Once you hear Chicago native Cherie Chiles-Buchanan‘s story and famous lineage, you get the feeling that she was destined to do great things while helping pull up others around her.
Not only is she a residential and commercial real estate expert with over 25 years of experience, but Cherie, who relocated to Atlanta in 2007 to expand her bustling real estate firm, is also the Founder and CEO of multimedia production company SimplyC360, which has been producing live talent showcases across the country since 2011.
Most recently, Chiles-Buchanan co-executive produced the 13th annual Young Stars 360 national talent search and showcase alongside award-winning actor and comedian Kenan Thompson (Kenan & Kel, Good Burger, Saturday Night Live) at Chicago’s Hard Rock Cafe. The day-long event served as a showcase for youth ages 5-17 to showcase their talents and empower them and their parents with a multi-tiered platform designed to guide them through the nuances of the entertainment industry, enhance their portfolios, and provide them with valuable industry insights.
N’DIGO recently sat down with Chiles-Buchanan to discuss the Young Stars 360 tour, getting into the real estate game, and her eye-opening famous bloodline and ancestors.
N’DIGO: In your own words, who is Cherie Chiles-Buchanan?
Cherie Chiles-Buchanan: I am a well-connected, well-respected business person who loves to help others achieve their goals by sharing knowledge and resources and providing platforms.
Please tell us about your company, Simply C Productions, and some of the ventures you undertake.
Simply C Productions, LLC is a multi-media production company that produces live and filmed events that increase the marketing and development of talents and brands. Our branches include Young Stars360 and 360Comedy.
You just came through Chicago with the Young Stars 360 tour. Can you tell us about the tour and its purpose?
This was a 10-city talent showcase and summit where we partnered with Hard Rock Cafe(s) nationwide to offer a platform for young stars to shine while their parents learn how to take them to the next level. In addition, they are able to learn and get insight from Kenan himself, along with other industry execs, entertainers, and influencers, including myself.
In addition to your work with Simply C Productions, you also have a background in real estate. How did you discover your passion for it?
My passion for real estate was instilled in me at an early age by my maternal grandfather, who owned residential and commercial real estate. He owned the former Roberts Motel on 79th & Vincennes. I am also the great-great-granddaughter of Carl Hansberry, father of famous Playwright Lorraine Hansberry. My great-great grandfather won a significant lawsuit against Cook County for discriminatory practices. Our family-owned several multi-family properties in Chicago and were heavily discriminated against, and the lawsuit they won in the Supreme Court changed history.
What’s your best advice to those interested in buying property but don’t know where to start?
Find a good Realtor that will take the time to explain the process and connect you with a reputable team that may include a lender and real estate attorney.
Can you talk more about your great-great grandfather’s landmark Supreme Court victory?
Blacks had few options at the time and were relegated to living in inadequate, overcrowded housing. My great-great-grandfather was a successful businessman who worked himself into certain networks and organizations and eventually secretly bought a property at 6140 S. Rhodes in a segregated neighborhood. However, there was pushback, and the family faced threats and attacks from hostile whites. He was eventually sued for violating the restrictive covenants of the day that aimed to keep blacks out of predominantly white neighborhoods. After lower courts held up the ruling against him, he eventually took it to the Supreme Court, which ruled in his favor and returned the property to him on January 1, 1941.
Did learning this amazing family history help motivate you?
These stories and the dream of being a real estate mogul have always been at the forefront of my upbringing and a source of motivation; at the age of 22, I obtained my real estate license, purchased the first of many investment properties, and opened a variety store next door to the hair salon that I managed at the time. In the salon, I sold candy and snacks and had video games so the neighborhood kids wouldn’t have to go to the liquor store to get their treats. They had a safe place to spend time after school and on weekends. After this, my focus shifted from being a hairstylist to realizing that I was very gifted in the real estate industry and never stopped buying, selling, and investing.
How do you handle potential obstacles or resistance you may encounter as a black woman in your various industries?
I am a solution-based person, so I believe that overcoming obstacles or resistance is fairly easy because I know that what’s meant for me is for me, so I don’t try to force anything. I respect people, and I work well with other reliable and responsible people, and things happen organically in a great way.
What are three principles or ideals you try to abide by in your business dealings?
Integrity is most important, also understanding everyone’s needs and expectations to try to come to a win-win situation, and finally, learning as much as I can, as often as I can.
Is there a book that changed or really impacted your life?
Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson. I read it in my 20s and had just had my second child, and diving deep into my entrepreneurial ventures. This book helped me overcome fears, accept and adapt to the changes in my life, and better prepare for what was to come.
Tell us a fun fact that people would be surprised to know about you.
As much as I am out and social and work amongst people, many would be surprised to know I am an extroverted introvert.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to aspiring artists?
Speak positive affirmations in your life and believe in yourself no matter what.
Any favorite quotes or affirmations?
I have a few, actually. “Nothing beats a failure but a try.” “Quitters never win, and winners never quit.” and “Only keep those around you that make you feel valued.”
What’s next for Cherie Chiles Buchanan?
The future is bright. There’s so much more to come. Major International live events. Network deals for tv shows and movies. International real estate deals. The sky is truly the limit.
For more information on Cherie Chiles-Buchanan, Young Stars 360, and Simply C Productions, please visit www.youngstars360.com and connect with her on Instagram at @simplyc360.
