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

Hi Chaka, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Work life balance has been a priority for me for a long time. Too often, people wait until retirement to truly enjoy life, but I decided early on to create a healthy balance. The first step was defining what my ideal balance looked like, then comparing it to the reality I was living. That gave me a clear roadmap for change.

At the time, I was a single mother to a toddler. I wanted to be present for my son’s milestones while also providing for us. I was working second shift in a call center that barely covered the bills, and neither the schedule nor the pay aligned with the life I envisioned. I knew I needed a career that offered better income, daytime hours, and a sense of purpose.

I reflected on the type of work I enjoyed most, helping people, and sought roles that fit that vision. I focused on careers with Monday-to-Friday schedules, holidays off, and better entry-level pay. That search led me to human resources, which became the foundation for both my professional growth and the balance I was striving for.

Now, as I’ve advanced in my career and stepped into entrepreneurship, my definition of balance has evolved. My son is older, and financial pressures have eased, which has given me the freedom to redefine what balance means. Today, my focus is on work that not only sustains me but also reflects my values, passions, and the life I want to live.

What should our readers know about your business?
What sets me apart is that everything I do is rooted in love, authenticity, and empathy. I’m most proud that I’ve lived through experiences many would find unimaginable and was able not only to overcome them but also to heal. Because I’ve found beauty in life after hardship, I’m able to lead with love and pour that encouragement into others who need it most.

As you can imagine, the road wasn’t easy. I’m a native of the Bronx who grew up in the projects. I spent my adolescence in group homes and eventually aged out into homelessness. By most measures, my story was not supposed to lead to the life I live now. What got me here was a deep belief that I deserved the best this life has to offer, despite what my upbringing might have indicated—and then moving forward with intention.

When I began building my career and eventually my business, I had a clear vision of where I was heading. That clarity allowed me to introduce intentional practices that kept me aligned with my goals. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way is that when you set a goal and move with intention, you can accomplish anything. I’ve also learned that success is defined by you—not by anyone else’s standards.

I want the world to see me as an example of what it means to overcome obstacles and to honor their own power to do the same. My brand, The Plant Apothecary, is built on the pillars of community, wellness, and love. In everything I do, you can be sure those will always be the vibes.

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.
If I had a friend in town for a week, the itinerary would blend art, nature, culture, and good food—some of my favorite things about Atlanta:

Monday – We’d start the week with a slow stroll through the High Museum of Art. I love going during the week when it’s less crowded so you can really take your time with the exhibits. After soaking up some art, we’d head to Colony Square for lunch, its food hall has something for everybody.

Tuesday – We’d spend the morning at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. As a plant mama, it’s one of my happy places. Afterwards, we’d stop by Woody’s for lunch, my go-to is the turkey hero, but their chili slaw dog is good too. Then we’d swing by Village Market in Ponce City Market for some shopping. Later that evening, we’d check out The Circle Open Mic, a gem full of incredible talent and good vibes.

Wednesday – By midweek, I’d invite them to join me at The Plant Apothecary for our weekly Paint & Sip, a laid-back way to tap into creativity, relax, and connect with others.

Thursday – We’d start the morning with coffee at Black Coffee ATL in Lakewood, then stop by Kindred Healing Center for a bit of grounding. From there, we’d spend the afternoon exploring the African Diaspora Art Museum of Atlanta (ADAMA) in Pittsburgh Yards. Pittsburgh Yard is a wonderful spot to lay out a blanket, soak up the day, browse local shops, and enjoy good eats. As a plant lover, I’d definitely encourage a visit to Pink Pothos Plant Shop.

Friday–Sunday – Atlanta weekends are always vibrant. If they’re in town on a First Friday, we’d go to the First Fridays at Underground Atlanta, which is full of local art/artists and great energy. On Saturday, we’d circle back to The Plant Apothecary for one of our plant education workshops. To wrap up the trip, we’d end the weekend at Bonfire ATL.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people who have been beacons on my sometimes turbulent journey. I want to shout out a few of them:

Linda Young – She has been my rock. In the early days of building my career, she stepped in to help care for my son so I could attend courses and lay the foundation for my future. She always believed in me.

Antonio Shepard – My brother and my right-hand man. He has selflessly given his time and support to help me chase my dreams as an entrepreneur.

Sonia Campbell – I spent all of my teenage years in a group home where she was a staff member. She poured so much into me and helped me hold on to the beauty of humanity and the importance of caring for each other. I move through the world with kindness to honor her.

Pearl Cleage – My favorite author. I discovered her work as a teenager, and the first book I read by her was What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day. She inspired me to be a warrior woman, and how fitting that I would eventually make my home in Atlanta, the city she writes about so vividly.

Website: https://ThePlantApothecary.com

Instagram: @ThePlantApothecary https://www.instagram.com/the_plantapothecary/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chaka-channer-b228b2126/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578214356575

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