Chudney Ross: Diana Ross’s Daughter Who Built Her Own Empire

When you hear the last name “Ross,” you likely think of legendary Motown music and iconic performances. But Chudney Ross, the youngest daughter of Diana Ross, has carved out a name for herself that stands tall on its own merits. While she grew up surrounded by fame and entertainment royalty, she chose a path focused on children’s literacy, education, and community building. From founding a unique children’s bookstore to writing her own middle-grade novel, Chudney Ross has proven that she is much more than just a celebrity offspring. She is an entrepreneur, author, educator, and devoted mother who built her empire by following her passion for enriching young minds.

Early Life and Background

Chudney Ross was born Chudney Lane Silberstein on November 4, 1975, in the United States . She is the youngest daughter of music icon Diana Ross and music manager Robert Ellis Silberstein . Growing up in a blended family, Chudney has two older sisters—Rhonda Ross Kendrick and actress Tracee Ellis Ross—as well as two younger half-brothers, Ross Naess and Evan Ross, from her mother’s marriage to Arne Naess Jr. .

Her name has an interesting origin story. Diana Ross intended to name her “Chutney,” but a spelling error on the birth certificate resulted in the unique name “Chudney” . This quirky detail has become a fun conversation starter throughout her life.

Education and Early Career

Chudney Ross attended Georgetown University, where she earned a degree in English and Fine Arts . During her time there, she also participated in the rowing team. Rather than immediately diving into the entertainment industry like her famous siblings, she chose a path driven by service.

After graduation, she joined AmeriCorps’ Teach for America program and worked as an elementary school teacher in inner-city Washington D.C. and Los Angeles . This experience profoundly shaped her career trajectory, exposing her firsthand to the transformative power of books and storytelling in children’s lives.

Her Age and Physical Features

Born on November 4, 1975, Chudney Ross is 50 years old as of 2025 . She stands at an average height and maintains a vibrant, healthy lifestyle. She often shares glimpses of her active life with her family on social media, showing a woman who embraces motherhood and entrepreneurship with grace and energy.

Career and Major Achievements

Chudney Ross has built a diverse career spanning television production, entrepreneurship, and children’s literature. Her work reflects her commitment to education, creativity, and community.

Entertainment Industry Work

Chudney initially dabbled in the entertainment industry, working behind the scenes as a producer and production manager. She served as a talent coordinator for the TV show Livin’ Large in 2002, a production assistant for the series Fame in 2003, and a producer for Mesmerized in 2004 . While she gained valuable experience in Hollywood, her true calling lay elsewhere.

Books and Cookies

In 2011, Chudney Ross founded Books and Cookies, a unique children’s bookstore, bakery, and enrichment center in Santa Monica, California . The concept was simple yet brilliant: combine the joy of reading with the comfort of freshly baked cookies to create a community hub for families . Her original idea was a bookstore that also sold coffee and cookies, but she soon discovered that parents with young children were seeking a space to build community .

Books and Cookies became a welcoming and joyful space where people could connect, make new friends, and find support. Though she eventually closed the physical location, the program continued as a mobile literacy enrichment initiative, bringing interactive musical story times to communities across Los Angeles and virtually .

Author

In 2012, Chudney Ross published her first children’s book, Lone Bean, through HarperCollins . The middle-grade novel draws from her experiences as a teacher and her love of children’s literature, telling a relatable story about friendship, family, and finding your voice.

The Jane Club

She also served as Chief Kid Officer at The Jane Club, where she created a space for children to learn, play, and grow alongside their working mothers . This role further demonstrates her dedication to supporting families and fostering early childhood development.

Relationship with Her Mother, Diana Ross

Chudney Ross shares a close and loving relationship with her mother, Diana Ross. In an interview with Veronica Beard, she described Diana as “the most amazing role model for what motherhood should look like” . She recalled her mother’s advice to “forge our own paths and not follow the steps of anyone else” . This guidance deeply influenced Chudney’s decision to pursue her passions rather than simply follow in her mother’s famous footsteps.

Her mother also officiated her wedding in Maui in 2015, a testament to their close bond . The family often gathers for concerts and special occasions, with Diana’s grandchildren affectionately calling her “Grand Mommy” .

Marriage and Family Life

Chudney Ross married Joshua Faulkner in June 2015 in an intimate destination wedding in Maui, Hawaii . The couple met through a mutual friend, and their first date was at a bar where Chudney famously reached out to touch his face because he was “so handsome and such a gentleman” . They dated for six years before tying the knot.

The couple has two daughters: Callaway Lane Ross-Faulkner (born September 19, 2012) and Everlee Ernestine Ross-Faulkner (born October 11, 2019) . Callaway was the flower girl at her parents’ wedding . Chudney often shares heartwarming moments of her daughters on social media, and both girls seem to have inherited their grandmother’s love for the stage .

Social Media Presence

Chudney Ross is active on Instagram under the handle @chudneylross, where she shares glimpses of her family life, entrepreneurial ventures, and advocacy work . She often posts about her daughters, her mother Diana Ross, and her literacy initiatives. Her content is warm, authentic, and family-focused, giving followers a behind-the-scenes look at a woman balancing motherhood, business, and legacy.

Who Is Chudney Ross?

At her core, Chudney Ross is a passionate advocate for children’s literacy and education. She is a writer, teacher, entrepreneur, and most importantly, a mom . She has successfully stepped out of her family’s massive entertainment shadow to create a career centered on her values. She believes in rethinking how we share books, bringing stories to life, and building community around literacy . Her work reflects a deep-seated belief that every child deserves access to inspiring stories and a supportive community.

Personality and Interests

Chudney Ross is known for her warmth, creativity, and determination. She describes herself as someone who loves to bring people together and create joyful experiences. Her interests include children’s literature, education, baking, and building community. She is also a proud mother who prioritizes her family while pursuing her professional passions. Her ability to blend business with social impact speaks to her entrepreneurial spirit and compassionate nature.

Net Worth and Income

As of 2025, Chudney Ross has an estimated net worth of **$5 million** . Her wealth stems from multiple sources, including her work as a television producer, her children’s book *Lone Bean*, her business Books and Cookies, and her role at The Jane Club . In 2019, she purchased a contemporary Venice architectural home in Los Angeles for over $3.3 million, showcasing her successful financial standing .

Public Image and Legacy

Chudney Ross is widely respected for carving her own path while honoring her family’s legacy. She is often praised for her dedication to children’s literacy and her ability to build meaningful community spaces. Unlike many celebrity children who remain in the spotlight, she chose a quieter, purpose-driven life focused on education and family. Her legacy is one of service, creativity, and resilience—a reminder that true success lies in following your passion and making a difference in the lives of others.

Conclusion

Chudney Ross is a remarkable woman who has successfully built her own empire outside the towering shadow of her famous mother. She is an author, entrepreneur, educator, and devoted mother who found her calling in children’s literacy and community building. From founding Books and Cookies to writing Lone Bean, her work reflects a genuine passion for enriching young minds and supporting families. She proves that while legacy can open doors, it is passion, hard work, and determination that build a lasting impact. Chudney Ross is not just Diana Ross’s daughter—she is a force in her own right.

FAQs About Chudney Ross

1. Who is Chudney Ross?
Chudney Ross is an American author, entrepreneur, educator, and television producer. She is the youngest daughter of music icon Diana Ross and music manager Robert Ellis Silberstein. She is the founder of Books and Cookies and author of the children’s book Lone Bean.

2. How old is Chudney Ross?
Chudney Ross was born on November 4, 1975, making her 50 years old as of 2025 .

3. Who is Chudney Ross married to?
She is married to Joshua Faulkner. The couple tied the knot in June 2015 in Maui, Hawaii .

4. Does Chudney Ross have children?
Yes, she has two daughters: Callaway Lane (born September 2012) and Everlee Ernestine (born October 2019) .

5. What is Chudney Ross’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth is approximately $5 million .

6. What is Books and Cookies?
Books and Cookies is a children’s bookstore, bakery, and enrichment center founded by Chudney Ross in Santa Monica, California, in 2011. It focuses on promoting literacy and building community .

7. Is Chudney Ross an author?
Yes, she published her debut middle-grade children’s book, Lone Bean, through HarperCollins in 2012 .

8. Who are Chudney Ross’s famous siblings?
Her siblings include actress Tracee Ellis Ross, Rhonda Ross Kendrick, Ross Naess, and actor/musician Evan Ross

fame ledger