Meet Chontell Lucas | CEO/Founder Sparkle Nation, LLC

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

Hi Chontell, what do you attribute your success to?
The important factor behind the success of my brand is simply compassion. Being compassionate about your “why” can elevate you to places you’ve dreamed of. My “why” came from the passing of my mother. Losing something that’s so precious can definitely motivate you to quit or succumb to depression. What I did was take my pain and turned it into purpose. So my entire business is based on the awareness of Sarcoidosis the silent disease that took my mother’s life. I’m very compassionate about the duty that I have to bring awareness to this disease. Helping people all over the world gain resources and information about Sarcoidosis. So having a compassionate heart, and vision is the driving force to success. It help you persevere when you feel like quitting. Always refer back to your “why” it will help you persevere through it all.

I’ve been through tumultuous times when I felt like giving up. I’m definitely a young lady who has conquered many adversities. I was involved in a life threatening accident in October 2014, which left me on life support and other countless injuries. These injuries has also affected my vocal ability, leaving my vocal chords partially paralyzed. This has affected my singing and speaking voice. Although my voice was altered I was still able to produce sound. The doctor initially told my family that would never speak again. It was a long journey. I never lost sight of my “why” I kept going and I built my organization serving over 20 cities across the USA including South Africa and the island of Guam.

My organization and business Sparkle Nation, covers a multitude of empowerment including: Workshops, Teacups & Tiaras Self-Esteem Sessions, Membership, Sarcoidosis Advocacy, and a mentoring program (Sparkle Charms) for little ladies, ages 4-17. The Miss Pure Sparkle International Pageant is marking its 7th year in serving and empowering
our young ladies around the globe.

The quality of success is definitely subjective. I define it as compassion for the cause. I want every individual to leave my presence feeling empowered, informed, and inspired. It is an unforgettable feeling knowing what it’s like to fight for your last breath. The memories of survival is the force that drives me to encourage others to simply live. I’m very compassionate about infusing purpose in every individual I encounter, enabling them to use every gift that’s placed inside. The goal is to leave this earth empty and to encourage others to do the same, and that my friend is how you build a successful brand. It’s not a logo, but it’s in your heart!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m the CEO/Founder of Sparkle Nation, LLC. Sparkle Nation has been dedicated in helping women of all ages find their internal sparkle, and to persevere through life’s transitions. Sparkle Nation was founded after my mother passed away in 2012 from Sarcoidosis. Her life’s journey was birthed the moment my mother died. In that moment I had to make a decision, to die as well, or to live and create a legacy she would be proud of. So, I made the choice to sparkle. The essence of Sparkle Nation, LLC. can be embodied in her personal quote. “You SPARKLE your brightest, in the face of adversity, when you choose to shine in the dark, your light becomes contagious.”
Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that gets little recognition. It can affect any organ in the body, but it’s most prevalent in the lungs. There is no cure, or accurate cause of this silent disease.

Sparkle Nation has been active from 2013 into the present inspiring events in honor of Sarcoidosis Awareness including:
*Hosted a Sparkle Day Launch Party (2013) empowering women to define and live on purpose.
*Christian CD Release (2014) honoring Sarcoidosis Warriors and Fallen Snowflakes. The proceeds were donated to the FSR (Foundation of Sarcoidosis Research).
*Traveled to several states (Manhattan, New York; Orlando, Florida; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Atlanta, Georgia; Texarkana, Texas; Charlotte, North Carolina, Los Angeles California, Las Vegas, Nevada, Arizona, and Manchester, London.) as a motivational speaker inspiring individuals about my platform, and speaking about my personal journey of defeating the odds.
*Advocacy at The Today Show, and Good Morning America. We actually received coverage which raised the bar on a national level.
*Participation in 25 Sarcoidosis Groups on social media and over 15 States.
*Active member of the Sarcoidosis Care Group.
Sparkle Nation has also established an annual pageant for girls ages: 0-18. The Miss Pure Sparkle International Pageant is a huge accomplishment and Awareness piece to shed light on Sarcoidosis, Outreach, and Self-Esteem. This pageant has over 15 Directors that host pageant across the USA including South Africa, and the island of Guam.

I’ve learned so many lessons throughout this journey. The main lesson is to keep persevering and to never give up. Life happens but there’s so many people waiting and counting on your vision. If you need to take a break, take it, but don’t abandon your destiny.

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.
I would definitely take my friends to all of the places I have yet to see. I’ve just recently moved to Arizona so I’m definitely still a tourist! Our first stop would definitely be the Grande Canyon. We would also visit the lively sights of Sedona. I guess we could travel down to Phoenix for a day at the zoo. Wait, maybe visit Flagstaff as well, preferably in the winter so we can play in the snow! Lady but not least eat at all of the highly rated restaurants!

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 shout out my sister, Ashley Washington. When I was sick she definitely took care of me. I appreciate her so much. I would also like to thank her for always helping with my events and allowing her children (my nieces and nephew) to always be apart. I love and appreciate her to the fullest. I would also like to thank my assistant Director Shamieka Sims for always assisting in every event making it a complete success. I would also like to shout-out all of the Sparkle Directors from across the globe for believing in Sparkle Nation. There wouldn’t be any sparkle without you! Last but not least I would like to shout-out all of the Sparkle Parents who allow their children to be apart of this sparkling journey I’m truly grateful.

Website: Sparklenationllc.net

Instagram: Miss Pure Sparkle Or Ms_Chontelly

Twitter: Ms_Chontelly

Facebook: Sparkle Nation/ Miss Pure Sparkle Pageants/Chontell Lucas

Youtube: Sparkle Speaks

Other: TikTok : @Tellsparkle