Chateau Charty Turns One (Cue the Confetti)

Younger Charty dreamed of influencing young women and being ‘famous’ from the time she could hold a microphone. She spent years daydreaming about being an actress interviewed on the Ellen Show. As I’ve talked about in past articles, ‘Uncle Charty’ was created to help survive some of the less sparkly moments in the painful middle school and high school years. She offered me protection with her oversized personality, and eventually evolved into someone (ME!) who could brighten other people’s lives. 

Much to my dismay, my parents discouraged me from pursuing this career of a stand up comedian or actress. Alas! I slogged through college and chased my true dream career, a child and family therapist. (Which I love)

And yet…the desire burned to let that HUGE personality shine, to connect to a bigger audience, and be the other parts of me which I couldn’t in a professional setting. By then, I knew no one would pay money to hear me sing (weird), and I didn’t have the discipline for acting or stand-up. Meanwhile, the mundane job I was stuck in was draining me of joy, the way high school once had.

Exactly a year ago today, my dad (hi Dad, if you figured out how to read my blog), gave me an assignment: create a blog. He saw what I couldn’t, that this job was killing me slowly and I needed an outlet. Time for action! We knew I’d be cancelled immediately with a podcast, and I love writing, so a blog just felt right. Something to become my own little journal and a way to share my experiences. 

I launched my brand and blog, Chateau Charty in September of 2024. It was a season of life that I was so sad, lonely, and lacking purpose. This blog saved me. It made me feel alive to write again and inspire through stories. The best part about it was I created it for me. To feel that sense of purpose and get some of my thoughts on paper…or a Word document in this case! 

Little did I know it would have such an impact on others. I figured close friends and family members would read my pieces, but I wasn’t sure if anyone else really cared. Did people just see me as the funny, party girl, and sometimes inappropriate Charty? Or were they beginning to know the vulnerable, honest, and authentic Charlotte? 

The blog took off right away—curiosity alone brought people in, to see what Charty was going to drum up!

One of my favorites was the family estrangement piece that got over 1,000 views and changed my perspective on how I internalized trauma. The piece about Hurricane Ian and my dad’s health was another powerful story that seemed to resonate with readers. My dating fails and therapy inspired articles were also well-received. These posts alone got over 2,000 views and a flood of messages about how they inspired readers. People shared how my blog gave them the courage to quit their jobs, leave a toxic relationship, and choose themselves. 

I was so humbled and inspired by feedback, that I went on to launch my brand’s Instagram page in the beginning of 2025. It increased blog traction to give Chateau Charty its own home outside of my personal Instagram. Reposts from my favorite well-known therapists, child TV star Josh Peck, and other influencers also made growth increase substantially. 

One of the greatest gifts this blog has given me- which I wasn’t anticipating - is accountability. I respect and adore my readers—and dare I say, fans? (Yes, I’m going there!) By choosing to be vulnerable and honest, I’m held accountable. This platform pushes me to practice what I preach. That includes being healthy both mentally and physically, not drunk texting that guy just for attention, and being intentional about my choices. Since February, I’ve been at a job I genuinely love — a leap I never would’ve had the courage to take without this platform.

Chateau Charty shapes me to be that woman I want to be a little bit more. 

I want to say thank-you’s. 

First, to my family—Mom, Dad, Annabel, John Nick, and Caroline. You are the backbone behind my brand. The hours spent editing my work, my website, and making sure I didn’t sound like a total idiot are appreciated! Thank you to my sisters for creating beautiful, hilarious graphics and an amazing website that feels so me. Thank you to my family for being so gracious letting me share our stories. Especially my dad, who is very private, thank you for letting us have a piece of you. 

Thank you to my friends, who listened kindly as I rambled on about my blog countless times. For immediately reading posts and making sure I felt seen. For friends who shared my work, reposted, and put my name out there. You guys keep the wheels turning and I couldn’t love you more. 

And to my readers…well there is no me without you! Thank you for reading, sharing, and inspiring me to do this. Whether you’ve read one post or all of them, you’ve given me the greatest gift: purpose.

Happy 1st Birthday, Chateau Charty — fabulous, unapologetic, and just getting started!

I’m so excited to see where this goes in the next 2, 5, and 10 years! My dream is to do a Ted Talk or publish a book. Who knows...Perhaps a podcast if I can behave? Maybe brand sponsorships? (Kettle One and J. Crew, you’re on deck!)

That little girl who dreamed of being on Ellen would be proud—because I didn’t need a stage or Hollywood. I built my own spotlight here.

-Charty ❤️

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And if you happen to have a cocktail this weekend...give us a toast 🥂