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

Hi Chelsey, what role has risk played in your life or career?
When it comes to risks, I take them. I try not to dwell much on the negative outcome but more so all of the good that can happen. I am referred to by many as spontaneous due to having a “it’s going to turn out how it’s going to turn out” mentality. I believe firmly in the fact that thoughts and visions are placed before me because the action will serve a greater purpose in my overall development; whether the outcome is good or bad.

As far as risk-taking in my life and career, I feel it has taken me far. I have conversed with those others would be afraid to speak to. I have left fortune 500 companies as a young, single mother to choose peace over stress to be the best version of me to be the best mom I can be. I have chosen to choose myself in situations where doing so could have cost me everything. I have emptied my savings into the vision I have for my business so it could come to fruition. While in the midst of some of these decisions, I was not always comfortable with the outcome or felt that I 100% made the best decision but, the end game always proved worth whatever bump or road block I may have encountered. My character development over the last 7-10 years has been phenomenal. The success of my brand shows me that all you have to do is believe in yourself day after day. Without taking the aforementioned risks I can without a doubt say that I wouldn’t be half the woman and business owner I am today.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business is Hype Body Athletics which is an athletic apparel company. I provide comfortable and fashionable gym/leisure wear. What I am most proud of is the fact that I started my weight loss journey, saw a problem I was facing and created a solution to fix it. I struggled to find apparel for the gym that I felt I looked amazing in. I wholeheartedly stand by the saying, “when you look good, you feel good” and I needed to feel good while I crossed a trying bridge with my weight loss.

Once I decided that I would put my feet to the road and embark on this entrepreneurial journey, I created a plan that was ideal for what I consider success. This was not an easy feat. It took masterclasses, hours of research, trial and error, loss of money, loss of sleep, and simply frustration from not being perfect. Many times I had to step away to allow myself to see the overall picture and place my small puzzle pieces to acknowledge that no matter how much I may have felt that I was failing, progress was being made. With this, I have learned that patience is indeed a virtue and anything worth having is definitely worth working and waiting for.

Anything is possible and I am living proof of it. I remember days where I would cry, wondering why life was dealing me the cards I was being given. I fought through storms that I thought I would never see the sun shine again. These trials and tribulations that were sent to break me molded me into a young woman who was able to visualize and build a successful brand that continues to grow.

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.
The gym! Lol. No seriously, one of my favorite places to go for a little night life here is Gracie’s: A Rooftop Bar. It’s very serene and the view is nice. A few of my favorite places to eat are the Pond restaurant as well as Props. You literally can never go wrong with Mexican so Margaritas, El Js, or El Bronco would definitely be a stop for Taco Tuesday.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family and friends. The support they have shown me is unmatched. Whether it be a like, share, comment, donation, a hug, or listening ear, they have been there for me from start to finish.

Website: www.hypebodyathletics.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/hypebodyathletics

Twitter: @AllTheHypeGA

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

Image Credits
Teflon Media

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