Clia Foster is a central figure in Nobody’s Property, best known as the frontwoman of the band Nobody’s Property and the mother of Nadia Willis. Her life and experiences play a significant role in shaping the themes and emotional core of the series.
Overview
Clia Foster is a musician whose work often reflects deeply personal experiences, particularly those involving trauma, survival, and resilience. Her influence extends beyond music, impacting the worldview and development of her daughter, Nadia Willis.
Background
Born as Clia Barnett, she experienced a turbulent early life marked by abuse connected to her biological father. She was later legally adopted by Adam Foster when her mother remarried, with Clia also taking his surname. These experiences shaped her perspective and later informed both her music and her public stance against child abuse.
In 2001, she and high school classmate and friend Miyu Tanaka formed a "garage band" that would eventually become Nobody's Property, adding Natalia Ivanov as the band's third member in 2004. By their senior year of college in 2008 the trio had regular weekend gigs at venues all over Central Ohio, and played various events like the prom that Elise Matthews missed in 2008 because radio host brother Sam Walsh lit her prom dress on fire as a publicity stunt for ratings. Elise's other brother, Nick Walsh (also the biological father of William Walcott, the biological son Clia at 18 carried as a surrogate for her barren aunt Cassandra Walcott) arranged for a special prom-themed event for Elise to make up for the missed prom, booking Nobody's Property for that event as well. Elise and Clia would go on to become friends as Nobody’s Property became a national act, at first opening for Maurice Parker and other acts, eventually headlining themselves. Nobody's Property was particularly known at its peak for fusing Celtic and Japanese instruments with glam metal in many of their hits, generally avoiding songs about love and romance, with Foster even once famously saying on a talk show in 2011 that "there are way too many f***ing songs about love as it is without contributing to the problem. If I'm gonna use the L word in a song, it's gonna be about something other than whoever I'm f***ing at the moment, because that doesn't always last.") and blending emotionally intense lyrics with a strong stance against abuse and injustice.
Personality
Clia is outspoken, passionate, and unapologetically direct, particularly when addressing issues involving child welfare and abuse. Despite her intensity, she is also known for her warmth, humor, and deeply personal connections with those close to her.
Reputation
As both a musician and public figure, Clia Foster has developed a reputation for refusing to compromise her values. She famously refused all talk show appearances with Nellie Markison after Markison admitted to using corporal punishment and being a supporter of it (Foster is staunchly opposed to the practice, as she believes it can be a gateway to the kind of physical abuse she endured, if not potentially abusive on its own), and she has refused to collaborate with artists with a reputation for anti-LGBTQ+ phobias, especially homophobia and transphobia, child abuse, domestic violence, or who have conflicting views with some of her beliefs, particularly regarding the treatment of children.
Struggles with Mental Health
Clia Foster has four known mental illnesses. PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, ADHD, and paranoid schizophrenia, at least two of which are believed to have been triggered by abuse she endured as a child.
Relationship with Nadia Willis
Clia’s relationship with her daughter Nadia is foundational to the series. Her past, beliefs, and emotional history significantly influence Nadia’s worldview, moral code, and actions throughout Nobody’s Property.
Role in Nobody’s Property
Clia Foster serves as both a narrative anchor and emotional catalyst within the series. While not the central protagonist, her presence shapes the story’s themes and provides critical context for Nadia’s actions and motivations.