Meet Chelsealya Cookie” Payne | Non-profit Founder, Certified Purpose Coach and Certified Coach Trainer”

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chelsealya “Cookie” Payne and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chelsealya “Cookie”, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
As a person that experienced domestic violence and felt as though I had lost my voice, i wanted to provide a platform where persons who had experienced the same were given the opportunity to not only regain their voice, but also receive hope, inspiration, empowerment and a sense of community. We expanded our reach to include mental health awareness and health and wellness for the same reasons. It is important to give voice to the voiceless and empowerment for those that feel as though their strength has been depleated.

What should our readers know about your business?

I believe that one of the things that sets us apart from others is that we have three very strong pillars that we rest upon: Domestic Abuse Awareness and Prevention; Women’s Health and Wellness; and Mental Health and Ministry. These three most certainly intercept in many instances. It is difficult to narrow down what I am most proud of or excited about, but if I had to narrow down one, it would likely be the positive impact that we have been able to make on the lives of others. Whether it has been ensuring that a woman and her children were connected to the proper resources to aid in domestic violence situations or providing mental health first aid certification classes so that individuals, churches, educators, community leaders, etc. would know what to do to aid someone that was experiencing a mental health crisis. These are just a couple examples, but there are many more of how people have been directly helped by our outreach.

Perseverance! That is how I got to where I am today in business. It it not for the faint of heart, that’s for sure! As with anything that carries true purpose, there are going to be obstacles that come to try to get you to quit or become complacent (which is a dangerous position). Perseverance through every challenge and even through every success is necessary to sustain good business practices, collaborations and business relationships, consistent growth and ever-expanding vision. Keeping my eyes on the purpose and not on the current situation that’s happening at the moment is what helps every time when overcoming challenges. There is a proven track record, when I look back at every challenge, that I came through 100% of the ones that I did not give up prematurely – and conversely, the ones that I began to lose focus on and exhibit doubt, 100% of those instances took longer to overcome. Lesson Learned!

I started my organization in 2005 because I was a woman that had lived through what I wanted to help others through. I had been in a domestic violence relationship, and after the relationship was over, I was no longer in any physical danger – emotionally and mentally, I felt as though my voice had been lost. Emotionally I was still there, even though I had physically moved on. Over the years as I began to heal and regain my voice, clarity and personal understanding, I wanted to create a safe space for other women who were like I had been. In doing so, I created a non-profit organization that was dedicated to bringing in experts, motivation, inspiration, resources…and hope

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I absolutely love small, intimate spaces were you can have good food as well as feel comfy and cozy with your friends. One of my favorite restaurants is The Cenacle (Austell, GA – about 15 minutes from Atlanta). Not only do they have a yummy menu, they also have fun events like comedy and karaoke nights. For something different, we may have gone to the Zoo as children, but the Zoo as adults is a different experience. Zoo Atlanta Whether during the day, or the “Twilight Trek” which is the Zoo after dark, it is a something different to do.
The Mableton Amphitheater is always a good choice for something fun to do. From their concert series to their movies under the stars, they have something for everyone to enjoy.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
In middle school, I met the funniest girl. She was so friendly and everybody seemed to know her. Fast forward to high school, we became best friends and our friendship would span for nearly four decade. Over the years, my “Bestie” showed me resilience, encouragement, living-out-loud and the importance of pursuing purpose. She helped me to bring to fruition the ideas and gifts that were residing in my heart, and she did so with unconditional love and unyielding support. In 2018, her earthly assignment ended, but her legacy forever remains in my heart. I certainly recognize my best friend, Priscilla Bell Jackson as on of the most influential people in my life.

Website: www.payneandglory.com

Instagram: @payneandglory

Twitter: @payneandglory

Facebook: www.facebook.com/payneandglory

Youtube: @payneandgloryincwellness

Other: Additionally, I am a certified coach trainer and have an accredited academy to train persons to be certified Life, Wellness, Purpose, etc. Coaches – www.paynepurposeacademy.com