Meet Choyce Simmons: Educational/Aromatherapist & Creative Guru

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

Hi Choyce, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
Do what you love, love what you do, and do it with love.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My life story sets me apart from others and has led me to where I am today. It is because of my journey that I became an Educational Therapist. and a Certified Grief Support Specailist. Through my business, Beautiful Minds. I am able to educate and advocate for families with children with learning differences. It was after the loss of my mom that I became a certified grief specialist. My love for people, my desire to serve, and ability to help others find hope after loss, allows me to connect with my clients, becasue I can truly say I have been where they are. My compassion allows me to not only grieve with the grievers I work with, but to also support, and encourage them as they work through their grief. It is my love for all things creative, It is my love for all things creative, the acceptance of my own uniqueness, and my personal need to heal, mentally and emotionally, that gave me the desire to create Charming Choices Aromatherapy product line. My products are all handmade; from personal and home care products, to personalized jewelry for healing and styling. Each product represents an I AM affirmation, a positive reminder that YOU are somebody, rather you are a Rebel or Ratchet,lol. My products are carefully crafted, high-quality products, infused with essential oils, and sourced with ingredients from all-natural sources. Along my jewelery,  which is made from hypoallerginic and nickel-free metals. It was not easy getting to where I am today, and it can even be difficult sometimes, to keep the momentum going when it seems like you are not reaping from the harvest you continuously plant. Yes, there are many challenges and hurdles to overcome, but I am a believer that nothing worth having comes easy and if it was easy to get, it may be easier or faster to lose. I am learning the importance of being patient, kind, loving, and extending grace to myself first, in everything I do; weather it’s in my businesses or in my personal life. I realize that life is not easy, nor is it easy to run a business. I have learned to give back and share what I am learning personally and as a business women. By teaching and giving back to others, they will learn and grow, and hopeful pay it forward as well. You reap great rewards when you not only plant the seeds, but water those seeds with knowledge, kindness, and love. Then watch the harvest grow with beauty. I want the world to know you must operate in faith over fear in order to move and share the gifts and talents God has put inside of you. If you want to start a business(es), go for it, you can do it! If you want to write that book(s), go for it, you can do that to! You can do anything you not only put your mind to, but you put your faith in. It is my desires to share what God has done for me, continues to do in me, and through me. I stand firm on Gods word, Pslams 27:14. This motivates me in my businesses and in my personal life. My Aromatherapy products are here to help heal mind, body, and soul, and my customized jewelry will allow you to be you and floss in your own uniqueness. So enjoy them and enjoy yourself!

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?
What can I say about my sister circle? They are an amazing group of women. It is hard to answer this question because my best girlfriends live in the same state as me. Our time spent together is simple. We love to wine down our weekend at one another homes, sipping wine (Stella Rose), eating our favorite foods(finger foods, potluck dinners, cookouts), and chatting it up (dating, parenting, topics on life). Before the pandemic, we may have hung out at a nice lounge, like, Half Note Lounge or Sobe Lounge, to eat a little, dance, and just chill listening to some live music. eat, and hang out. But this virus has changed a lot and caused us to create new normals. Like many, we have had to become creative with our social gatherings. We now have many Zoom gaming nights, Driveway movie nights, and even in-home Spa dates. My girlfriends and I are ready to travel!!! So as soon as the world opens back up safely, we are on the first plane to someone’s island, Jamaica here we come.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Growing up, it was always my mom who encouraged me, and told me I was beautiful even when I did not feel beautiful. She always pushed me to new levels, outside of my comfort zone. It was she, Flossie Ada, better known as Tina-Bay, who inspired me to do more and want more for myself. After losing my mom suddenly, I was left feeling alone and uninspired to do the things I love. No more writing poetry, doing hair, designing clothes, nothing. You can say the fire inside had burnt out. But God!!! He strengthened me, provided me with hope, and blessed me with my younger brother, Tre’, and my son, Rashad Jr., who I would like to shout-out. These two young men gave me a reason to live again, They are the force that pushes me to want to be a better me, a role model, and an example that shows not only them but those who see me that, all things are possible. Both Tre’ and Rashad Jr. have helped me in their own way, find me again, and my joy in writing poetry, which led me to write my first Chapbook, “Live, Learn, Love.” It is also because of them I reconnected to a love for creating creative items that are inspired to build and heal the mind, body, and soul. Lastly, I would like to shout-out my support system which consists of, family, my sister’s circle, and inspiring leaders I work closely with. Thank you all for uplifting me, always loving me in spite of, and for encouraging me to keep going and do the things I love, even when I don’t feel worthy or deserving. I am grateful for the gifts, talents, and visions God has given me and continues to install in me. I vail to forever share them with others.

Website: www.charmingchoices.com

Instagram: charmingchoices_7

Facebook: choyce.simmons.9

Image Credits
Choyce Simmons