Today we’d like to introduce you to Cristy Lee.
Hi Cristy, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Born and raised in a small town outside of Daytona Beach, FL. I obtained my motorcycle license and started riding at 18, growing up in Daytona and my father being a shop owner & mechanic, cars and motorcycles were always a huge part of my upbringing. Moved to Detroit, MI in 2005 to invest in real estate, starting my own property investment company – buying, renovating, and selling homes in Detroit. I lived in Detroit’s Eastside off 7 mile for 3-4, before relocating to St. Clair Shores.
With a strong background in dance, I auditioned for the Pistons Dance Team ‘Automotion’, making the team for the 2006-2007 NBA Season, and joined the MISL Detroit Ignition Dance Team ‘The Spark’ the following season. Continuing to pursue a career in the entertainment industry, I was selected as a contestant in the 2008 WRIF Rock Girl Search and won the title – a 1-year gig repping the WRIF and reporting the traffic, sports and weather daily during the afternoon drive with local rock radio legend Arthur P. I spent 4 years at the WRIF later moving into a role as a part-time on-air DJ…graveyard shift, but gotta start somewhere! My time in radio gave my a chance to not only get behind the microphone but also host some on-camera gigs for WRIF during live events and concerts.
Before starting in radio, I worked with a production company and local dance studio that contracted talent for local Detroit casinos – models, dancers, emcees. Soon after, I began hosting virtual drawings and big giveaways as a live emcee at Motorcity Casino, gaining more experience on the mic. In 2009, I accepting the job as the In-Arena Hostess for the Detroit Red Wings as they entered into the First Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. This was my first official job being live on camera.
I continued to ride motorcycles and began riding on the track and pursuing my motorcycle race license. After spending many years at the race track for trackdays and working as pit crew for amateur teams, I decided to take my newfound love for “live TV” and look to becoming a pit reporter. I began work as an on-camera host and producer for AMA Pro Racing in 2012 producing YouTube interviews and segments trackside and soon after landed a gig as the pit reporter for Arenacross on SPEED TV. Many years were spent covering racing on two and four wheels for many different series – XGames, MotoGP, WorldSuperbike, MotoAmerica, Monster Jam, Supercross, AMA Pro Flat Track, TORC Off-Road Truck Racing on networks like ESPN, ABC, Fox, NBCSports, BeIN Sport, CBS Sports.
During my several years with the Red Wings, I began working the Autoshow circuit for Dodge, Jeep, and Fiat traveling the country as a narrator. While working the Providence, Rhode Island Autoshow (which I actually requested to work as I could also visit my mother’s family there) someone approached me about hosting an automotive program and casting a female host. After sharing my passion, experience, and knowledge of cars and motorcycles, we exchanged information and about 6 months later I received a call from a producer asking me to come down and audition to co-host a show called ‘All Girls Garage’. In addition to hosting All Girls Garage for 8 seasons on Velocity and MotorTrend, I also co-hosted the ‘Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auctions LIVE’ also on Discovery Network, ‘Velocity LIVE’ shows, and co-hosted ‘Garage Squad’.
Becoming well known in the automotive TV world, I went on to host most recently in 2021 “Celebrity IOU: Joyride” (produced by Scott Brothers Entertainment) on Discovery+ teaming up with well-known car TV personality Ant Anstead, and long-time friend, to work with A-list celebs and help them design and build cars for someone very deserving in their lives. I’ve been seen as a spokesperson and Brand Ambassador for companies like Ford, Dodge, Kawasaki, Indian Motorcycles, Craftsman Tools, Toyota, Dana Incorporated, Whistle Pig Whiskey, Triumph Motorcycles, Pirelli Tire,
In addition to my on-camera work, I’ve always been a DIY’er, whether it be on my project cars and motorcycles or home renovation and restoration projects. Tapping into my years of experience with real estate and my knowledge as a former flipper, I’m currently hosting a new series called ‘Steal This House’ to air on HGTV this fall – helping homeowners shift their perspective on buying a home to find the house of their dreams without spending more money.
I’m proud to be a Michigan resident for the past 18 years, and, as a former Detroiter, I’m always looking for new ways to give back to the city and state I call home! I’ve volunteered my time in the past with community restorative non-profits, local food banks, and animal shelters – but I’m always interested in new ways to get involved!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not always! One of the biggest struggles for me personally has been learning when to say no… I’m a workaholic, and for many years, took almost every opportunity that came my way – I see the potential in every gig! While most did lead to the next great opportunity, and there were many stepping stones in my career path, overworking, traveling constantly and living on the road, and never finding time for “me”, were all things I have struggled with along this journey. BUT… I worked really hard to work a little less hard these past few years… finding balance is the key to success professionally and in life 🙂
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Being authentic is a big part of who I am and what I’m known for as a TV personality. What you see on camera and on TV, that’s me all the time… I honestly don’t know how to be anything other than that! Which is why I’m not an actress… I’m really not that good at it!
Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I don’t expect big rewards without taking big risks… Most of the time, they pay off, and when they don’t – use that as a learning experience for next time. I’ve taken many risks in my career – whether it’s taking on a new job or leaving a long-time role… stepping back from a position, or even making investment choices – homes, cars, property. I never try to plan too far ahead; you never know what the next day may hold! Maybe that’s consider risky to some!
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.cristylee.tv
- Instagram: @cristylee09
- Facebook: /cristyleeofficial
- Twitter: @cristylee09
- Other: Tiktok – @cristyleeofficial
Image Credits
BWagner Photography
Eric Altbush
Steve Galli
