Born on the Capital Isle of Grand Turk TCI, Chrystal “TESS” Charles is a product of Turks & Caicos, Jamaican and Vincentian Heritage.
Her stage name carries special meaning, as it stands for the acronym Tell Someone Something, a phrase made popular by local residents who urged the public to share information with the police following the killing of 25 year old Kaziah Burke in 2013.
Chrystal uses the name as a reminder of her friendship with the late Burke and to remind residents of their responsibility to be more forthcoming with information to the police.
With 10 years experience and a degree in Tourism and Hospitality MGT, Charles was a shoe in as an hotelier but had a calling she could no longer ignore.
After three years of headlining TCI’s hottest events, and successfully serving as executive producer of her first Jazz and Soul show in November 2015, TESS took the plunge and rang in 2016 as solely a Performer.
While she croons the words of Nina Simone and Ella Fitzgerald, the artist’s first originals are inspired by her island influences.
In 2015, TESS has been featured in 2015 Summer Issue of Turks and Caicos Magazine and 2016 Summer Edition of Karib Magazine and released her self written Soca/Rip Saw track “Daa’n My Business” on the “Grace Bay Riddim, produced by Jovano “Stutters” Robinson (Native of Middle Caicos, TCI).
Since 2015, TESS has held residencies at multiple 5 stars resorts, headlined galas and local events, represented the Turks and Caicos Islands in New York for Caribbean Tourism Week, performed in MIA, Bahamas, and Dominican Republic, Executive Produced multiple shows like Moonlit Jazz, Love Jones and The Concert Series.
She was the host of Good Morning Turks and Caicos – a nationally televised morning show, a member of the association that produced Perform On Point (POP) – a singing competition that makes charitable donations to local schools, and held the Secretary post in the Musicians of the Turks and Caicos Association (MOTTAC), from 2019 to 2023 and co-produced their first show in October 2019.
Her most notable personal achievements have been bringing into existence, a community of creatives through a monthly gathering called BYOC – Bring Your Own Creativity and inspiring others into entrepreneurship.
BYOC has fostered freedom of expression, collaboration, original productions, career builders and most importantly a safe space that accepts everyone who is willing to give and receive respect and love.
TESS is working toward expanding the BYOC brand into a centralized agency, which facilitates all creatives in providing general knowledge, network building, skill improvement and bookings.
In 2023, TESS partnered with The Department of Mental Health and shared her story of sexual and alcohol abuse and encouraged persons to see their worth and work towards their healing as she has and continues to do.
The ultimate achievement for TESS is to assist in empowering all people of the Turks and Caicos and beyond to be their authentic selves, revel in freedom of expression and to insist that your passion CAN pay your bills, if you are willing to go the distance.