Life & Work with Chántelle Adanna Agbro

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chántelle Adanna Agbro.

Hi Chántelle, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers? 
Hi! I am Chántelle Adanna Agbro. I was born & raised in Maryland; my two-parent home was always surrounded by undying love. From developing a passion for journaling at 10 years old to then publishing my work through WordPress during my sophomore year of college at Temple University, the path to registering my sole proprietorship, Chantelle Adanna Publishing, and trademark, She Carries, shortly after has been intriguing! Yet, despite my perfectly flawed journey, I’ve persevered, and I’ve self-published everything I touch, including my memoir, e-book, and personalized journal. 

 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, and each day, to date, presents its challenges, but still we stand, and still we persevere. Finding the balance between working outside of my craft and dipping back in to nurture and water its roots is very challenging. The obstacle of overcoming inner thoughts of self-doubt and inadequacy when rejection comes and when factors in my personal life disrupt my focus proves to be the most challenging at times. Being able to find and maintain a healthy balance within the nuances of life is tough, but possible to get through with a strong foundation. The journey to finding true and divine inner peace is the battle. Keeping my mind confident, sharp, and laser-focused on what matters is the battle in a world filled with unnecessary and substanceless distractions. 

Money is not everything, but it can aid in so many ways. Though it isn’t flowing as frequently as I’d like at the moment, I know it’s coming. I’m learning why patience is a virtue. I’m learning the blessings of preparation. I know that I cannot do everything by myself, and a part of my strength is knowing when to ask for help. Overcoming my mental limitations is and always will be the main obstacle. Yet, constantly implementing discipline and consistency in showing up for myself is the key. I will succeed because I already have, mentally and emotionally, despite the intangible and tangible forces working to bring me and those who look like me down. Prayer, downtime, boundaries, creating schedules, and taking time to detail what I want to birth have been a saving grace. 

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a Nigerian-American literary artist, self-published author, poet, self-love/wellness enthusiast, and educator currently based in Los Angeles, California. Originally from Maryland, I write, speak, teach, and create for black women to heal by beginning to feel their embedded emotions when they’re too busy carrying everyone else’s. I self-published my first memoir at 23 titled, My Soul Told On Me (paperback & audio) as well as a personalized journal titled, The Rebel Journal. I also recently launched a course and e-book for aspiring black women authors looking to self-publish called Write, Heal, and Self-Publish! 

From storytelling to poem affirmations to spoken word, I’m known for being fearless and ruthless in my vulnerability, courageous in my ability to speak, and fluid in my ability to authentically convey my feelings. This sparked the birth of her trademark: “She Carries.” 

At 28, I expanded my craft of authentic storytelling and creative writing by diversifying how black women’s stories are told by studying screenwriting at UCLA. My work continues to highlight the emotional and mental health of black women throughout the entire diaspora. 

What matters most to you? Why?
Truth and Time. We have less and less time; it seems to tell the truth and bring it to the forefront. My motivation stems from my pain and unbearable desire to make a change and make people feel deeply by way of my written and spoken art. I have a passion for black women’s advocation, especially those of darker skin tones, because too often, we go unseen, unrecognized, and under-celebrated by others and, most importantly, ourselves. Creating spaces for women who look like me to see what they can achieve and to see another example of hope is significant. It’s important to uplift, tell, and curate our stories in real-time and authentically. I’m tired of seeing our stories, culture, and lifestyles being strategically manipulated for “what works,” for “what sells,” and for “what’s trendy” in the corrupted eye of society. Though we’ve made progress as a black community and a community of the human race, it’s still evident that slavery exists in multiple modern forms. It’s imperative to starve the distractions, demolish the senseless hate, and get back to action, respect, support, and care for one another. Let’s all not forget that in a world where diversity appears to be thriving, it’s still a fact that the mere existence of black women is resistance, as forces are still trying to erase all that we are, all that we’ve been, and all that we will be. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.chantelleadanna.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chantelleadanna
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chantelle.adanna
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chantelleagbro-/
• SoundCloud: https://music.apple.com/us/album/my-soul-told-on-me/1564399788
• Other: https://linktr.ee/chantelleadanna

 
Image Credits
@jordevity
@shelbyspeakss
@mikemajorss