Meet CiCi Chandler | Entrepreneur & Spiritual Healer

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

Hi CiCi, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?

Since as far as I can remember, I have always been an entrepreneur. I was the kid who used to sell candy and CDs (I’m showing my age lol) to the other kids at school. My father is a grill master and I grew up watching him and my mom sell BBQ plates on the weekends; entrepreneurship is in my blood.

I’ve had a few business ventures but my current business, Love Yourz, XO Spiritual Wellness + Healing, was born of my own spiritual journey over the last few years. The end of a significant relationship triggered an ascension of sorts that was very confusing. I’d used crystals here and there but I found myself using them more and more to help manage the various emotions I found myself going through. That led to a deepened interest in astrology and the development of my own spiritual gifts that I want to use to help others on their respective journeys of consciousness and self-love. From handmade crystal healing bracelets to raw and tumbled crystals to future tarot and astrology readings, it is my goal to be one of the resources to help heal the Black collective, breaking generational curses and tapping into our generational gifts.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve always been a creative person, but it wasn’t until recently that I really started to consider myself a creative. For the past 10 years, I’ve worked as an auditor for the State of Florida, but entrepreneurship is my heart. I started off with a fashion jewelry boutique (Fierce mBoutique) in 2011 but an unexpected lupus diagnosis caused me to change courses. I’ve always been an avid lover of travel, so I became a travel agent. I’ve co-curated trips for groups and couples to Costa Rica, Japan, Bali, and more. Most wouldn’t see it as such, but travel planning is an art in and of itself. There’s a high level of attention to detail while balancing cost and the experience your clients wish to have.

Though I still do travel planning, Love Yourz, XO gets my primary focus these days. I went back and forth for a while on whether I wanted to start the business but I really feel like my ancestors guided me towards the path of a healer. Thanks to the encouragement of good friends, I took the leap and listened to my intuition! I love creating crystal healing bracelets factoring in not only the meanings behind the crystals used but style as well. Crystal jewelry is a great way to carry your favorite crystals with you at all times. It’s amazing the energy they carry and their ability to help one manage their own emotions and energy. It means so much to me to see how clients cherish their items!

It’s been quite a journey learning about the different crystals, their properties, and their spiritual meanings. I wouldn’t say it’s been difficult but it can be overwhelming as there are many, many, many different crystals to choose from. Finding genuine crystals and crystal beads has its challenges because it is of the utmost importance for me to source authentic crystals. Honestly, I’m still learning a lot but that’s the beauty of life, right? It is my hope that Love Yourz, XO can take some of the guesswork out of the process for others going through their own journeys because it can be hard to determine what information to follow and what not to. There’s such a challenging energy right now; it’s so important for us as individuals to stay grounded and find peace and happiness within. I’ve learned so much about myself through my journey thus far and I want to help others do the same. I look forward to expanding the Love Yourz, XO product line to include other crystal jewelry items, aromatherapy candles, tarot and astrology readings, and life coaching.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m just an honorary ATLien but I still know a few places in the city! I’m a major foodie so one of the first stops would be ordering a plate from Sunni Speaks. Her vegan soul food is AMAZING! I’m also a fan of Little Five Points. I love taking people into the various shops! Another restaurant on my list would have to be Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours. Because I still have not been, Slutty Vegan is also a must! Piedmont Park would also be on the list.

As for Tallahassee where I currently reside, it would be a foodie trip all day. Top Flite is a local staple and favorite bar in the area! They’re known for having the strongest drinks in town and some of the best fried wings you’ll ever have! Great Plates is another AMAZING Black and locally owned restaurant! Blu Halo is a great vibe for brunch. And Jonah’s, which is short drive to the north in Thomasville, is another local favorite best known for their shrimp and grits. To satisfy a sweet tooth, TC Bakery (Black and woman- owned!) on the campus of Florida A&M Universtity (FAMU) has an assortment of decadent cakes. The key lime cake is a must! I mean, it’s Florida after all! And just down the street from TC’s, are great photo opps on FAMU’s campus, Railroad Square, and Cascade Park. There are some murals by local artists that are out of this world!

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?
First and foremost, I’d be negligent not to mention my father, Henry L. Chandler, Jr. By the time this interview is released, he would have transitioned to be with God. My dad has been my best friend and number one cheerleader. He has always encouraged me to do my best and dream bigger than big. I truly got my hustle from him and I am so thankful and proud to have had him as my father.

I must also Shout Out my business partners in Air & Fire Production, LLC, Chakina Fields-Janvier and Juanita N. Clem. They both are truly creative geniuses in their own right. They have motivated and supported me unconditionally through these last 10 years of entrepreneurship. Since Kina has had a couple of features here with VoyageATL, I’d like to shine the light on Juanita. She’s a gifted culinary artist, graphic designer, and sexual wellness coach. I’ve watched her grow over the years as a mother, a wife, a creative, and entrepreneur. I know juggling full-time family life, school, and a growing business, Juanderful Things, is far from easy. But somehow, she makes it happen. It’s been such a joy to watch her blossom and step into her creative truth!

Website: https://loveyourzxo.square.site

Instagram: @loveyourz.xo

Facebook: www.facebook.com/loveyourzwellness