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

Hi Chime, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born in a small town in Mississippi, a place where the charm of the countryside was as palpable as the summer humidity. My childhood unfolded amidst the woods surrounding our home, providing a playground filled with wonder and adventure. One of my most cherished memories is walking barefoot in our backyard, relishing the soothing sensation of grass gently tickling my feet.

However, Mississippi, despite its natural beauty, carries the burden of a painful legacy, serving as a stark reminder of racism and segregation. While I didn’t confront these issues directly on a daily basis, their presence lingered in various practices. A particularly striking example was the unusual arrangement of my high school’s Homecoming Court. Instead of one girl representing each class, we had two—one designated for the “minority” and the other for the “majority.” In a school that was 95% Black, the White students were labeled the “minority.” The predominantly White staff believed White students wouldn’t be chosen for the coveted court and felt this arrangement was necessary.

Curiously, at nearby private schools, where Black students were the minority and the staff was also predominantly White, this peculiar arrangement did not exist. This discrepancy was a telling reflection of how our society operated, often in ways that felt both absurd and tragic.

Fortunately, this rule has since been abolished at my former high school and several White students have been nominated by their Black peers to the court.

In my educational journey, I also felt deprived by the limited portrayal of Black history that I received until I ventured into the broader world of college. Discovering a more accurate account of Black history was transformative, igniting a profound passion within me and inspiring me to ask questions about humanity as a whole. This journey ultimately led me to create my YouTube channel, initially aimed at helping Black women transitioning to natural hair, and eventually to the production of mini documentaries and content that explores the depths of humanity and history.

Ultimately, my mission is to utilize my content to elevate the world’s consciousness through truth and understanding, fostering a society that champions love and empathy.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I became a content creator because I sought a meaningful outlet to express my creativity and connect with a community of like-minded individuals. During my college years, a job as a content creator or YouTuber was nonexistent. I distinctly recall praying and envisioning a new career that would resonate with my passions. After opting out of graduate school, I took a leap of faith and launched my YouTube channel two years later. With a major in Mass Communications, this career choice felt like an ideal fit, enabling me to seamlessly blend my education with my desire to create and engage with others.

Throughout my career, I’ve learned to take risks. Taking risks can yield a spectrum of outcomes, from ridicule to reward, and everything in between. I am a strong proponent of risk-taking, as it has the potential to cultivate personal growth through both failures and successes, propel your career forward, and unlock your creativity. One example of this was my decision to dedicate my YouTube channel solely to educational and spiritual content, moving away from discussions of natural hair care. It was a risk, but I needed to gamble on myself and follow what I felt called to do. It paid off in the end.

I believe that the most crucial factor behind my brand’s success lies in being guided by love and staying fully aligned with my purpose. I create from a place of love, make decisions rooted in love, and strive to maintain integrity in all that I do. As long as I fulfill my purpose, I am confident that I am on the right path. In doing so, I attract divine synchronicities that nurture my growth and elevate my brand.

My end goal is to fulfill my purpose. I aspire to create an award-winning documentary that explores the essence of our humanity—an impactful project that aims to elevate our collective consciousness and contribute to the betterment of the world. As lofty as it may sound, I also hope to be recognized with the Nobel Peace Prize for my endeavors. I believe that achieving these milestones would signify that I have fulfilled my purpose and made a meaningful impact during my time here.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my bestie came to visit me, I would take her to the High Museum, where there’s always a remarkable exhibit featuring a Black artist.

Other fun day activities would include a leisurely ride on scooters down the Beltline, stopping at Jake’s Ice Cream for a sweet treat and grabbing food at Hawkers Asian Street Food Market.

One morning, we’d embark on a hike up Stone Mountain, taking in the breathtaking views. Afterwards, we’d head to Ponce City Market, a treasure trove of unique shops like The Village Retail, which showcases incredible products from Black-owned brands. And we wouldn’t miss the opportunity to dine at the rooftop restaurant, 9 Mile, where we’d enjoy delicious food while enjoying the captivating view of Atlanta.

On another day, we’d carve out some time for a peaceful walk in Piedmont Park, perfect for catching up before lunch. Some of my favorite lunch spots include Jinya, known for its perfectly seasoned ramen—the Vegan Flying Harvest is a must-try that converted me into a ramen lover. Then there’s Tassili’s, where the enormous vegan wraps are simply amazing; my personal favorite is the Punany wrap, which never fails to make my taste buds twerk.

For drinks we’d visit Rose Bistro, a charming spot with delightful cocktails. I’d also want my bestie to experience JoJo’s Beloved Cocktail Lounge, a speakeasy with cathedral ceilings and a vibrant retro vibe.

For dinner, we’d experience all the best spots the city has to offer like La Semilla, which specializes in shareable vegan dishes, all of which are top-notch. Another great dinner option is 5 Church, where the dim lighting and ambiance create a romantic atmosphere, despite its religious name. The Consulet is also on my list, as I adore its decor and tasty cuisine. We would also hit up Alici Oyster Bar for its Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina—it’s some of the best pasta I’ve ever tasted, melting in your mouth with every bite.

Dining out would clearly be a central theme for us. We love to eat, laugh, and kiki.

My girl and I would also dress up for a meal at Zakia, a modern Lebanese restaurant that is stunningly designed. The Select is also one of my favorites; I was initially drawn in by a cocktail served in a glass bird, and I’m so glad I took the bait, as the food and service are outstanding.

For a fun girls’ night, we’d hit up El Malo, and if she felt like turning up a bit, we’d head to Fade & Facet for a lively atmosphere.

I can’t forget about brunch! Toast On Lennox, Cafe Intermezzo, and Verdure Kitchen & Cocktails have mastered the art of brunching. I can envision us now —toasting mimosas to our 20-year friendship.

To round off our weekend, I’d take her to Atlantic Station for a relaxed day of browsing shops and exploring talented vendors. We would cap the day with a meal at Azotea, known for having the best grilled mushroom tacos you could ever imagine—even those who typically dislike mushrooms can’t resist these.

Undoubtedly, my best friend will be treated to an exquisite culinary journey, indulging in delightful eats while exploring some of the most iconic attractions in The A.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to give a heartfelt shoutout to my supporters—the compassionate individuals who desire for our society to reach greater heights. Thank you for your unwavering encouragement and kind words. They serve as a powerful motivation for me to continue my work. Every ounce of positivity you share is profoundly meaningful and deeply appreciated.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chimeedwards?igsh=MWtvazFkMzJ5M2lzZg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/@ChimeEdwards

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