How Elizabeth Chambers Balanced Authenticity and Self-Care During 'Grand Cayman' Production

Elizabeth Chambers, 41, is focusing on what truly matters to her at this point in her life. Her genuine self is evident in her latest reality TV show, Grand Cayman: Secrets in Paradise.

In an intimate conversation with We at her BIRD Bakery in Grand Cayman, Chambers shared her thoughts on balancing sharing her life on camera while also safeguarding her inner peace.

Maintaining perspective is key, she emphasized. Your peace and mental health should be top priorities, she added. "I am thankful for many things, especially my physical health, but above all, I am grateful for my mental balance," she shared with Us.

She also mentioned that this new project signifies a fresh chapter in her life.

"I am 41 years old and I have a clear understanding of my actions, identity, priorities, and support system. This level of self-awareness may not be present in your mid-twenties," she explained. "I feel grounded and confident in where I am in life. I believe that I have accomplished a lot and am in a great place, which gives me the courage to take some risks and see where they lead."

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Freeform’s Grand Cayman: Secrets in Paradise will be airing on Tuesday, April 9. The show follows a diverse group of locals and expats, including Selita Ebanks, Courtney McTaggart, and others, as they navigate life in the Cayman Islands. Elizabeth Chambers takes center stage in the docusoap, showcasing her journey to open a new BIRD Bakery on the island.

Chambers expressed her gratitude for the perfect opportunity that came her way. She mentioned that opening her own business while being on television was a great chance to showcase her brand. She felt drawn to the idea of documenting her journey on the show.

Viewers will not only witness Chambers' business endeavors but also experience the beauty of Grand Cayman from the perspectives of both locals and newcomers. Life on the small island is filled with excitement and occasional conflicts.

Chambers hinted to Us that he is excited for people to be entertained by any drama that may unfold.

Meanwhile, Chambers also had the opportunity to showcase the effort and dedication required to establish a business. He mentioned, “We could authentically depict the process of building a business, share our recipes, and document the opening of our business. It's rare to be able to film this in real time, which was very appealing to me.”

The entrepreneur is also looking forward to viewers getting to see the place her and her kids call home: Grand Cayman.

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Disney

Chambers, who has been here for four years now, finds it amazing that they will always have one of their [BIRD] locations there. She believes it is something truly special. She shares daughter Harper and son Ford with ex-husband Armie Hammer, and she expressed her excitement for people to see a glimpse of the Cayman Islands. She finds the island to be incredibly beautiful and loves showcasing its culture.

Bringing her newest BIRD location to life in Grand Cayman was a challenging journey filled with ups and downs. Opening a business in this beautiful paradise was not as easy as expected. While her other locations in the United States presented their own challenges, navigating the process in a whole new country, especially one that is an island in the middle of the sea, proved to be a whole new level of difficulty.

Chambers described the experience as "challenging", emphasizing the initial paperwork and the importance of finding the right community and partner. She found a compatible partner in Frank Schilling, who shares her big-picture vision and values alignment in their partnership.

She went on to praise Frank as a charismatic individual who never takes no for an answer, a quality she also possesses in her business approach. Their shared determination and positivity are key factors in their successful collaboration. Chambers highlighted the importance of surrounding herself with like-minded individuals and expressed confidence in their ability to achieve incredible results together.

Ultimately, everything came together perfectly for BIRD's fourth opening.

Chambers expressed, "It was a great partnership and the timing couldn't have been better. We are dedicated to growing, thriving, and pushing ourselves to innovate. We strive to provide the island with what they need and deserve. There's nothing quite like BIRD and Mykonos Steak Club & Bakery here."

Chambers sees this as just the start for her BIRD empire, which has been expanding over the past 12 years.

"It feels like my baby, and I'm thinking, 'Wow, we're about to enter the teenage years with all these changes happening,'" she shared. "But BIRD was my first venture. Seeing it thrive like this brings me immense joy, second only to my children."

In addition to offering a glimpse into her career on the series, Chambers took on a producer role.

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When you have experience as a talent and are working on a project, you have a clear vision of what you want and how to bring it to life. It's not just about showcasing your own talent or performance, but about focusing on the bigger picture of entertainment. The goal is to create a storyline that is enjoyable and engaging for the audience, making it a more creative and fulfilling experience for everyone involved.

Chambers has applied her expertise from the entertainment industry to continue growing in her career.

"I am currently working on another show that focuses on true crime, where I also serve as a producer. I believe it is rewarding to be involved in the collaborative process and to have more input after many years in television," she explained. "Previously, I mainly focused on performing as talent, so it's gratifying to now have a role in the creative process and be actively engaged in the journey."

After filming one season of Grand Cayman: Secrets in Paradise, Chambers gained valuable insights into the reality TV industry and discovered more about herself.

She admitted that the show was not a reflection of her daily life, which mainly consists of traveling for her other show and spending time with her kids. Despite this, she found the experience to be enjoyable.

Chambers emphasized the importance of staying true to oneself and avoiding actions or words that may lead to regrets. She acknowledged that reality TV may not always show the complete picture, but she believes in knowing one's boundaries and staying authentic throughout the process.

Grand Cayman: Secrets in Paradise premieres on Freeform Tuesday, April 9, at 10 p.m. ET before moving to its regular slot at 9:30 p.m. ET and is available to stream on Hulu the next day.

Editor's P/S:

Elizabeth Chambers' journey of self-discovery and personal growth is inspiring. Her focus on maintaining her inner peace and prioritizing her mental health showcases the importance of self-care and well-being. Chambers recognizes that her age and life experiences have contributed to her increased self-awareness and confidence, which empower her to embrace new challenges and pursue her passions.

Chambers' involvement in her Grand Cayman reality show has provided her with a platform to share her entrepreneurial journey and showcase the beauty of the island she calls home. Her dedication to authenticity and her ability to stay true to herself serve as a reminder of the importance of being genuine and relatable on and off camera. Chambers' commitment to producing captivating programming, both as a talent and a producer, highlights her versatility and her drive to make a meaningful contribution to the entertainment industry.