Meet Charmaine French

Today we’re excited to be connecting with Charmaine French again. If you haven’t already, we suggest you check out our prior conversation with them here.

Charmaine, thanks for joining us again. Just to level set a bit for folks who may have missed our last interview together, can you briefly introduce yourself?
Hi, my name is Charmaine, but readers and supporters know me as Unapologetically Char. I’ve been a multidisciplinary artist since 2019, and over the past six years, my art has connected me to countless homes, hearts, and lives. Through the use of my voice, hands, and words, I’ve created a life that once felt unimaginable.

The familiarity of my story lies in the phrase “my art found me”—something I’ve often said when reflecting on my journey. But the truth is, my art didn’t just find me—it knocked me upside the head, sat me down for six months, and left me in a state of shambles and disbelief.

Before stepping fully into my creative career, I was an elementary school teacher. I dedicated five years of my life to shaping young minds, and the work was deeply fulfilling. Every child I encountered left a lasting imprint on my soul. However, one thing that has always been true of me is my unwavering belief in evolution—the evolution of the mind, body, and spirit. When a spirit feels trapped or bound to the mundane routines of life, it’s often a sign that the soul is out of alignment. This was exactly how I felt in my final year as a fourth-grade teacher.

I had reached my goals, moved the data, and impacted lives—yet I still felt boxed in, limited. I wrestled with the decision to sign another contract, start over at a new school, or walk away completely. Life, however, had other plans.

Even though my heart had already drifted from the classroom, my body refused to leave—until I was forced to. A near-fatal car accident changed everything. I was left bed-bound with a dislocated hip and a broken femur. At the time, crashing into a parked car in the middle of the highway felt like a nightmare. But looking back, it was the gift I needed. It forced me to be still, to reevaluate, and to shift my perspective. Without that pivotal moment, I wouldn’t have found the clarity, connection, and deeper passion that now fuel my purpose.

Since 2019, my artistry has opened doors I never imagined. I’ve been featured on podcasts, in magazines and blogs, and showcased my work in art shows. One of my greatest moments was having J. Cole see, feel, and sign my artwork—an experience that affirmed everything I’ve been building.

Though I’ve officially left the classroom as a traditional teacher, my journey in education is far from over. Every day, my dream of reentering the education system as an art therapist becomes more of a reality. The intersection of creativity and healing is where I belong, and I’m excited for all that’s to come.

Alright, so our main goal today is to give our audience an update on what you have been up to since our last conversation. We’d love to hear how things are going and what you are most looking forward to or excited about these days.
. Love bugs, it’s so good to connect with my audience and community again. First, I want to express my deepest gratitude for this opportunity to share my journey and leave a piece of myself with the world around me. Thank you, Voyage, for being a fundamental channel for my art and my unwavering commitment to civil liberties.

The last time we connected, I spoke about my love for life and art—two forces that have always guided me. Since then, a whirlwind of events has reshaped my path in ways I never imagined.

In February 2024, I found the courage to embrace life boldly. Not just in theory, but in action. I realized that the life I envisioned—a creative, intentional, and fulfilling one—was not just possible but within reach if I was willing to leap. My passion for living artistically stopped being just a dream; it became my daily thought process, the rhythm of my existence. With that realization came a sense of urgency, a push from the universe to step into the unknown.

After months of strategic planning, self-doubt, and moments of deep reflection, I set a bold deadline for myself: six weeks. Six weeks to pack up my life, leave my family home I had lived in for over five years, and step away from the familiarity of Georgia—the only state I had ever called home. My destination? Houston, Texas—a city that had been calling my name for years.

The decision to relocate was not impulsive; it was deeply intentional, rooted in three pivotal factors.

First, it was a practical choice. Moving to a new state meant I could establish residency and gain access to in-state tuition, making it financially feasible to pursue my art degree and further my studies in art therapy—a passion that has been brewing within me for years.

Second, it was a spiritual and personal challenge. I’ve come to understand that my most authentic self thrives in discomfort. Growth, for me, has never been found in stagnation. I had reached a plateau in my self-discovery and healing, and I knew that remaining in a space where everything was predictable—where I knew the streets, the faces, the routines—would only keep me tethered to an older version of myself. Moving away wasn’t just about physical distance; it was about shifting my mindset, testing my discipline, and pushing myself toward a higher level of self-awareness.

And finally, the heart of my decision: Houston itself. The first time I traveled solo to Houston in September 2019, I felt something I had never experienced before—a deep, unshakable sense of belonging. There’s something about this city, something indescribable yet undeniable. The warmth of its people, the vibrant creative scene, the way it makes you feel seen, heard, and valued. Houston is a place of possibility, a place that welcomes dreamers, doers, and seekers with open arms.

Since moving to Houston, I’ve faced many adversities—financial struggles, the challenge of work-life balance, and the aching homesickness that comes with leaving everything familiar behind. There were moments when doubt crept in, when I wondered if I had made the right choice. But almost a year later, I stand firm in the belief that resilience always bears fruit. Because I didn’t give up, I have found a beautiful support system—a group of friends who have become my family. In August, I’ll be taking the next step in my journey by officially starting my art degree, turning my dream into something tangible. And perhaps most unexpectedly, yet so beautifully, I’ve found myself in a healthy, loving relationship—one that nurtures me in ways I never knew I needed.

This journey has not been easy, but it has been mine—raw, transformative, and deeply fulfilling. To anyone who is standing on the edge of a decision, afraid to take the leap—I see you. I know the fear. But I also know the freedom that waits on the other side.

Thank you for walking this journey with me.

With love and gratitude,
Charmaine

Alright, so let’s do something a bit more fast-paced and lighthearted. We call this our lightning round and we’ll ask you a few quick questions.

Favorite Movie: The Temptations

Favorite Book: Children of Blood and Bone

Favorite TV Show: The Office

Favorite Band or Artist: J Cole

Sweet or Savory: Sweet

Mountains or Beach: Beach

Favorite Sport (to watch): Little League Baseball

Favorite Sport (to play): Volleyball

Did you play sports growing up (if so which ones): I didn’t the only clubs I participated in was Drama Club and Debate club

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up: Actress

French Fries or Onion Rings: French Fries

Chuck Rhodes or Bobby Axelrod: Bobby Axelrod

Favorite Cartoon growing up: Wild Thornberrys

Favorite Childhood movie: Sister Act 2

Favorite Breakfast Food: Potatoes and avocado

What do you want people to remember about you and your brand? What are some of things that you feel are most important, unique, special, etc?
I want people to remember that Unapologetically Char is more than just a brand—it’s a movement, a story, and a living testament to the power of evolution. My journey has been anything but linear, and I want my art, my voice, and my presence to serve as a reminder that transformation is always possible.

What makes my brand unique is that it’s rooted in authenticity, resilience, and the belief that creativity is a lifeline. My art isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about connection, storytelling, and healing. Whether through paint, words, or mentorship, my work is a reflection of lived experiences—the highs, the heartbreaks, the pivots, and the victories.

I want people to remember that I was never afraid to shift when my soul called for it. That I honored growth, embraced discomfort, and allowed life’s unexpected turns to mold me into the artist, educator, and healer I am today. My brand carries that same energy—it thrives in spaces of self-discovery, pushing boundaries, and creating meaning where others see chaos.

More than anything, I want people to feel seen when they engage with my work. To feel inspired to take up space, to be bold in their own evolution, and to never shrink themselves for the comfort of others. Because the most beautiful thing we can do in this lifetime is to live unapologetically.

Instagram: Unapologetically Char

LinkedIn: Check out Charmaine French’s profile on LinkedIn

Facebook: Charmaine Delisha

Youtube: Unapologetically Char