Chandler Bailey

Name?:

Chandler Bailey.

How old are you?:

21 years of fun.

Where are you from?:

Nashville, TN.,

(otherwise known as the Greatest Place on Earth.)

If you had to choose one thing you were most passionate about, what would it be and why?

I am deeply passionate about animal rights. I volunteer at a shelter in Culver City called Michelson Found Animals, where they save stray dogs and cats from what can be described as “death row” at various kill shelters in Los Angeles. I’ve always been fond of animals but after working so intimately in this little community, nursing sick baby kittens and pups back to health and getting them ready for adoption has brought me indescribable and immeasurable joy. Adopt, don’t shop! ?

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Wait… I have to pick one? It’s a tie between popcorn, an Impossible burger from Umami, or binge watching The Office. But I’m not guilty about any of those.

What is the most important memory you have and why?

One of the best memories I have comes from back home in Nashville, when I was around 10 years old. We lived right by a huge open field and in the middle of the night one summer, my mom woke me and ran me outside in my PJ’s. What I saw was absolutely unbelievable- What seemed like an endless ocean of fireflies, that stretched as far and wide as our eyes could see, flying around in perfect harmony, canopied by the brightest, clearest starry night you ever did witness.

We spent an hour sitting on the sidewalk in the tiny hours of the morning, while my mother showed me constellations and we just admired the beauty around us. This memory comes to mind when I start to feel trapped or overwhelmed. It brings me back home and makes me feel good, knowing that view is waiting for me each summer I visit Tennessee.

Where would you take your dream vacation?

I’ve been lucky enough to visit some insanely amazing places like Italy, Bali, and Iceland. To be honest, I really just want to go to Hawaii… Everyone I know has been except for me. What’s up with that?

Have you overcome one of your fears?

YES! I recently shot a commercial for a helicopter company called Blade. As someone who has always been deathly afraid of flying (I picked a great gig,  huh?), I had to play it cool on set. Set being, of course, a helicopter taking off from the Santa Monica Airport and flying to Palm Springs for the day. Concealing my terror while being on camera was quite challenging at first, until I realized flying in a helicopter is some of the most fun you can POSSIBLY have. I dare say it was one of the best experiences of my life. I’ll travel by helicopter over plane any day of the week.

What’s the most embarrassing trend that you gave into?

So… you know Crocs? Somewhere in my mother’s attic, hidden away so as not to burn anyone’s eyes of out their heads, lies a photo of a 12-year-old Chandler. Not wearing Crocs, but a bubblegum pink, fur-lined off-brand variation called none other than… Aqua Ducks. Typing this made me sad.

What are you most proud of?

I am truly proud of myself for how hard I worked to get to where I am in my career. I knew I wanted to do this from a very young age. I didn’t listen to anybody who told me I couldn’t do it or wouldn’t make it. I worked my booty off growing up to save enough money so I could move out here and make a career for myself, completely on my own. I have done just that and I couldn’t be more excited and grateful that it worked out.

What makes you feel nostalgic?

Johnny Cash. Humid summer days. Freshly cut watermelon.  I also have about a million photos of my mother and 6-year-old brother on my phone, which whenever I scroll through, obviously, I shed a tear or two.

What is your dream pet? (It doesn’t have to be traditional!)

Piles of puppies and kittens. Hopefully this won’t remain just a dream.

Do you have any mottos you live by?

There is a prayer that I was required to recite in school every day, that never felt significant to me until recently. Whenever I feel stressed, confused, or sad, this prayer calms me down.

“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”