Meet Chancey Gunnell

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Chancey Gunnell a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Chancey , so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

I’ve got the mile-long resume with the degrees, the job, joined an illustrious sorority, and even have a couple side hustles at 24 years old. You’d think I’d be immune to imposter syndrome, right? Wrong. Turns out, even the most accomplished people can feel like frauds.

Growing up in a small town in North Carolina, yes, it is exactly the image that just popped into your head, I was often the only Black girl or person in my class. Life was simple, but it wasn’t without its challenges. My grandparents raised me with love and instilled in me a strong work ethic. While we didn’t have many material possessions, we were rich in love and support.

I initially believed that a high school diploma was the pinnacle of my education, I had never seen anyone accomplish anything more. But everything changed when Coach Weldon, my track and field coach, saw something special in me. He encouraged me to pursue my athletic abilities at the collegiate level. It was a revelation. Growing up in a small town with limited opportunities, I had never even considered that as a possibility.

Overcoming imposter syndrome was a constant battle. As a young Black woman from a rural area, I often felt like I didn’t belong in academic or athletic circles, sometimes even underperforming on purpose to feel more in line with my environment. But with each accomplishment, I gained more confidence and began to believe in myself. I owe a lot of gratitude to my junior college coach, Coach Wilkins, who led me to an eventual full-ride scholarship at Radford University when I often struggled to believe I deserved to be there.

The journey wasn’t easy by any means, and I still have struggles. There were setbacks, disappointments, and self-doubt. But I learned to persevere, to push through the challenges, and to never give up on my dreams. Today, I’m proud of the woman I’ve become and the path I’ve forged. My story is a testament to the power of believing in oneself, even when others may not.

I’ve been actively working to break free from the limitations I once believed were imposed on me. But how did I go from being an “average” girl to earning 2 degrees? How about attending a prestigious global summit? And launching my graphic design and apparel business? It wasn’t by accident.

I’ve spent countless hours reflecting on my identity, affirming my worth, and rediscovering the joy and confidence I had as a child. I’ve learned to ignore the naysayers and focus on my own path. I’ve become a vocal advocate for myself and others who share my background.

While I haven’t found a magic formula for completely overcoming imposter syndrome, I’m committed to sharing my story and experiences in hopes of helping others. And if anyone does discover the secret to banishing imposter syndrome, please let me know!

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m currently working as a Campus Advocate and Wellness Program Coordinator. It’s a role that allows me to leverage my skills in outreach, event planning, mediation, and project management and contribute to my mission of supporting and advocating for young Black women in college and beyond. It has forwarded me a lot of opportunities particularly in women’s wellness. Notably, I was recently invited to attend the Kate Spade New York Global Summit by my colleagues Layla Martin and Ryanne Peterson. This summit focused on women’s mental health and empowerment and featured speakers such as Simone Biles, Marsai Martin, and Taraji P. Henson.

Additionally, I’ve launched my own graphic design and apparel business, Take a Chance Creations. I have been doing this work for several years since I was an undergraduate student, so this venture has been incredibly rewarding as it allows me to express my creativity and connect with people who share my passion for design and marketing. I am hopeful that my clientele will continue to grow, and I can be the Go-To Graphic Designer for many businesses.

Some of my main goals right now are to continue excelling in the higher education leadership space and be a change agent. Additionally, I hold numerous leadership roles in professional development and community organizations, these roles have helped me gain confidence in professional spaces and definitely played a part in alleviating feelings of imposter syndrome. I plan to continue to grow in these arenas to be a well-rounded professional in my career field and as an entrepreneur.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

I believe that my grit and perseverance, coupled with my individualism and independence, were key factors in my journey. Even though I faced numerous challenges and setbacks, I never gave up on my dreams. I stopped being afraid to stand alone and execute my visions. I was able to break free from the limitations of my environment by embracing my unique perspective and stepping outside of my comfort zone.

Additionally, while not explicitly mentioned, my interpersonal communication skills likely played a significant role in my success. For example, the job I landed in my desired career field was an opportunity presented from a mentor that I first met in my freshman year of college, thank you Jermaine. This wasn’t by mistake, relationships are key, especially genuine ones. To add to this skill, please converse with people face-to-face as much as possible. I love technology and social networking, but nothing beats cultivating a relationship with others in real life. Find conferences in your interests to attend, go to a networking event hosted by a local organization, ask a friend or colleague who they connected with to accomplish XYZ and reach out to them too.

For those who are just starting out, I recommend focusing on cultivating these qualities or ones that resonate with you. I also encourage you to do a lot of self-reflection and identity discovery, know who you are and what you want to achieve. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, believe in your ability to develop your skills, and take care of your physical and mental health. Please! Discover your passions, step outside your comfort zone, and embrace your individuality. Finally, practice active listening, develop effective communication techniques, and build strong relationships. The worst anyone can say is no, and even then, I don’t accept that, move forward and try again.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Of course, I’m definitely open to partnering or collaborating with others!

I’m particularly interested in connecting with individuals or organizations who share my passion for supporting young Black women and promoting ways for them to be successful in their endeavors. I’m also open to collaborating with creatives, entrepreneurs, and professionals who are interested in working together on projects related to graphic design, marketing, or social impact. My services are open if you are interested in ordering digital products and/or apparel for your business or personal needs.

If you’re reading this and would like to collaborate for graphic design, please feel free to reach out to me via [email protected] or @tachance.creations on Instagram. For educational, social impact, wellness or other initiatives please connect with me on LinkedIn. We can discuss potential projects, opportunities, or ways to support each other’s goals.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tachancecreations.com
• Instagram: theeonlychan
• Linkedin: Chancey Gunnell
• Other: TikTok: @missgourll

Image Credits

k9nneth – Kenneth Baldwin Photography