Meet Asha Ntim | Founder/Executive Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Asha Ntim and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Asha, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Embarking on the journey of entrepreneurship is often spurred by a deep-seated desire to address unmet needs within a community. For me, founding the Chrysalis Program was a response to a critical need for support and empowerment for African American girls in the realms of self-image, self-esteem, and self-perception.

The inception of the Chrysalis Program was not born out of a simple whim, but rather from a deliberate process of introspection and consultation with fellow black women. I sought to understand what vital components were missing from their own childhoods or adolescent experiences, and how we could fill those gaps to nurture the next generation.

Drawing from these discussions and personal reflections, I crafted the foundational pillars of the Chrysalis Program. Our mission was clear: to provide a safe space where young African American girls could explore and enhance their mental wellness, while simultaneously fostering their creativity and life skills.

In the nascent stages of the program, the emphasis was not on financial gain or organizational structure. Instead, for the first six years, the Chrysalis Program operated as a labor of love—a passion project where everyone involved volunteered their time and expertise to serve the girls in our community.

During this period, we introduced the girls to the transformative power of creative arts as a tool for self-expression and healing. Through various art forms, they were encouraged to explore their emotions, confront societal pressures, and cultivate a positive sense of self. Additionally, we imparted practical life skills that were crucial for their personal development and future success.

Despite the absence of monetary compensation, the dedication of our team remained unwavering. Witnessing the positive impact of our efforts on the lives of these young girls fueled our determination to continue and expand our reach.

In essence, the Chrysalis Program was founded on a simple yet profound principle: to empower African American girls by addressing the core issues affecting their self-perception and well-being. Through collective action and unwavering commitment, we strive to be a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations to come.

As we reflect on our journey thus far, we remain steadfast in our resolve to uplift and empower the voices of young African American girls, ensuring that they emerge from their cocoons as confident, resilient butterflies ready to conquer the world.

In the end, the thought process behind starting my own business was rooted in a deep sense of responsibility and a burning desire to effect positive change in the lives of those who need it most.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Chrysalis Program stands as a beacon of empowerment and support for African American girls and families, particularly in Chicago’s South Side community. What sets us apart is our holistic approach to empowerment, addressing not just immediate challenges but also nurturing long-term well-being through wellness, life skills, and creative arts programming.

Our pride and excitement stem from the tangible impact we’ve made in the lives of our participants. Through initiatives like Saturday Sessions, Tea Talk with Teens, Summer Camp, Afterschool Programming, Counseling, and Service Opportunities, we provide a diverse range of opportunities for growth and transformation. These offerings, coupled with community events and field trips, ensure engagement and foster personal development.

The journey to where we stand today has been marked by challenges, but each obstacle has been met with resilience and innovation. Initially conceived as an extension of The DARK Brown Girl book series to empower African American girls and women, our evolution into The Chrysalis Program was driven by the pressing need for a safe and supportive space where girls could cultivate self-confidence and resilience. As we immersed ourselves in the community, we recognized the need for a multifaceted approach to address complex issues such as childhood trauma, bullying, damaged self-image, depression, and domestic violence.

Overcoming these challenges required unwavering dedication and a commitment to our mission. We’ve learned invaluable lessons along the way, particularly the importance of adaptability and community engagement. By listening to the needs of our participants and collaborating with community stakeholders, we’ve been able to refine our approach and expand our impact.

At our core, we want the world to know that The Chrysalis Program is more than just a program; it’s a movement dedicated to leveling the playing field and empowering African American girls to realize their full potential. Our commitment to inclusiveness, empowerment, and holistic well-being drives everything we do. We are proud of our past achievements but remain steadfast in our vision of creating a world where all women and girls are empowered to show up as their authentic selves.

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.
Urban Luxe Cafe: A cozy spot supporting arts and community building.

Local Color Art Studio: Perfect for creative inspiration and art therapy.

Talk It Out Tuesday in Hazel Crest: An unforgettable open mic night celebrating spoken word poetry.

Struggle Beard Bakery: For mouthwatering sweets from a black veteran-owned bakery.

Chemistry: A restaurant offering an intimate atmosphere and exceptional cuisine.

Emerald Escape Products: Ideal for a hands-on candle making workshop.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Brenda Pious stands as a cornerstone of the Chrysalis Program’s success, her dedication and passion weaving an invaluable tapestry of support and growth for its participants. Initially joining as a grandparent of two Chrysalis students, Brenda quickly became enamored with the program’s mission and ethos.

Her tireless efforts in crafting tailored curriculum for the Littles, the youngest members of the Chrysalis family, exemplify her commitment to nurturing young minds. Whether in-person or through virtual platforms, Brenda’s teaching was marked by unwavering dedication and a genuine desire to instill confidence and knowledge in her students.

For over six years, Brenda volunteered her time with unwavering faithfulness, infusing the program with both warmth and structure. Her contributions extended beyond the classroom, as she also shared her expertise by teaching a chess class, enriching the program’s offerings and fostering strategic thinking among participants.

Moreover, Brenda’s impact transcended the confines of the Chrysalis curriculum. She served as a mentor, aiding in the personal and professional development of those around her. Through her guidance, many, including myself, have grown not only as individuals but also as leaders in our respective fields.

In essence, Brenda Pious’s journey with the Chrysalis Program embodies the spirit of dedication, compassion, and empowerment. Her unwavering commitment to fostering growth and learning has left an indelible mark on the program and the lives it touches. Brenda, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your immeasurable contributions, and we stand in awe of the profound impact you continue to make.

Website: https://www.chrysalisforgirls.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrysalisforgirls

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/18336185/admin/feed/posts/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheChrysalisProgram

Image Credits
N/A. We don’t have a photographer. We use our cell phones and parents and volunteers sign photo waivers.