Born Benjamin Knox in 1957 in rural Florida, Chablis was abandoned by both her mother and father and was raised by her classy Grandmother. She grew up a self-confessed "sissy child." Growing up, she modeled herself and her sexuality with the all female household in which she was raised. In the summer of 1969 she met her father for the first time and stayed with him in Harlem. During this constrictive time, Chablis attended the Institute of Fashion, learned to use a sewing machine and met her first gay role model. She began cross-dressing at age 14.

In her early career as an entertainer, under the names Brenda Dale Knox and The Lady Jonel, she won multiple titles in Drag Pageantry including: Miss Dixieland 1976, Miss Gay World 1976, The Grand Empress of Savannah 1977, Miss Sweetheart International 1989, Empress of Atlanta 1996, Miss Cosmo U.S. 1997, Miss Georgia National 1998, and Miss Southern States USA 1998. It is clear Chablis has not undergone gender reassignment surgery. Chablis is considered a preoperative transsexual, as well as a full-time transvestite, and drag queen. The Lady Chablis owns no men's clothing and takes estrogen to increase her bust line but has no plans for surgery

After winning the Miss Gay World Pageant, Chablis moved to Savannah, where she changed her act to include stand-up comedy. Chablis became notable in the early 1990's when she was featured as one of Savannah's colorful characters in John Berendt's book "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil," based on a true crime story. In the book, Chablis and her larger-than-life adventures provided a counterbalance to the darker narrative of murder that was central to the book.

Chablis played herself in the 1997 movie of the same title, directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Kevin Spacey and John Cusack. Other films include: "Damn Good Dog," "Partners," and "Midnight in Savannah." Her autobiography is titled "Hiding My Candy: The Autobiography of the Grand Empress of Savannah," first published in 1996. Chablis as also made several appearances on talk shows including Oprah and USA Today.

Chablis frequently performs at her "home" nightclub of Club One in Savannah. Chablis also continues to travel the US performing at various venues and special events, such as gay pride gatherings.