Today we’d like to introduce you to Chioma Okechukwu.
Hi Chioma, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
Close your eyes and imagine a young 19-year-old girl, wide-eyed and eager, stepping foot into the bustling streets of Houston for the first time in 2004. That girl was me, Chioma, a Nigerian immigrant filled with dreams and aspirations but also with doubts and uncertainties, as you may imagine. Growing up in Nigeria, I was raised by parents who instilled in me the values of family, decency, faith, adventure, community, and hard work. These values served as the bedrock of my upbringing and laid the foundation for the journey that awaited me. Arriving in Houston, I found myself facing a series of challenges that would test my spirit and resolve. I attended the well-known Historic Black University “Texas Southern University” for my very first semester. Although my time was brief, lasting only one semester, it was a period of growth and self-discovery that set the stage for the journey ahead. During this time, I grappled with subtle questions of identity and belonging, stumbling along the way but discovering a resilience within myself that I never knew existed. The questions of ‘Why am I here?’ and ‘Do I belong here?’ constantly echoed in my mind as I struggled to find my place. Despite these doubts, I persevered, eventually attending Houston Community College and later Texas Woman’s University, where I earned my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Nursing. Throughout this time, I encountered circumstances that deeply affected me and caused significant emotional turmoil. This experience had a profound impact on my journey, shaping my understanding of resilience and the importance of self-discovery and healing. Despite these challenges, I remained steadfast in my commitment to helping others, driven by my innate desire to serve and empower those around me. These values led me to becoming a registered nurse.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My most significant challenge occurred in 2008 when Hurricane Ike struck, burning down my apartment I shared with my brother, leaving him injured and both of us displaced and uncertain about the future. This impacted me mentally, physically, and emotionally. It was during this time of upheaval that I found solace in my studies and a renewed sense of purpose. In the aftermath of this transformative experience, I pursued further education, earning my Master’s degree in Nursing in 2012, specializing as a Family Nurse Practitioner.
Some other struggles I faced were:
-Assimilating into a new environment and a new culture that was vastly different from what I knew.
-Enduring trauma through my decision to remain in an unhealthy relationship from 2005-2010, which led to anxiousness, periods of depression, low self-esteem, self-blame, and a sense of low worth
-Coping with displacement and uncertainty during Hurricane Ike in 2008
-Balancing the demands of education while wearing the mask of “I’m doing great” while navigating personal challenges
-Overcoming self-doubt and the belief that I had no control over my decisions
Transitioning from a mindset of comfort to one of personal growth has been my most challenging and most rewarding season yet. This is the season where I began to choose accountability over blame and moving forward with intention and integrity.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us a bit more about your business.
Combining my background as an advanced practice nurse with the insights gained from life’s experiences and my realization of the need by woman for a safe space to explore their innermost desires, fears, and challenges, I founded Coach Chioma, a platform where others are empowered to embrace their own journeys of growth, healing and identity, through transparency, empathy, and coaching support.
My own journey of overcoming obstacles has fueled my commitment to helping others. Many times, when we face trials, we isolate thinking, “I must be the only one going through this.” Truth is, we all face moments in life where we feel less than or disempowered due to the situations we’ve been through. However, true strength and resilience lie in our ability to rise back up again, no matter how many times we fall. This is mostly accomplished with the help of a strong support system.
Our offerings at Coach Chioma are reflections of my own journey, crafted with love and a deep understanding of what it means to rise from the trenches. From transformative workbooks such as ‘Know Thyself’ and ‘The Goal Setter Workbook’ to one-on-one coaching and habit rehab masterminds, each offering is designed to empower you to unlock your full potential and live a life of purpose and fulfillment.
I’m most proud of the my clients and followers. Seeing their growth, resilience, and transformation fills me with immense pride and gratitude. Reading messages from those impacted by my story and choosing to begin their own individual journeys. These women are the heart and soul of this journey, and I am honored to be a part of their stories.
If interested, for a limited time, use the code FREE24 to download these workbooks for $free.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
I’ve been deeply influenced by several impactful books that have provided me with invaluable insights and guidance books, such as
1) ‘Principles’ by Ray Dalio taught me the importance of embracing radical transparency and learning from both successes and failures.
2) ‘The Power of Now’ by Eckhart Tolle has helped me cultivate mindfulness and live more fully in the present moment
3) ‘Atomic Habits’ by James Clear has empowered me to create positive changes through small, consistent actions.
4) ‘Attached’ by Amir Levine and Rachel Heller has deepened my understanding of attachment styles and relationships
5) ‘The Purpose Driven Life’ by Rick Warren has guided me in discovering my true purpose and living a meaningful life.
6) ‘Unoffendable’ by Brant Hansen challenged me to let go of resentment and embrace a mindset of forgiveness and grace.
7) Every book by Don Miguel Ruiz is worth the read, including ‘The Four Agreements’ and ‘The Mastery of Love,’ have offered profound wisdom on personal freedom and the power of love in relationships.
8) ‘Designing the Mind’ by Ryan Bush has expanded my understanding of cognitive processes and personal development.
9) ‘How to Win Friends and Influence People’ by Dale Carnegie has taught me valuable principles for building meaningful connections and influencing others positively.
10) The most impactful book has and will always be My Christian Bible, which holds a special place in my life, providing timeless Godly wisdom and guidance that shapes my beliefs and values.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.coachchioma.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachchioma/
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/Chiomaokechukwu
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Coachchioma
- Other: https://linktr.ee/coachchioma
Image Credits
Fotos by Ben
Ijeoma Egele
