Liberte Chan: Biography of KTLA Meteorologist and Softub Spas® CEO
Liberté Chan is a prominent media personality known for her career as a meteorologist and reporter, particularly at KTLA Channel 5 in Los Angeles.
Beyond her broadcasting roles, she has also become a digital creator focusing on wellness, fashion, and travel.
Early Life and Education:
Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Liberté Chan had a unique upbringing as a competitive figure skater.
By the age of 13, she had achieved national rankings in both singles and pairs. This early athletic pursuit instilled in her a strong sense of discipline, perseverance, and hard work.
Chan is highly educated, holding multiple degrees:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
- Certificate in Broadcast Journalism from UCLA.
- Master’s Degree in Public Health from USC’s Keck School of Medicine.
- Certificate in Meteorology from Mississippi State University (earned in 2015). She is also currently pursuing a certification to become a Functional Medicine Health Coach.
Career in Journalism and Meteorology:
Chan’s career in television media spanned over a decade, primarily in various California markets.
She began as a news writer at KTLA, eventually working her way up to reporting and anchoring positions in smaller markets like Santa Maria and Palm Springs.
She returned to KTLA, initially as a web producer, and later transitioned into weather forecasting. Her passion for journalism was driven by a desire to disseminate information and positively impact the public.
She became a beloved weather anchor and reporter at KTLA, particularly on the KTLA Weekend Morning News.
In addition to her weather duties, she also co-hosted “LAunscripted,” a lifestyle show where she shared her experiences in health and wellness.
Transition and Current Endeavors:
In February 2021, Liberté Chan made the decision to leave the news media industry.
This choice was influenced by personal losses, including the deaths of both her parents within a span of three years, and a desire to focus on new opportunities and her passion for wellness.
Since leaving traditional news, Chan has focused on her personal brand, “Life of Liberté,” where she promotes wellness, fashion, and travel through her blog and social media platforms.
She also launched a YouTube travel show in 2023, highlighting individuals making a positive impact globally.
Interestingly, she has also taken on a significant role in her family’s business, Softub Spas®, an L.A.-based company that manufactures hot tubs, now serving as its CEO.
This move signifies a broader shift in her career path, combining her media skills with entrepreneurial ventures.
Liberté Chan is also a certified yoga teacher and a passionate advocate for healthy living, having transitioned to a vegan diet in 2017.
Age
Liberte Chan was born on July 16, 1979, which makes her a Cancer by zodiac sign. She is 46 years old. She is of mixed ethnicity, with Chinese and Caucasian heritage. Liberte holds American nationality.
Parents and Siblings
Liberte Chan was born to a Chinese mother, Angie Thornbury, and a Caucasian father. Her stepfather, Tom Thornbury, came into her life when she was a teenager. Liberte has two older brothers, Randy and Cory.
Liberte Chan had a close relationship with her two older brothers, Randy and Cory. Growing up in Los Angeles, she was part of a supportive and loving family.
Her mother, Angie Thornbury, was a homemaker who later became involved in the family business, Softub Spas®. Her stepfather, Tom Thornbury, founded Softub Spas® and played a significant role in her life.
Liberte’s upbringing was marked by a blend of cultural influences, given her mixed heritage.
She was encouraged to pursue her interests and education, which led her to achieve multiple degrees and certifications.
Her family environment fostered a strong sense of discipline and ambition, which is evident in her successful career transitions.
Husband
Liberte Chan is married to Luis Strohmeier. They got engaged in October 2020 and tied the knot in October 2021.
Luis Strohmeier is a seasoned financial advisor and partner at Octavia Wealth Advisors, LLC. He has over 30 years of experience in the finance industry.
Originally from Peru, Luis earned a Bachelor of Arts in economics from Ball State University in Indiana.
He also attended Ohio State University, where he played tennis for their varsity team, and later pursued post-graduate coursework at Wright State University.
Luis specializes in providing financial advice to high net worth and ultra-high net worth clients, medical professionals, and executives.
He holds several professional credentials, including CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®), Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®), and Accredited Divorce Financial Analyst™ (ADFA).
In his personal life, Luis is a father of three children from his previous marriage to Gretchen Strohmeier, who sadly passed away in 2010 due to breast cancer.
He is currently married to Liberte Chan. Luis enjoys an active lifestyle, including cooking, reading, and traveling.
Height, Weight
Liberte Chan stands at 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) tall and weighs approximately 110 pounds (50 kg).
Career and Background
Liberte Chan decided to leave KTLA in 2021 for several reasons. During her on-air farewell, she mentioned that her passion for news had faded, and she wanted to explore other opportunities outside the news industry.
Additionally, the passing of her mother after a battle with pancreatic cancer had a profound impact on her, leading her to reassess her priorities and focus on things that brought her joy and fulfillment.
She has since taken on the role of CEO at Softub Spas®, a family business, and continues to promote health and wellness through her social media platforms.
Liberte Chan began her career in journalism as a writer at KTLA, where she worked on the News@10 program. She then transitioned into on-air roles, first as a general assignment reporter and later as a meteorologist.
Liberte earned her meteorology certificate from Mississippi State University, solidifying her credentials as a weathercaster.
Her career at KTLA has spanned over a decade, during which she has covered a wide range of stories and weather events, earning the trust and admiration of her viewers.
Liberte Chan worked with several notable colleagues during her time at KTLA. Here are a few of them:
- Chris Burrous – A popular anchor who co-hosted the KTLA Weekend Morning News with Chan. Sadly, he passed away in 2018.
- Mark Mester – Another anchor who worked closely with Chan on the weekend morning show.
- Lynette Romero – A long-time anchor at KTLA who often appeared alongside Chan.
- Sam Rubin – The entertainment reporter who frequently interacted with Chan during her segments.
- Frank Buckley – An anchor who has been with KTLA for many years and worked with Chan on various news segments.
Softub Spas®
After leaving KTLA in 2021, Liberte Chan transitioned to a new role as the CEO of Softub Spas®, a family-owned business based in Los Angeles.
Softub Spas® manufactures unique, energy-efficient, and portable hot tubs that can be plugged into a standard 115v outlet.
Transition to Softub Spas®
Chan’s decision to join Softub Spas® was influenced by several factors, including the passing of her parents. Her father, Tom Chan, founded the company over 35 years ago.
Following her parents’ untimely deaths, Chan and her two brothers became equal shareholders in the business.
This transition allowed her to honor her father’s legacy while pursuing a new career path that aligned with her interests in health and wellness.
Role and Responsibilities
As CEO, Chan oversees the company’s operations, marketing, and strategic direction. She has leveraged her media experience to promote the brand and its products effectively.
Her active presence on social media also helps in engaging with customers and promoting the benefits of Softub Spas®.
Personal Touch
Chan’s passion for health and wellness is evident in her approach to her new role. She continues to practice yoga daily and promotes a healthy lifestyle, which resonates with the brand’s ethos of relaxation and well-being.
Is Liberte Chan Married?
Yes, Liberte Chan is married to Luis Strohmeier. They got married in October 2021. Luis Strohmeier is a partner and wealth advisor at Octavia Wealth Advisors.
Liberte Chan was previously married to Brian Chase, an actor and producer. They got married in 2012, but their marriage ended in divorce a few years later.
How Old Is Liberte Chan?
Liberte Chan was born on July 16, 1979, which makes her 46 years old as of 2025.
Is Liberte Chan related to Ginger Chan
No, Liberte Chan and Ginger Chan are not related. They share the same last name, which has led to some confusion, but there is no familial connection between them.
Where Is Liberte Chan Working?
Liberte Chan left her full-time role at KTLA in 2021 but continues to work as a freelance meteorologist and reporter.
She remains active in the Los Angeles media scene, contributing to various projects and maintaining her presence in journalism.
She gained significant recognition while working at KTLA 5 News in Los Angeles.
Here are some key points about her:
- Career: Liberte started her career in journalism as a news writer at KTLA. She later became a reporter and meteorologist, known for her engaging on-air presence and weather forecasts.
- Education: She holds a degree in journalism from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and a certificate in meteorology from Mississippi State University.
- Personal Life: Liberte is married to Luis Strohmeier, a wealth advisor. They tied the knot in October 2021.
- Interests: Outside of her professional life, Liberte is passionate about fitness, fashion, and wellness. She often shares tips and insights on her social media platforms.
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