Today we’d like to introduce you to Chantee Lackey-Williams.
Hi Chantee, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Honestly, my journey has been about overcoming challenges and finding the courage to live life on my own terms. Web design, cooking, and even fitness… those seemed like separate things for a long time. But really, they’re all connected to me taking charge of my own happiness.
I used to feel trapped – in a career that drained me, in unhealthy patterns around food and feeling disconnected from my own body. Fear held me back, too – fear of being seen in videos for my web design business, fear of facing the damage of an eating disorder. But the turning point came when I realized limitations only exist if I let them. I needed to fill my own cup first.
That’s when I discovered the creative outlet of web design, found healing through cooking for myself, and redefined fitness as a celebration of strength. After losing 150 pounds and transitioning from a wheelchair to a walker, I started bravely sharing my fitness journey online. Planet Fitness saw something in me, flew me to their office, and I became one of their first brand ambassadors: a Planet Fitness Friend.
Now, everything I do – designing websites that empower others, sharing nourishing recipes, and honestly documenting my fitness journey – is fueled by a desire to inspire others to overcome their own fears, embrace their bodies without shame, and create a life that makes them genuinely happy.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Honestly, it was a rollercoaster! Those first few months online? Crickets. I felt like I was shouting into the void, seeing no likes or comments, with some friends and family even laughing at my attempts. Doubt crept in – was I embarrassing myself? There were stretches with no web design clients, no income, just the mounting pressure to make this work.
Imposter syndrome hit hard. Some days, I felt like a fraud, questioning if I had what it takes. But amidst the lows, there were glimmers that kept me going: a heartfelt message from a follower, landing my first design client, feeling genuinely strong in the gym.
Then things shifted. Suddenly, I had TOO many web design projects, my online community was growing, and my fitness journey gained attention. It showed me the power of perseverance. Those early struggles taught me grit, empathy and that success isn’t linear. I’m still figuring it out, but now I do it with more confidence and a deep appreciation for the journey.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I wear a few hats! In the web design world, I’ve been around for over 11 years. They call me ‘the girl with the red braids that does bomb websites’ – can you believe it? People recognize me on the street that way!
But design goes beyond websites for me. It’s about creating a visually stunning and user-friendly experience, and that translates into the self-love world I’ve dived into recently.
For the past year and three months, I’ve been a plus-size fitness influencer with a spinal cord injury. Fitness isn’t about punishment; it’s about celebrating what my body can do.
And that brings me to ‘The Self Love Cook,’ my newest project (it’s just 3 months old!). Here’s the thing: I want to make vegetables sexy! Let’s face it: healthy eating can feel bland. But with a little creativity, we can transform boring broccoli into a flavor explosion.
What sets me apart is the self-love thread that runs through everything I do. My websites don’t just look good; they empower my clients. My fitness journey isn’t about fitting into a mold; it’s about embracing my body. And my cooking? It’s about creating a luxurious, enjoyable solo-date experience every single night.
Whether it’s music, candles, or buying myself flowers every week, I set the vibe for self-love. Because when I feel good about myself, that’s when I can truly shine in everything I do.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out.
Don’t wait for perfection. You’ll learn so much more by taking imperfect action than endlessly overthinking. Those first few wonky videos or hesitant cooking attempts? They’re part of what makes your story relatable!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.chantee-lackey.com http://doinitdifferently.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chanteelackey
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shantay.williams.35/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aimetamarque/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@doinitdifferently
- Others: https://www.tiktok.com/@chanteeplussizefitness
