Everybody is busy. We all have families, jobs and shows that won’t binge themselves. Still, Chloe Bailey’s “busy” is a little different from yours and mine. Just look at the Grammy-nominated-singer-actor-stunner’s Instagram feed to see what we mean — but bring a towel when you do because you’re going to break out into a sweat trying to keep up. A simple scroll shows the Atlanta native jumping between award shows, movie sets, recording sessions and commercial shoots with her equally talented younger sister Halle (who played the title role in last summer’s The Little Mermaid).
And then there’s all the traveling. That same Instagram page is sprinkled with shots of a bikini-clad Bailey on beaches and boats. In fact, she’s heading back to the Caribbean to perform her platinum single “Have Mercy,” new song “FYS” and other hits at the St. Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival (April 30 to May 12).
We recently caught up with Bailey (during a TV show taping break, of course) and found out that she’s never too busy to chat about her favorite island, her travel routine and the tastiest restaurants in L.A.
Why did you want to be a part of the St. Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival?
I am always very bold and loud when it comes to my love of St. Lucia. I first went there for Carnival last year, and I absolutely fell in love. So, I heard about the jazz fest and all the incredible artists. And I love performing. Why not do it in my favorite place at one of the biggest festivals? I’m just so happy that it worked out. And I get to play with an incredible band. It’ll be me and my girls, and we’re just going to put on a good show.
What was it about the island that captured your heart?
No. 1, the water. No. 2, the people. And three, how I feel when I’m there. All of the superficial things in life don’t seem to matter whenever I go there. I’ve been to islands before, but for some reason, St. Lucia really just has a special place in my heart. It just feels different and it feels like home, to be honest.
You’re filming somewhere now, right?
Yes, in Atlanta. I’m working on this television show called Fight Night. It’s with Samuel L. Jackson, Kevin Hart, Taraji P. Henson, Terrence Howard and Don Cheadle. The list goes on and on. To be able to be a part of such a star-studded cast, I’m just so grateful.
How much time do you get to spend in Atlanta these days?
Not too often. I spent a couple months there last year when I was filming this movie called Praise This. Now, I just go there to film, but it’ll always have a special place in my heart because that is where I was born and raised. I moved from there like 10 years ago. L.A. is my base now, but it’s always nice going there and getting huge feelings of nostalgia. It’s pretty surreal.
Are there things about Georgia that you miss?
What I do miss is being so close to my family in the South, my extended family. A lot of them live in South Carolina and North Carolina. Being in Atlanta, I was close. I think that’s probably why I love St. Lucia.
When you go to the South, you see a bunch of beautiful black bodies, like Georgia peaches. It’s just home. And [I miss] the Southern hospitality as well.
I know you’re always on the go. What are two or three things you never forget to pack?
My passport. Say I’m traveling within the country, I never know if last-minute changes will happen or I have to [change plans and] fly outside the country. There’s been times when I’ve had to [change my travel], but I didn’t have my passport because it was at home. Now, I just always bring my passport with me no matter what.
Also, my iPad because sometimes we’ll have Zoom meetings, things like that. It’s too bulky all the time to bring your computer. But I have my iPad with the keyboard and that sets it off.
And then, of course, a good pair of shades. When I’m traveling, I don’t like to wear makeup all the time. I just like to let my skin breathe. But at the same time, I don’t want people to see me in pictures like that, so I have a big pair of shades always in my bag.
When it’s time to eat once you land, are you more “Let me talk to the concierge” or “Let me hop online for recommendations”?
I have this app called Happy Cow. It’s like a vegan Yelp. When I’m traveling, that’s my go-to. And sometimes it’s just about convenience, especially when you’re in a place that’s unfamiliar or you speak a different language. You don’t really know where to search or where to look. So, you just go based off of convenience and the smells and the aroma. Sometimes it’s a hit, and sometimes it’s a big mess.
That’s kind of fun, the exploring part of it, right?
When you’re starving, it’s not fun. But when you’re full, that is the fun part. Not gonna lie.
Do you have a couple of go-to vegan spots in L.A.?
That’s why I love traveling. Because when you live in a certain area and Uber Eats all the time, you have the same collective of restaurants and you get tired of them. That’s the fun part about traveling because you get to experience new things, new restaurants.
As for my go-to’s in L.A., I would definitely have to say I love this place called The Thai Thing. They make really great fried rice that I love. I’m such a lover of fried rice. I also love this place called Crossroads. Their brunch is so delicious every single time. It just makes me really like food. Just makes me happy. And, of course, I can’t forget this place called Cinnaholic. It’s cinnamon rolls, and you can customize them any way you want. It’s really the best.
On the rare day when you’re not filming or recording music, what does a perfect off day in L.A. look like for you?
I go get a massage. That’s the quickest way for me to relax and unwind. I’ll get my nails done. I also love going to the beach, too. The only thing is that the water is just a little cold there. Those are my go-to things for sure.
And just spend time with my family. I’m such a stay-at-home girl. All I have to do is just go outside and feel the sun on my skin and I’m fine. It just recharges you and just gets you going.
How busy are you for the rest of 2024?
As you know, I have the jazz fest. I also have Coachella a couple weeks before that. I am gearing up to release a lot more new music, which I’m really excited about. I get to finish [filming] Fight Night. There’s a lot of other exciting acting projects. The sky’s the limit here. Definitely no limitations.
