We were lucky to catch up with Chanelle James recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Chanelle , thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

The most meaningful projects that I have worked on are writing and publishing my books of poetry, Intuitive Ramble & The Phoenix Tapes. My first book of poetry opened the door for me creatively, because this was the first time I ever had anything published professionally. My poems were discovered by a publishing company that allowed me free creative reign. They were able to see my vision to help me create something magical. This process inspired me to publish my second book of poetry on my own which was more personal. I wanted my second book to be even more raw, real, relatable, and noteworthy. I penned even more poems than before that were super vulnerable but therapeutic. For the first time, I truly felt that my candid thoughts were going to be felt by the world but also helpful which is an invaluable experience.

Chanelle , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

For those who have not yet become acquainted, my name is Chanelle ‘Nelle J’ James. I am a coach, educator, author, writer, and CEO of my company, Empathy Wanders. Becoming an educator was something I felt was ordained for me. I love learning and teaching others whether it be children or adults. However, I have always been a creative but was not sure how to breakout into that space. While teaching and leading, I also had outside passions of being my own boss and sharing my gift of gab. One day, I started writing my thoughts down playfully and candidly and that turned into poetry. I published a few books under my pen name ‘Nelle J’ and from there my company Empathy Wanders was established.

Empathy Wanders is a lifestyle brand rooted in the art of words and the soul of connection. We create limited edition Spoken Word Boxes and mindful collections designed to carry resilience into everyday life. Each piece — whether a poem, a crafted good, or a story shared — is an invitation to pause, breathe, and wander inward. Art can heal, words can anchor us, and empathy can transform how we move through the world. We empower experiences that remind you to live slowly, feel deeply, and connect meaningfully.

What I am most proud of about my brand is that I have stayed true to what I want my brand to emulate since I started my company in 2021. Everything my brand exudes is thought, crafted, and designed by me and I welcome other wanderers out there to check it out and partner with me on my journey. Next year, I plan to offer a workshop that is a poetic, journaling experience. Stay tuned!

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson that I had to unlearn was thinking that those you build relationships with have the same thought process as you regarding how those relationships should be. For example, I thought that because I carried, valued, and cherished relationships in my own unique way that I would receive reciprocal treatment. I have learned that everyone does not hold the same capacity, willingness, and empathetic understanding as you and that is ok. The idea, “It lasted for a season”, has become more prevalent for me because I am discovering more and more everyday what belongs on my path and journey and what does not.

Have you ever had to pivot?

This past year, I had to make a pivot in my career of education. Although I love to lead and serve, I needed to take a step back, finish my studies, and reflect on how I want my future in education to be. Taking a step back allowed me to revamp my business, put more time, effort, and energy to my creativity, and plan how I want my business to grow and thrive which has been an exciting and enlightening experience.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.empathywanders.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nelle.j19
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/empathy-wanders
• Other: https://tiktok.com/@nellej5