We had the good fortune of connecting with Chalice Nelson, LPC, NCC and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chalice, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Throughout the course of my life, I have found that creativity is my life’s purpose. From as young as I can remember, participating in creative activities whether that be braiding my own hair, crocheting, singing or knitting, they all have served as cathartic exercises for me. Now, I find that in my work as a licensed psychotherapist, combining my passion to help others with my purpose has led to supporting others by granting opportunities to explore ways to live more authentically and enhance their freedom. It is such a humbling experience to walk beside others as they to tap into their creative abilities and see how it propels them forward on the path destined for them.

What should our readers know about your business?
It’s actually pretty amazing see how this idea I had over 6 years ago has developed into 2 brands. In 2014, I had just began my career as a psychotherapist and I was sitting in my office thinking about how I wanted to curate a mental wellness blog focused on the Black and Brown community. For several years, I played around with the idea, writing about it in notebooks, identifying blog topics.

When The Conscious Queen actually launched in 2017, it was so much bigger than I ever imagined! While as a one woman show, it has not been easy to make all of these ideas come to life at once, I’ve been slowly adding significant components to it that make me proud.  It has been so heart warming to see how the ideas I have created have served as a source of refuge for those who have come into contact with the brand. Hearing more about the community’s need allowed me to expand on my ideas for merchandise and events and throughout it all, I heard how so many people were wanting a therapeutic experience  that has allowed me to launch my private practice, Chalice Nelson, LPC (providing coaching and counseling services). Seeing the intersect between what I do in the counseling room and the work I do with The Conscious Queen excites me and makes with burst with joy  to see how others are positively impacted by these small thoughts I have that then become something tangible.

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.
Wow, Atlanta is filled with rich history and amazing sites that it’s hard to pinpoint what all we’d do, especially with the current COVID concerns. It would also be dependent upon the time of year as I love to attend the Sweet Auburn Festival, Juneteenth Festival, The Village Market’s quarterly marketplaces, concerts and so much more! For starters, we’d definitely begin with food at either Tassili’s or Viva La Vegan. While in the West End, we’d explore the amazing treasures the neighborhood has to offer, such as Wren’s Nest, AUC and walk around to admire the beauty of the neighborhood through building murals, the plethora of Black businesses and more. We’d also have to explore the Castleberry Hill area for its amazing food and self-care oasis. A day at iwi fresh Spa coupled with Dat Fire Jerk Chicken for lunch and Bottle Rocket for dinner screams relaxation! I cannot forget about Grant Park and all of its beauty! We could spend the whole day admiring the scenery within the park and the beautiful homes that surround it. We could end our day at The Beacon and pick out some wine at The Bailey Wine Cellar and pair with desserts at A Haute Cookie. Lastly, we’d have to spend a day or two shopping, visiting sweet spaces like Ponce City Market, Alpharetta’s Farmer’s Market, Krog Street Market, Virginia Highlands and the like.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to shout out my mother, Torsha Hawkins. She has always believed in my vision and stood behind me 110%. She’s my secret business partner. It is her life story that has let me know that everything I am reaching for is attainable. Thank you for always being there, being an inspiration and allowing me to be creatively me.

Website: www.chalicenelsonlpc.com
Instagram: chalicenelsonlpc
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cnelsonncc
Twitter: chalicenlpc
Other: www.theconsciousqueen.com

Image Credits
Hassan Threats of Immaculate Lens

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