Meet Chevonette James-Henry | Author, Advocate, Motivational Speaker, Mentor, Special Education Teacher

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chevonette James-Henry and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chevonette, what’s the end goal, career-wise?
The end goal is to become an advocate of issues relating to women and children with Special Needs.

Professionally, I want to become a Christian Best Selling Author, World re-known motivational speaker impacting millions.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m an Author of four books (Defying the Odds, C.P & Me, Loose to Live, Struggles of the Mind, Shades of Survival) and two journals (Loose to Live, This Girl Can, This Girl Will).

The Poetic nature of my books makes them relatable and easy to read. I use simple language which informs the reader about the subject and also keeps her engaged in the storyline. Each book looks at issues affecting women, provides solution and is a call for greater engagement from all levels of society.

I am a proud recipient of The Best Young Adult Fiction Indie Award and second place winner of the Best Poetry Book Award.
I’ve always wanted to be an Author and have been writing poetry since i was a little girl. I however found it challenging to write books that would be relevant to women globally, organize the content of my books so that they document issues facing women in a non-invasive way. Additionally, as a wife, mother, full time teacher of students with special needs, mentor and an active Christian worker in my church it was challenging to develop a consistent writing pattern.
According to Stephen Covey we develop our character muscles by overcoming challenges and obstacles. so, whilst these challenges were difficult they served as the impetus i needed to be researched driven in my approach to writing.
understanding that issues facing women are not unique to a geographical location but is similar across country and race.

I had to develop proper time management skills that allowed me some flexibility in my different roles. I therefore carved out a time block for my writing and stuck to it whether I wanted to or not, was in the mood or not. It worked for me as writing then became a daily discipline.

The lessons I’ve learnt along the way have been phenomenal and empowering. Chief among them is that every obstacle can be overcome. We are tougher than we think we are and should therefore see obstacles as just temporary diversions. I’ve also learnt the value of community and support. My family afforded me the time to write even when it took me away from them or they saw very little of me without my laptop. My husband had to pick up the slack for me as I often raced to meet a deadline. As writers support is important.

I am a regular, fun-loving, Jesus girl whose passion is to use my books to impact women by providing solutions to problems they face such as domestic abuse, mental health and self-care. I aim to establish my legacy and raise visibility on those issues while earn revenue. My brand message is to encourage women to be #SilentNoMore.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The metropolitan that is Kingston, Jamaica bursts at the seams with spectacular sights as busy city residents go about mixing work and play. This is the cultural mecca of our island. The place to be if you want to experience the mesmerizing music and heady nightlife as you vibrate to the beat of the drums. You’ll also find fine art galleries, epicurean dining, amazing views in the cool hills above the city, and incredible beaches.

Kingston is the place to sample every type of food Jamaica has to offer. My friend would love the array of swanky sports bars dishing up casual dining meals with a spicy Jamaican twist. The courtyard at Marketplace is one spot to treat yourself to a wide variety of Jamaica’s finest eats. Here, you’ll find Usain Bolt’s Tracks and Records, the sprint icon’s first sports bar. No matter what you’re craving, there’s a Kingston restaurant to satisfy your appetite.

Golfing, beaches, fine art galleries, a bustling nightlife, colorful markets, and even more colorful people are just a few reasons to visit Kingston. There’s no shortage of things to do in Kingston.

We would visit the National Gallery of Jamaica to see the cultural exhibits on show here. Then walk through streets lined with sensational murals to dine at a local cafe. Enjoy the vibrant scene of the waterfront as children frolic and music blares from somewhere nearby. Take a quick ride to Port Royal, once dubbed the “wickedest city in the west,” to visit spectacular beaches at Lime Cay or eat the best seafood at Gloria’s.

We would visit the Hope Botanical Gardens, home to gorgeous gardens, alfresco dining, and an amphitheater that hosts regular reggae bands. The gardens are just up the road from the Bob Marley museum where he lived and recorded many of his famous songs.
(source: https://www.visitjamaica.com/plan-your-trip/explore-the-island/kingston/)

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Special shout out to My Abba who’s the center of my life. My siblings, Angella, Gregory, Omar and Linval. My Sister/Mom Naomi who single handedly raised me following the death of my mom at age twelve (12). My children Jon-Mark, Jor-Dan and Joi-Ann, my whys, my inspiration and my purpose.
My Husband, Andrew who’s my voice of reason, my confidante, best friend and the Wind Beneath my Wings.
Members of my R.E.A.L (Women growing together through Relationship, Empowerment, Accountability, Love) group who have chosen to be a huge part of my journey.
My church family and my friends.

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