Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristen Wells-Lewis.
Kristen, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
One of my favorite things about The Chemistry Of is that it is a culmination of my many gifts and talents and I’m learning and creating every step of the way. As a child, I never left home without a pen, paper, and purse , I’ve always loved DIY projects and making things for myself and others, by 9th grade I taught myself to code thanks to MySpace, by 12th grade, I taught myself graphic design and founded a company in honor of my dad, my freshman year in college I bought my first camera and added photography to my business, I graduated college with a BS in Chemistry, post grad I wanted in self-care, and soon I’ll be receiving my Masters in Community Development with a practicing study focused on the Intersection of Health & Community Development – all coming full circle – edit all my pics, create all my graphics, do all my research & development & create all of the narratives- trust the timing and ride your wavelengths with grace, it will all make sense in due time. My initial plans to become a Pharmacist took a turn once I began learning about how politics controlled various aspects of our lives most importantly health and education. I did not want to be a part of the pharmaceutical industry as we know it, but I wanted to be a healer and felt that could be achieved with various lifestyle adjustments – what we eat drink, think, say and do and so I started with myself first. My passion to be a change agent has always been consistent but over time I learned that my higher calling would’ve given me a more controlled and hands-on approach to a solution tailored to communities of color.
Great, 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?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road or rough road but a road that required much self-reflection and evolution. With a desire to heal through traditional care, my initial plans were to pursue a career in Pharmacy. I began to stray away from that and it created worry amongst a lost of people who were banking on my dreams. That somehow my success as a Pharmacists would provide me the same fulfillment that it would provide them. Soon, I learned how to walk in my own truth – how to be unapologetic about my desires for my future. It was not easy surely Pharmacy school and its coursed out path would have provided be much more security but my faith in God is what gave me the confidence to walk away from that. I knew what I wanted to do, what it looked like and felt like but I just did not know what to call it. after receiving my Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry with a Biomedical concentration I noticed that my academic career has culminated a variety of learning experiences that have directly lead her desire to heal I just needed to align them with my passions. My experiences include working with preventative care, public health, and community health while helping to bridge the divide between access, education, and affordability in communities that need them most. This then leads to pursuing a Masters degree in Community Development and birthing The Chemistry Of. The Chemistry Of… is a symbolic example of chemistry, exploring the complex psychological interaction between two things via an Intersectional Approach – Community Development & Health. Evolution is necessary for our educational spaces and you are free to shape the story you wish to tell through your work – Evolving is key.
I have always made sure to make time for what I am passionate about and it took much sacrificing. I spent my lunch breaks, weekends, etc. doing the work to get me here. I have never been afraid to do the work, to make connections, to tell my story. I had to walk away from comfort many times, the comfort of a secure paycheck, a secure calling, a secure future but what I know is that every time I walked away God has continued to show me favor ain’t fair. All I had to do was trust him and that has made all of the difference – just don’t be afraid, don’t underestimate what he can do that no one else can, what he can give that no man can take away, the fruit from the labor of when passion and purpose collide. A message that I have also devoted to sharing with young women through my non-profit organization, Unapologetic, Inc.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about The Chemistry Of – what should we know?
The Chemistry of… (TCO) is a plant-based beauty & apothecary brand that aims to restore holistic healing and herbal beauty care through a monthly subscription box. TCO aims to provide an all-natural experience that allows one to explore ancestral healing and beauty rituals to incorporate into our daily lives as a form of self-care. The Chemistry Of… is a symbolic example of chemistry itself, exploring the complex psychological interaction between two things – community & healing.
What we do.
Each month, we curate a themed box of 3-4 plant-based Handmade products using ethically sourced ingredients from across the world.
Sometimes, we will bring you along with us before we deliver them straight to your doorstep. TCO is the selfcare that ensures you put yourself first because of YOU MATTER.
TCO features handcrafted paraben, sulfate, and chemical free products highlighting natural oils, herbs, butters, and food grade ingredients. TCO was born to align two personal traits: alchemy and altruism – combining both my desire to manifest gifts from mother earth and my devotion to the welfare of others. We know holistic transitioning can seem like a lot but we want to ease you through the journey of a lifetime.
In addition to The Chemistry of I am the founder of Unapologetic, Inc. a 501(c)(3) non- profit organization whose mission is to cultivate an environment suitable to align one’s passion with purpose through service learning. Our service learning model is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience by empowering one another, teaching civic responsibility, and strengthen communities through three primary components: Women’s Empowerment, Civic Engagement, and College Readiness with a primary focus on at-risk secondary education and Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
In both my personal and professional life if I had to pick one my favorite podcast has to be the #MyTaughtyou podcast by Myleik Teele. Myleik is the perfect combination of empathy and grit and pure unapologeticness a lot like myself. I like to call her my virtual mentor (in my head) it is the only podcast where you will get inspiration, encouragement and you will also get checked!
In my work life, I enjoy reads that highlight both historic and modern conversations surrounding communities and healing. Two of my favorites are Own Your Glow by Latham Thomas and Sacred Woman by Queen Afua or Tomorrow’s Tomorrow by Joyce Ladner. These are black and brown women using their knowledge and experience, passion and purpose to help elevate a community. Same exact thing I wish to do.
My fav apps are probably all of my editing apps for the things I create, Hopper for scouting sourcing trips and vacations in general, Asana for product management. The Moon app because it’s kind to me and, of course, my calendar period tracker app, lol!
Pricing:
- Monthly Subscription – $25 : What you’ll get: Each month we curate a themed self-care, beauty & apothecary box of 3-4 plant-based Handmade products using ethically sourced ingredients from across the world highlighting natural oils, herbs, butters, and food grade ingredients. Ships: ships to the US
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thechemistryof.com
- Phone: 469-458-0245
- Email: thechemof@gmail.com
- Instagram: @thechemistryof
- Facebook: The Chemistry Of
- Twitter: @thechemistryof
- Other: @thechemistryof
Image Credit:
Kristen Wells-Lewis
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