with coffee shops, restaurants, festivals, and local events…and I have a feeling that journey is only just beginning.
Why You Can Trust My Recommendations
One thing you’ll quickly learn about me is that I only share places I’ve actually experienced.
If I’m recommending a restaurant, I’ve eaten there.
If I’m telling you about an event, I was there.
If I’m showing you a coffee shop, odds are I ordered a latte, took way too many photos, and probably left with a pastry too.
About 98% of the photos you’ll see here are my own because I want you to experience Grand Rapids through my eyes, not through stock photos or someone else’s experience.
When I recommend something, it’s because I genuinely loved it and think you will too.
A Little About Me
Outside of exploring Grand Rapids, I’m also a full-time Content & Communication Manager. Creating content has always been my passion, whether it’s producing training videos, building websites, designing presentations, or telling stories online.
When I’m not working or exploring, you’ll usually find me spending time with my favorite people.
I met my husband Tyler back in middle school, although we didn’t start dating until after high school. We got married in 2019, and he has been my biggest supporter through every crazy idea I’ve ever had…including this one.
And then there’s Mason, my little adventure buddy and best friend. Exploring Grand Rapids with him has become one of my greatest joys.
A Few Fun Facts
- ☕ My favorite coffee shop is Scorpion Hearts Club.
- 🍗 I will almost always order chicken at a restaurant.
- 🎃 Fall is my absolute favorite season. Give me pumpkin spice, cozy sweaters, colorful leaves, and all things spooky.
- ❄️ World of Winter is my favorite annual Grand Rapids event.
- 🔤 I can say my ABCs backwards (yes, really!).
Behind the Camera
I’m still awkward filming in public.
Seriously.
Even after six years, I still wonder if people are watching me while I’m talking to my camera.
I also tend to focus on sharing one amazing place at a time instead of giant “Top 25” lists because I get so excited about telling the full story. (I’m working on becoming better at those guides…promise!)
But I think that’s what makes My Grand Rapids Life feel different.
When I share a place, I want it to feel like you’re getting a really long text from a friend that says:
“Okay…you HAVE to check this place out!”
That’s exactly how I hope every article, reel, and post feels.
Looking Ahead
My dream is simple.
I’d love to make My Grand Rapids Life my full-time career someday.
I want to continue building helpful guides, discovering hidden gems, supporting local businesses, and creating resources that make exploring Grand Rapids easier and more exciting for everyone.
As our family grows and Mason grows alongside this adventure, you’ll probably notice even more family-friendly recommendations, local events, weekend itineraries, and guides to help you make the most of this amazing city.
I truly believe Grand Rapids has something for everyone, and I can’t wait to keep discovering it with you.
Thanks for Being Here
Whether you’ve been following along since the beginning or you just stumbled across My Grand Rapids Life today…
Thank you.
Thank you for supporting local businesses.
Thank you for cheering me on.
Thank you for exploring this incredible city with me.
I hope when you leave this page, you don’t feel like you’ve just read an “About Me.”
I hope you feel like you’ve made a new friend.
So grab a coffee, browse around, subscribe to the newsletter, and let’s go explore Grand Rapids together.
Let’s Be Friends!
