Meet Chelsea Sinke | Content Creator and Grand Rapids Blogger

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chelsea Sinke and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chelsea, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My venture into the blogging realm began unexpectedly during a casual chat at one of our go-to spots, Brewery Vivant in Grand Rapids. It was a typical night out with my husband Tyler, striking up conversations and making new friends at the bar. On this particular occasion, we overheard a couple deliberating their next destination, and our outgoing nature led us to jump in with a slew of recommendations. To our surprise, they suggested I share my insights through a blog or platform, considering the wealth of local knowledge we seemed to possess.

Initially brushing off the idea with a laugh, their comment lingered in my mind and gradually fueled the inception of my blog. Fast forward to the unprecedented events of 2020, when the world turned upside down, and local businesses faced existential challenges. Recognizing the need for support, I took the plunge, using my platform to spotlight the resilience of our community. The blog evolved into a hub for showcasing outdoor events, restaurants, and local establishments.

Since then, my dedication to cultivating a supportive community has only deepened. Every day brings new growth, and I take delight in uncovering hidden gems within Grand Rapids. It’s amusing to continually hear comments like “I had no idea Grand Rapids had such charming shops” or “I never knew this existed.” These observations fuel my passion to spotlight the greatness of Grand Rapids, sharing my unique perspective so that others can uncover the city’s treasures just as I have.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

What sets me apart in my blogging journey is my authentic and unfiltered approach. Unlike many who strive for perfect captions and flawless posts, my writing is driven by passion. As you may notice, I embrace the imperfections with occasional spelling and grammar errors, and my sentences might run a bit long. My blog posts and social media captions reflect my genuine excitement, mirroring conversations with my best friends. In my social bios, I proudly declare myself as your “New Grand Rapids Bestie,” embodying the friendly and approachable tone I bring to my content.

I am discerning in the campaigns I undertake, only choosing those that genuinely excite me. Authenticity is paramount, as my audience can easily detect when I’m not genuinely enthusiastic. I’ve turned down significant clients because staying true to myself and my followers is non-negotiable. This commitment, while challenging, has solidified the trust and connection with my audience.

The journey to this point in my blogging career has been far from easy. Maintaining a blog and social media presence demands considerable effort, and I manage it as a fun side gig alongside my full-time role as a Content Manager. In my full-time position, I create training videos and manage internal and external websites for my company. During the holidays, like many, I sought additional income and took on a part-time job at the mall. This aspect, I believe, sets me apart from other bloggers and influencers. Blogging isn’t my primary source of income, and I intentionally focus on events that are free to attend, affordable restaurants, and occasional visits to upscale places for special occasions. I strive to showcase a relatable lifestyle that resonates with the majority of my audience.

While I aspire for my blog to become a full-time endeavor in the future, my current status allows me to maintain a genuine and relatable connection with my audience, reflecting the reality of everyday life.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting the area, I would curate a week-long itinerary filled with diverse and delightful experiences. Given our mutual love for food, the journey would commence with a culinary adventure.

**Dinner Spots:**
1. **The Greenwell:** Casual and inviting.
2. **Stellas:** A local favorite for its charming ambiance.
3. **Butchers Union:** Ideal for a fancier night out.
4. **Matchbox:** A cozy spot with great vibes.
5. **Max’s South Seas Hideaway:** A unique and vibrant experience.
6. **Big O’s:** A laid-back atmosphere with fantastic options.
7. **Lindo Mexico:** Authentic Mexican cuisine.
8. **Bistro Bella Vita:** Perfect for a sophisticated dining experience.
9. **The Donkey:** A lively and eclectic choice.

**Breakfast/Brunch Spots:**
1. **Brown Butter Crepes:** A sweet and savory delight.
2. **The Cherie Inn:** A cozy brunch spot with a vintage feel.
3. **Social Misfits:** Quirky and fun.
4. **Wolfgangs:** Classic breakfast favorites.
5. **San Chez:** A tapas-style brunch experience.

**Drink Destinations:**
1. **House of Wine:** A haven for wine enthusiasts.
2. **Brewery Vivant:** A local brewery with a unique setting.
3. **Long Road Distillery:** Craft cocktails and spirits.
4. **The General Wood Shop:** A trendy spot with a great drink menu.
5. **IDC Bar:** A secret bar with a great view.
6. **Buffalo Traders:** A stylish venue for cocktails.
7. **Drip Drop:** Fancy Cocktails and moody vibes.
8. **GR Noir:** A wine bar with a jazzy vibe.
9. **Eastern Kille Distillery:** Craft spirits and a cool ambiance.

**Activities:**
1. Attend a Grand Rapids sporting event, such as a Grand Rapids Gold basketball game, Grand Rapids Griffins hockey match, or the new Grand Rapids Rise Women’s Volleyball game in the winter, or catch a West Michigan Whitecaps baseball game in summer.
2. Explore the Grand Rapids Public Museum.
3. Visit a local market for a fun and eclectic experience.
4. Attend a play at Civic Theatre.
5. Explore the Grand Rapids Art Museum.

**Coffee Shops:**
1. **Outside Coffee Co.:** A hip outdoor coffee spot.
2. **Morning Ritual:** A cozy spot for a morning pick-me-up.
3. **Stovetop Coffee Roasters:** A local favorite for coffee enthusiasts.
4. **Rowsters:** A trendy coffee experience.
5. **The Stray:** A charming coffee shop with a artsy atmosphere.

**Shopping:**
1. **Parooz, Covet, Commune:** Unique boutiques for eclectic finds.
2. **Books and Mortar:** A haven for book lovers.
3. **The Counting House, Rebel, Sticky Fingers:** Trendy and stylish shops.
4. **The Downtown Market:** A vibrant marketplace with diverse offerings.
5. **Black Cat Bodega, Fox Naturals:** Specialty stores for unique treasures.

It would undoubtedly be a bustling week filled with laughter, exploration, and great memories. The listed places are just the tip of the iceberg, as each destination is surrounded by even more charming shops and exciting spots waiting to be discovered!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have so many people to thank and recognize. My family and friends are the most supportive group of people I have in my life and always encourage my crazy ideas and always game to come to events with me. Anne DiVitto who runs Word Out Influencing she is always so kind and helping me get special campaigns and recommending me to you guys. Lydia Writes Good a local Marketing and Advertising agency for creating the most perfect logo for my brand, it has giving me so much confidence in my platforms and for my website.

Most importantly though I want to thank and recognize my amazing husband Tyler, without him always supporting me, encouraging me, and giving me all the pep talks I wouldn’t be in the position with my blog right now. He’s has stepped up and has helped me so much weather I’m having tech problems with my website or he if needs to be my photographer for a special shot that I need he is always willing and always there for me.

It’s been a really fun adventure and I am so blessed to have so many people in my life that care about me and my passions. Just a big shout out and thank you to everyone I have worked with on a campaign or event and everyone who has have taken on chance on me, you all have no idea the joy it brings me to work with my local community.

Website: https://mygrandrapidslife.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mygrandrapidslife/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mygrandrapidslife?view_public_for=101192508356791

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=9ImNffTuaye-tBMMlDFTEw

Other: https://www.pinterest.com/mygrandrapidslife0051/_created/