Today we’d like to introduce you to Mycheryl Russ.
Mycheryl, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Chak Therapy is an exclusive product line designed to honor the seven primary chakras while promoting self-care and intentionality in people’s daily routine. As for the origins of Chak Therapy, all I can simply say is, it was manifested in a dream.
Prior to channeling this vision that would later factualize into the brand as we know it today, I was working as a Public Health Program Manager with the City of San Antonio that focused on youth violence prevention. The job itself was very rewarding because I was able to serve my childhood communities while making an impactful difference, however, because of systemic racism and bias leadership, it was extremely stressful. Where most of my peers who worked outside of the program could leave work at work but I found myself taking work-related trauma home. So much to the point, my husband brought it to my attention and suggested I start researching ways to destress and fortify my mental and emotional toughness because the workplace was starting to affect me negatively. I have always considered myself a resilient person however, he was absolutely right after been exposed to daily violence from shootings to homicide to in fighting for those affected in a fractured system. I started my journey of mindfulness and holistic healing.
This was also around the time I began to have these strong desires to connect with my ancestry; who were they and how did they navigate this world to still find the will to keep going. I was very surprised to learn of specific ancestral tribes connection to the Yoruba and Ashanti (Akon) people of Nigeria and Ghana respectively. By studying my ancestral heritage I formed a very strong connection to my Yoruba lineage which guided me to deep dive into learning about their culture and spiritual systems. During this same period I began practicing meditation and aquired high level knowledge about chakras. At some point, my current interest and ancestral connection confirm this path of enlightenment because (add I)soon discovered the connection between chakras and the orishas of IFA. It was as if my DNA confirmed the truth in the correlation and once I started to keep track of my personal energy through my knowledge of chakras and applying it to my life so many things began to make sense and materialize in the physical world. Soon after learning of the natural healing qualities of aromatherapy and herbalism, I began to make personal care items that truly transformed my mood and thoughts once applied after a stressful day. I then began to make things for my family and my mother was actually the first person to encourage me to share this new-found knowledge with others as a tool to help them on their wellness journey. Little did I know this space was extremely necessary specifically for people that look like me. The idea of reintroducing ancient practices and teaching the importance of identifying and treating emotional/ spiritual imbalances were all obtainable by simply listening to your mind, body and spirit. Chak Therapy is the vessel in which I discovered my abilities as a healer and teacher.
My mother starting taking my handmade scrubs to work and conducting demonstrations in the breakroom and my first 18 orders were from her male coworkers looking to help their wives relax and destress. It was well received and the rest is history.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I perceived the challenges I have faced since starting my business as opportunities to find resourceful ways to solve my issues. I have learned to use my personal network and gain new relationship with those more experienced than I to tackle obstacles. I have faced pretty much every obstacle every small black-owned business has faced such as capital and business formalities; however what makes my store unique is my willingness to creatively solve my issues. When deciding to start and run your own business, you have to be willing to be own and build every processes in your company until you can afford adequate support. I would advise other women to be empowered in their ability to learn.
We’d love to hear more about CHAK THERAPY.
For starters, I am a native of the eastside of San Antonio but raised on the northeast side. I knew there were unique opportunities I had the privilege of experiencing in my youth that helped shaped me into the person I am today. Although I grew up in public/low-income housing, my mother and father always pushed for me to explore the world outside my neighborhood. I served on several different organizations such as Neighborhood First Alliance, student council and youth council. I also attending a black-owned and operated performance arts academy, Guardian Angel Performance Arts Academy created by mother-daughter duo and Houston natives Betty Garman and Jacqualyn Darby.
I was the first of my member of my family to graduate from College, UTSA College of Business BBA REFD, c/o 2012.
I completed my MBA at Webster University’s George Herbert Walker School of Business & Technology c/o 2014
November 2018 Chak Therapy was invited to Google HQ in Austin for the Black Googlers Network first-ever Minority-Owned Business Workshop and Vendor Market.. Chak Therapy was received by those who were in attendance who spoke on the importance of mindfulness and intentionality being implemented in culture of companies like Google. Chak Therapy made such an impression we were later invited back in May 2019.
May 11, 2019 Chak Therapy participated in the Macy’s SA Female Entrepreneur Challenge in partnership with Launch SA. We had the opportunity to pitch our brand and showcase/ sale our products inside Macy’s at Rivercenter Mall during mother’s day weekend. This is by far one of our biggest accomplishments as an indie brand. To have an opportunity to pitch the idea of carving out of space for mindfulness and meditation in a large retailer like Macy’s definitely caught the attention of their customers and employees.
Since launching in April 2018, Chak Therapy has participating in 57 popup markets, festivals, expos and tradeshows.
Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
I am a firm believer that you can learn something for anyone and closed mouths don’t get! Life is the ultament teacher however if you are wanting to improve in specific areas of your life, study those who inspire you. Speak up and reach out. Don’t let the fear of rejection keep you from shooting your shot.
Pricing:
- 8 oz Signature Scrub: $12.12
- 8. oz Balance Butter $12.12
- Chakrafying Bar Soap $6.66
- Chakrafying Wash $12.12
- Divine Relief Oil: $12.12
- Sacred Yoniverse Bar: $7.77
Contact Info:
- Address: San Antonio, TX
- Website: www.chaktherapy.com
- Phone: 3618573220
- Email: CHAKTHERAPY210@GMAIL.COM
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/chak_therapy
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/chaktherapy
Image Credit:
Image 1 and 2: Brittany Watts of Filmed By Mom
Image 3 and 4: Ashley Evans of Ashley Kay Evans Photography
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