We were lucky to catch up with CAMILLE ESSICK recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, CAMILLE 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?
I grew up in church, the daughter of a minister. As a child, I experienced trauma, which I internalized. As a result, I became extremely introverted. Prior to that situation, I was talkative and was even a corresponding anchor for the school news station while attending Dodson Elementary around the second grade or so. However, after that incident, I became very closed off, only speaking to close friends and trusted family members. To this day, I never told my mother or my father (deceased) what happened. I only revealed this to my sister a couple of years ago, around 2019 or so. I grew up in Hermitage and after attending Middle Tennessee State University, I relocated to Antioch. In 2012,
I joined the U.S. Navy and completed eight years of service. I began in the aviation department and later made a pivot in my military career to become a paralegal for the JAG Corps. While stationed in California, on a whim, I created The Speak [Her] Podcast. My very first episode (geez, I was so nervous) aired around April 2019. It was in California, I re-enrolled in college while on active duty, and completed my Bachelor’s degree. Once my service to the Navy was completed, I enrolled in a graduate studies program in Charlotte, NC, and recently completed my Master’s in Communications as of August 2021.
In 2021, I released three e-books and I am currently working on my fourth book, which will be my first hard copy. Since leaving the military, my podcast has been picked up by iHeart Radio, Spotify, and Pandora…among other streaming services. I am truly humbled by the opportunity. In March of this year, I launched my brands, Chemistry Room Fragrances and Good Black Men. I am thankful for the gift of creativity. Podcasting has been a place of healing and has taught me I have a voice in the world, not to fear the ability to speak up for myself and learn more about the experiences of others.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?
I grew up in church, the daughter of a minister. As a child, I experienced trauma, which I internalized. As a result, I became extremely introverted. Growing up in the church, particularly in the Black community, the topic of mental health has always been taboo or avoided. In my childhood, prior to experiencing trauma, I was talkative and was even a corresponding anchor for the school news station while attending Dodson Elementary around the second grade or so. However, after that incident, I became very closed off, only speaking to close friends and trusted family members. To this day, I never told my mother or my father (deceased) what happened. I only revealed this to my sister a couple of years ago, around 2019 or so. I grew up in Hermitage and after attending Middle Tennessee State University, I relocated to Antioch. In 2012,
I joined the U.S. Navy and completed eight years of service. I began in the aviation department and later made a pivot in my military career to become a paralegal for the JAG Corps. While stationed in California, on a whim, I created The Speak [Her] Podcast. My very first episode (geez, I was so nervous) aired around April 2019. It was in California, I re-enrolled in college while on active duty, and completed my Bachelor’s degree. Once my service to the Navy was completed, I enrolled in a graduate studies program in Charlotte, NC, and recently completed my Master’s in Communications as of August 2021.
In 2021, I released three e-books and I am currently working on my fourth book, which will be my first hard copy. Since leaving the military, my podcast has been picked up by iHeart Radio, Spotify, and Pandora…among other streaming services. I am truly humbled by the opportunity. In March of this year, I launched my home essential brand, Chemistry Room Fragrances and Good Black Men. I am thankful for the gift of creativity. Podcasting has been a place of healing and has taught me I have a voice in the world, not to fear the ability to speak up for myself and learn more about the experiences of others.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
The passing of my grandmother if May of 2003 became my breaking point. Until that point, I taught myself how to cope or pretend that I was okay. The reality was I was hurting on the inside. Her death and experiencing heartbreak through a relationship sent me deeper within myself and the result was my attempt to end my life not once, but twice. After the second attempt to end my life, I secretly became to search for counseling outside of the church. I say this not to bash the church, but to highlight the point that my relationship with God shifted into place when coupled with a therapist. I felt that I could speak freely with my counselor without feeling guilty or judged about the feelings I was harboring during that chapter in my life. I needed to be in a space where I did not feel spiritually conflicted and process my emotions without a weight on my shoulder.
Fast-forward to nearly 20 years later, I have created digital platforms for others that look like me to have open conversations about mental health, spirituality, and entrepreneurship. The response has been celebrated and it ceases to amaze me how many people within my community continue to embrace The Speak[Her} Podcast, Chemistry Room Fragrances, and Good Black Men.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
No. I do not think non-creatives struggle to understand my journey as a creative because I walk this path called life first as a member of humanity and second as a creative. Let me expound on this point. Regardless of race, ethnic background, origin, gender, or faith, we have all experience joy, disappointment, grief, excitement, disappointment, surety, confusion, and frustration. We have all questioned our purpose or our ability. We have not always had all of the answers or wondered if something would work out in our favor. With that being said, some many not understand the creative process, but everyone understands what it means to experience emotion.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.camilleessick.com
- Instagram: @camille.essick
- Linkedin: @CamilleEssick
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CamilleEssickOfficial
- Other: www.gbmofficial.com