We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Chanell Solace a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Chanell thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Day to day the world can seem like a tough place, but there’s also so much kindness in the world and we think talking about that kindness helps spread it and make the world a nicer, kinder place. Can you share a story of a time when someone did something really kind for you?
I was homeless in Hawaii at the time when Right after I lost my baby at six months, I hit a point where I had nothing — no shoes, no plan, just trying to make it off that island. I walked into the Waikoloa Beach Grill asking for a job. The manager said they weren’t hiring and that he couldn’t bring me on because of my dreadlocks.
I walked down to the beach, cut my hair off in the public shower, and came right back.
He didn’t just hire me — he created a position for me, bought me shoes and a uniform, and gave me a chance when I had absolutely nothing to stand on. I don’t remember his name, but his kindness in that moment genuinely changed the direction of my life.
Chanell, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’m an entrepreneur, transitional mindset coach, and the founder of Cosheao, a natural skincare brand inspired by lived experience and clean, simple ingredients.
My journey hasn’t been traditional. I faced homelessness on and off from a young age, which taught me resilience, resourcefulness, and how to care for myself with whatever I had. Those early lessons in using natural oils and homeopathic remedies are what eventually shaped Cosheao.
Cosheao (co-SHEA-oh) focuses on natural, effective skincare — handcrafted soaps, beard oils, and grooming essentials made with clean ingredients people can trust. My goal is to create products that are simple, honest, and actually good for the skin.
Alongside Cosheao, I own ICONS, a document-management consulting firm, and work as a transitional mindset coach, helping individuals navigate major life shifts with clarity and confidence.
What sets me apart is that everything I build comes from real-life experience, not theory — a blend of resilience, business strategy, and heart. I’m proud of turning my past into purpose and creating brands that support my family, empower others, and reflect the belief that your starting point doesn’t define your potential.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was believing that I always had to survive alone. Growing up the way I did, I was wired to depend only on myself and never ask for help. That mindset kept me alive when I was younger, but it held me back as an adult.
I had to learn that accepting support doesn’t make you weak — it makes you human. Partnerships, community, and healthy relationships don’t take your power away. They expand it. Unlearning the “do it all yourself” mentality opened the door to growth, stability, and the kind of success I couldn’t have built on my own.
Do you have any stories of times when you almost missed payroll or any other near death experiences for your business?
I once had a week where payroll was due, a major client payment got delayed, and the numbers barely lined up. It was one of those moments where you feel the whole business holding its breath.
Instead of panicking, I got proactive — made the calls, restructured timelines, shifted priorities, and kept everything moving. The payment came through just in time, everyone got paid, and we made it through.
That close call taught me a lot about staying calm under pressure and being strategic when things get tight.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.cosheao.com
- Instagram: Cosheao
- Facebook: Cosheao/chanell Solace
- Linkedin: Chanell Solace
