Today we’d like to introduce you to Chanel Benjamin
Chanel, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
You are very welcome and thanks for having me. My start is very unorthodox as life became the best teacher and my experience in business was literally learning in real-time. I received my first film camera at the age of 6, and I was always on camera. There are archives of my growth in music, newly discovered hobbies, and the journey of me finding what I loved doing is well documented. Anything I had a keen interest in I was fortunate enough to have it supported. As I figured out if it was something I really wanted to pursue long term. It was not any different as I matured if I voiced an idea to that of a coach, advisor, or mentor they put me in the position to make my vision a memorable experience. As the very predicament I shared with them became a sink or swim moment. As I was provided with the necessary tools and advice it was then up to me to produce what I foreseen. It was time to show and prove and I always took the initiative to see through what I felt strongly about pursuing.
I have always been a writer whether it was poems, songs, short stories, and my creativity set me apart. Add on being great with advocating for myself, highly confident in my capabilities, and creating a need for my skills was unprecedented for someone at my age. I earned the respect of elders for my work ethic and solidified my spot with consistency. All of these components combined assisted me to expand my mind and opportunities to think beyond what was just presented to me. It allowed me to navigate beyond the arts and sports and venture off into technology and build computers. Being multifaceted in business made me realize that I was building a brand which changed the trajectory of not only my life but the path of my career. All of the sectors intertwined made my value rise to being viewed as more than an athlete. The only difference to me was the learning aspect but the formula for excellence was similar and once I noticed that being interchangeable within industries was more of a reward than a challenge. It was like discovering oil in a barren field that no one saw value in until it was tapped into.
As far as my creativity and pushing my vision to the forefront. I worked in music where I was front and center as well as behind the scenes writing, creating treatments, being on a promotional street team and managing artists. To me molding a vision and bringing it to fruition brought me so much joy as it displayed not only my talent but it pushed me to pull out the uniqueness within an individual. I was trying to bring the intensity back into my life that Basketball provided. So I replaced trophies and medals with plaques, certificates and awards.
What followed was being introduced to the Business aspect behind what makes everything progress in which I excelled at. The more I learned about contracts, paperwork, negotiating, and being a liaison to some great projects. I knew being the decision maker is where I needed to be. My firsthand experience and creating avenues where I saw opportunity made me become efficient, forward thinking, and portrayed my diligence. It also allowed me to become a one stop shop because in the beginning of my career I didn’t have the budget for a staff. That motivated me to figure out the next steps. I was also curious to see where my dedication led and I didn’t want to skip steps. I wanted to be in the know so when I did have the opportunity and budget to hire staff I knew how to use the verbiage, create price points, and be stern in what I wanted delivered. I am always willing to learn and I didn’t mind putting myself out there to translate my vision from my experiences of being around some of the most influential people. It most definitely assisted in connecting the dots that my Basketball skills went beyond the court and initiated me into the real world.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
When I first started all of my work was under Chanel Speedy as I was figuring out what I wanted to do as a career. Those were my training days as it started as a blog and expanded to music placement, Multimedia, managing, hosting, directing commercials, etc. It most definitely has not been a smooth road as there have been many obstacles especially with my age entering the business as I was not taken seriously at first. The aspect of always having to prove myself was initially a constant frustration. At that time the expectations and unrealistic standards of hiring to even start a career was unsatisfactory to me. It was as if I didn’t qualify before I even applied due to the criteria. So, after applying to a vast amount of jobs and being rejected due to lack of experience. I created my own lane and built my portfolio to gain experience and that was my way in. Instead of succumbing to failure I invited a different perspective and nurtured my interests, strengths, and incorporated my connections to propel myself where I wanted to be. I didn’t let it deter me, in fact it motivated me to create my own lane.
Believing in myself was a priority because quitting was not an option for me. I found my purpose and I was only accepting redirection, adjustments, and reevaluation from myself. And then I was back at it with a time lapse and new inspiration. My focus became my focus as I zoned into the box on my list of goals getting checked off. My ability to be able to navigate through life with this burning desire that is fueled by passion to be the best version of myself allows me to accomplish feats beyond what I set out to do. It has led me to do a lot of unimaginable things that were not within my scope because I dared to dream it, educate myself, and seek it. That is all the validation I needed. I knew that I could be an asset wherever I landed. I just needed an opportunity and I went out and created something that was influential not only in my career but it led me to meet some great people that impacted my life.
We’ve been impressed with They Love My Splash® LLC , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
They Love My Splash® LLC is built on the foundation of hard work, creativity and vision. The phrase was coined in 2003; officially became a business in 2019, and we are trademarked today, accomplishing the set goal of creating communication and marketing campaigns that make a splash. As a creative agency we offer an ingenious vision through authenticity in branding, Public Relations, and digital marketing. As a self-taught entrepreneur, I understand the importance of learning through experience. My background includes experience in: Basketball, being a Business Development Coordinator, Contract Assistant, Music Manager, Artist, and MultiMedia extraordinaire. We lead through education, mental health awareness, and community events within these areas.
Our main objective is to help our clients achieve long-term success through our tailored branding, Public Relations, and digital marketing services. I manage internal and external communications that develop and support systems and strategies that enhance businesses. By cultivating and maintaining relations with influential professionals to align with the brand’s mission to increase awareness and increase their engagement and visibility. Which can entail securing Partnership procurement, Project Management, event coverage (written, photography and/or Videography) and editing services.
Navigating through learning in real-time through my experience in different industries has helped my business to be sustainable as I adjust to the ever changing standards and implement what I feel should be incorporated. They Love My Successful Plan in Life Adjusting and Securing Happiness through Legacy Love Curation is the literal motto of my business. As I created a plan after having to adjust to a life transition by managing my mental health and working towards being motivated to make a difference by honoring a legacy, incorporating what I love, and creating amazing events. Especially subject matters that are close to my upbringing that are connected to me personally or represented to me through a family member. It is just as important to me to educate others as well by: incorporating American Sign Language, healthy alternative eating options, offering tools to assist with developing a routine for self care, alongside being a mental health and women’s basketball advocate.
I am most proud of the expansion of my purpose within formulating an inclusive way that people can gather, learn, collaborate, grow, and receive resources. I am always learning something daily – yes, the learning curve is real. I pride myself on being a student and education is imperative in my field. Being that I am self taught I am also an avid reader, I crave knowledge and put it to work just as my investments. It propels advancement, and achievement. I am also a lover of sneakers, Basketball, making aspects come into fruition, spreading love, and prioritizing mental health to lead the life I deserve.
My unique way of thinking, efficiency, and how I curate innovative ways to engage with the community sets me apart from others. I am known for being splashy, resourceful, and incorporating my love for Harlem while merging my interests to give back. By introducing initiatives for the betterment of the community, higher education, and assisting others in need. The iSmileForAngele Legacy Scholarship was founded in 2015, and is funded to assist scholars in the right direction to strive towards excellence in advancing their education.
It was created to commemorate my grandmother’s legacy by honoring her life, highlighting her beliefs, and providing financial assistance for scholars and student athletes. Those of whom balance life, studies, and extra-curricular activities on and off the court proving exceptional diligence. We inspire, empower, and provide essential resources to our mentees and prepare the recipients for success in making a smooth transition on their journey to college. Our initiatives include: providing scholarships to High School students transitioning into higher education and fulfilling their Amazon list as a part of their first year College Experience. In 2022, They Love My Splash® LLC was awarded the Hennessy US x One Hundred Black Men Inc., third Round UNFINISHED BUSINESS GRANT. Since being awarded, we mapped out a strategic 2-year plan to enhance educational, inclusion, and community support. The grant has also allowed our efforts to be extended into this year as we offered $2,500 to (2) high school graduating seniors who have demonstrated academic achievement, leadership, and community service.
The #KickBackAgainstBullying Sneaker Drive has provided over 1,000 pairs of footwear to local Harlem shelters, non-profits, churches, and community centers to provide essential resources and ensure smiles. Our goal is to make a positive impact within the communities we serve since 2017. By donating new or gently worn footwear to be distributed to those in need to combat bullying and isolation amongst students.
In 2023, we offered event inclusion by providing an American Sign Language interpreter, shipped Student Athlete Scholar in-kind incentive packages for accomplishing academic achievements, and participated in community and mental health initiatives. On May 31, 2024 was the 1st Annual #iSmileForAngele National Smile Day. It embodied resilience, self expression, and motivation towards spreading mental health awareness in the community by promoting positivity – as many think they are alone. Attendees created a Self Love Letter, were physically given their flowers, a fun interactive Affirmation Soul Board, live sketch portrait artist, Get Closer Conversation Space with Intelligent Change as an icebreaker, Sound Meditation, Affirmation Station, fellowship, and concluded by being given a curated self care gift bag. I plan on continuing to bring awareness, amazing intentionally necessary events and initiatives to life. As it is amazing what you can foster with time, patience, and dedication.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Bacon makes me happy! I am going to state that first every time I am asked. Why? Because of the crisp and delicious flavor. Lol. On a more serious note let me break down the levels to what makes me happy. Creating memories from amazing experiences and my 3 siblings (Sharice, Samantha and Darron) forging their individual paths in life makes me extremely happy. (Did you notice how we took it up a notch just now). To know and witness someone you love forge ahead and figure out the nooks of life to expound on their niche is extraordinary in the realm of Culinary, Chess, Real Estate, and anything they incorporate in their business plans to push the narrative of excellence. I’m extremely proud of them because overcoming, being consistent, and stamping their existence in this world followed by talent. How could you not admire, encourage, and be motivated by that. They have taught me so much about myself, life perspectives, love and connection that I know I was born into the right family. My mother has done an exceptional job and she makes my heart happy to know that what was instilled has been compounded with interest as I have become an amazing individual who demands respect, who is business savvy, splashy, and arduous.
Seeing my loved ones reach their goals especially if they share a portion of that dream and I watch it become reality makes me a happy cheerleader as I can be supportive as a result. Sometimes, their achievements are a surprise after they accomplish it and I’m over the moon happy because it was something they steadily worked towards from start to finish with pride enough to share upon completion. Which brings me to discovering that my purpose led me to a higher purpose makes me the utmost happy. As I am so authentic, intentional, and aware of what I want, watching it unfold sometimes feels like an essence of euphoric destiny. I have a habit of journaling and making digital visual photo collages of my goals that I refer to often. That when it is accomplished there’s that moment to self like “I told you so.” The feeling is almost as if I am talking to a younger version of myself as time passes and the feeling of accomplishment takes over even if it was written down 3 months ago. Afterwards, I am so dramatic before I tell anyone I have a moment to myself and I probably yell “Anything is possible because I’m possible” like I’m Kevin Garnett winning the chip or I may do a cartwheel or rollerskate.
Prioritizing my mental health and instilling boundaries have made me the happiest as I don’t spread myself thin or overextend my abilities. Once you reach the point of pushing yourself too hard – you realize areas you need to pull back on or if a familiar instance reoccurs that I don’t want to revisit that is my reminder to reel it in. I am focused on moving forward not going backwards so to keep my sanity, peace, and happiness aligned I choose me everytime. I am motivated by love and creating the life I need which provides the autonomy to do the things I want.
Can we discuss how smelling good, glowing skin, traveling, being creative through multimedia mediums, self expression through dressing well, dancing, and random adventures to correlate with some gadget I purchase at Five Below to keep my inner child active deserves a happiness activation button. At this point some negotiations have to take place because every week on cue there’s a Little Mermaid kite, a Black Panther Drone, a Ukulele, a skateboard or something being checked out my cart lol. Laughter is another key to making myself happy.
Actively knowing that being happy is imperative to me as we move through so many emotions daily. Especially feelings of which become sprung upon us because we just so happened to cross paths with someone else. Which forces us to then react to a situation at hand. Both scenarios require patience, staying in your element, and knowing how you handle the situation makes you a bit more mindful in reacting as it can alter the course of your life. Laughing and smiling to show how much I am enjoying life, deep double dimples and all. This is the voyage I set sails on, created a wave for, rippled it into a splash, and I love it!
Pricing:
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Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theylovemysplash.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theylovemysplash
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chanel-b-b1020410
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/chanelspeedy
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@theylovemysplash?feature=shared
- Yelp: https://yelp.to/5lVHHP6GzG
