We recently connected with Chanerya Rowland and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Chanerya thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

Well, I honestly started on this journey that I am on now when I lost custody of my son. When I lost custody of him, I went into this very dark place, a deep depression, I was suicidal, all I felt like I had then was my daughter, who is now six. It had me thinking back on all of the things I’ve been through, all of the things I’ve run from mentally/emotionally, from being homeless, growing up without my mom and dad in the household, feeling abandoned, feeling rejected, feeling misunderstood, alone, etc. Going through that, opened my spiritual eyes! I had to force myself to get up, I had to forgive myself, to wake up and accept everything that comes with being Chanerya. Yes, I didn’t grow up with my mother and father in the household. Yes, that hurt me deeply. Yes, I was homeless before. Yes, people degraded me. Yes, I was embarrassed at one point. Yes, it hurt. Yes, I felt like I wasn’t good enough. Yes, I felt unworthy. Yes, sometimes I didn’t believe in me, but GOD.

All of those tears, and years of not knowing who I am, made me who I am today. Make it make sense? God hand-picked me, he hand his hands on me, back when I was going through, I just didn’t see it because I was full of hurt, bitterness, anger, fear, pride, etc. I NOW accept every part of me, literally EVERY PART OF ME! Everything I’ve been through made me who I am today. I am no longer ashamed. I am no longer afraid to be ME. I am no longer bitter. I am no longer angry. I am no longer fearful. I have forgiven those who hurt me, those who spoke down on my name, those who betrayed me, I have forgiven my mother and father, because they were once young and misunderstood and they only could give me what they knew what was best back then and I’ve come at peace with that and understand it. I felt it was another big obstacle that stood in my way. Forgiveness. I had to learn to forgive for me and no one else. I am now focused on God more than I’ve ever been. My goal is to please him now and not man. He is my refuge. I’ve said yes to him and willing to be obedient and stand on his word. I’m thankful for the things I’ve been through. It made me. My story is still being written. . .

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a Published Author. The name of my book is “DearEthan. . .” “DearEthan. . .” was written to explain to my son what happened, and why I lost custody of him, so he wouldn’t grow up feeling abandon like I did, when I didn’t grow up with my mother.

I also have a journal out, called “LOUDThinking. . .” “LOUDThinking. . .” Is for those who suffer from depression, anxiety, or those that just have LOUD thoughts in their mind, that no one seems to understand. I know that a lot of people run to different things to cope, including weed, alcohol, etc .. I know because I was once in that place, where I couldn’t face what I was going through head on, but once I got to a place where I was ready to feel every emotion that I was running from I coped by writing in a journal. I think writing your feelings down, is definitely one of the best coping mechanisms, my opinion.

I stand out. I’m very different. I’m RARE! I say that humbly. I am not afraid to be ME. I’m talking about the REAL me and I don’t seek validation. I’ve learned to live my truth, and I no longer care what others think of me or how they may view me, based off their own assumptions and I think that’s what sets me apart from others.

I am so proud of the woman I’ve become. From being homeless, feeling abandoned, rejected, lost, not believing in myself, not knowing who I was at one point, to now walking in purpose and not pain. It’s an amazing feeling.

One of the main things, I would love for those that watch me, is to find their way, and love themselves enough to want to dig deep and find out who they truly are and not live up to what society wants them to be.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I can honestly say me being homeless, going through the process of losing custody of my son, while in high school, also being looked at differently because of that and also getting degraded and talked about, as if I was an unfit parent, on top of what I already was battling with emotionally, childhood trauma. I then began to have panic attacks, severe depression, being suicidal, after I lost custody, all while raising my daughter, and trying to find my way, on my own and building everything back up from the ground up, with two children blows me because I made it through. It was very difficult, especially with no genuine help, I mean of course I had people that offered help, all HELP wasn’t HELP though. Some only helped me to talk about me, that also threw me off, but I still stayed the course. I handled my business, and now mentally and emotionally, I am at peace with everything I’ve endured. I’ve overcame every obstacle that was put in my way to stop me. I’ve forgiven myself. I’ve forgiven those who even hurt me or betrayed me. (The best feeling!) No matter what comes my way, I know with the help of GOD, of course .. nothing can stop me. I’m way more powerful now, meaning I know how to control my mind, I try not to overthink every situation based on my past emotions, I know when things are sent my way just to mold me and build me up, instead of complaining in the mist, I’m to the point where, even the negative thoughts can’t get in my way. I’ll switch them to something positive real quick, like. Once you can get a hold on your thoughts, you better get ready, because you’ll be on go mode.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Yes. My goal is always to help those walk in purpose and not pain. To be who they are really called to be. To be able to face their problems, to be in tune with their emotions, etc.

I love helping others and I also just love seeing others handle business and being THEM, unapologetically!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Www.Instagram.com/cr_beauty
• Facebook: Www.Facebook.com/Chanerya.Rowland
• Other: I also have a few radio interviews, podcasts, and news interviews, you guys can listen in to. Google is a great place to find those! Chanerya Rowland