Meet Chanel Benjamin

We were lucky to catch up with Chanel Benjamin recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Chanel , appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

My resilience comes from always wanting to be an agent of change, a driving force and assist in navigating someone’s future by implementing initiatives that are important and/or becoming obsolete. The desire to make a difference empowers resilience and it is a self-fueling journey that requires time, patience, and moments where I stood alone until others finally saw my vision through authenticity, putting in the work, and constantly doing everything I said I would do.

I strongly believe that my persistence stems from not wanting to just be – but be extraordinary in everything I set my mind to. Being a visual learner it is evident that a form of learning comes from studying history or observing others actions and evaluating why it did not work in their favor. I feel as though you can learn from every triumph or failure because who is the judge of someone else’s goal? The expectation of others may not be foreseeable to the do-gooder or perhaps the end goal of others is not within their specific mission or capacity. However, in my opinion, it is not deemed as anything less than an accomplishment because they put the effort in by trying beyond writing it down – as an action was put into place.

My passion drives longevity as this journey began to unfold in 2008 it started with the Chanel Speedy blog covering events and my reviews on various topics. I have been determined enough to adjust to an ever-changing society, being consistent in my efforts, and allowing myself to pause and regroup if I need to is the definition behind my resilience. The rejection of one person’s ‘no’ is not the green light to become stagnant or that your idea is not productive. It may mean that they are not the right person to push the thread through the needle with you. I know what it is like for someone to give up on you because the outcome wasn’t to their standards yet it exceeded your expectations. I know what it is like to not have enough but be creative enough to push through and find a way. I have experienced the ebbs and flows through the evolution of industries and the crowning of a new person in the position. The experience factor allows you to see the longevity of others’ careers blossom or pivot. You just have to stand your ground through it all.

To me, rejection was an invitation to show my versatility and rise to any occasion to prove to myself that it was time to explore my hobbies and interests on a higher level. Creating my lane developed from lack of opportunity and challenging the notion “You need a job for experience but you can’t get a job because you don’t have any experience. How can you gain experience without a job?” My job then became gaining experience while building an undeniable portfolio. I didn’t wait for any opportunities to come to me. I went after opportunities and I was able to mold my business sense by observing different perspectives. It was a perspective for my growth that was raw, creative, optimistic with a positive impact, innovative, inspirational, and unorthodox but it was the beginning of cultivating my niche. Anyone can do what you do but it’s how you do it that puts a unique stamp on your work, skill or talent. I just dared to challenge the norm and autographed it with my splash.

My versatility opened so many doors that I became multi-faceted and interchangeable in many positions. Which would not have occurred if I remained under just one title. However, my unwavering self-motivation and willingness to succeed to prove to myself I was capable was imperative. I didn’t allow anyone to put limitations on me. This reoccurring chapter was already written; it was my time to actively seek it. My journey was destined and I belonged in every room I stepped in whether I was the only woman or the youngest. Others would try to figure out why I stepped into the light and their peers would relay to them how I would be beneficial. So when it was time to introduce myself I made the interaction unforgettable. “Hi, my name is Chanel Benjamin and I am a business.” As they were trying to figure out how to respond they followed up with “What do you do?” my response was to always accept a challenge, spark intrigue, and respond with “What needs to be done?” There were other times when I would try to introduce myself and the person would respond “I know who you are.” This enlightened me because I knew that the impact I possessed was expanding.

I had a plan and I was determined to see it through. The response I had to losing, starting over again and that resilience propelled me in unimaginable ways. If I quit then I would not know how much I enjoy creating, the support I had or how much I was willing to push until I received the results I intended. The primary focus had to become more invested in my mental health because being responsible for the success, growth, and vision of your business starts with your well-being.

I then lead with my resources, extensive knowledge, communication and the work ethic that has brought me a long way and the fundamentals of learning. I knew why I was in the room and it was never to seek validation; it was to prove to myself that I was capable despite of. Many judge a book by its cover without knowing the full contents because if they had one conversation with me they would understand that a one-page summarized professional resume did not touch the surface of what I accomplished on a personal level. I just never led with what I’ve done or who I knew. I earned everything I had, and the respect and appreciation of my work followed. In any space, I can hold my own but it was not by convincing. It has always been the same formula: don’t over-promise and simply do the work. I have always been a student willing to learn and open to constructive criticism that I could maintain.

Knowing I was deserving of better. Do you know how much power that holds? To believe in yourself enough to be self-determined, motivated, and confident that you could excel beyond your wildest dreams. The more you sharpen your mindset the more opportunities, luxury and unforeseen blessings are bestowed upon you. All because you didn’t quit. Give it your all or don’t do it at all. It was a science that became broken down for the best. “You are the one, the last one standing, you are still going strong, you have lasted the test of time.” You know who states these phrases someone who has watched your journey, your growth, and your expansion.

Resilience is also being on the other side of the coin, wanting better for my community, knowing how fortunate I am, and wanting to offer assistance when I can. Most of the initiatives I create or am involved in are full circle moments whether it is a direct or indirect correlation. Also, knowing that allowing someone to do, feel, or look good is the starting point to seeing the world differently. By hosting community food distributions and the #KickBackAgainstBullying Sneaker Drive we are combating insecurities within the community. By collecting gently worn sneakers and new socks and then donating them to shelters as a reminder that they are valued. Children should not feel isolated because of their current situation or be judged for not being able to afford name-brand clothing or footwear. Just as food is a necessity no one should be without due to an unfortunate circumstance.

Also, funding first-year College-bound student-athletes with the #iSmileForAngele Legacy Scholarship, or hosting purposeful, intentional, necessary, and community mental health check-ins or other beneficial events. It’s all about trusting your process and knowing that your journey will lead you where you need to be. It’s also being authentic to life as it changes because everything you experience is working for the greater good of your higher self. That is why They Love My Successful Plan in Life Adjusting to Securing Happiness through Legacy Love Curation.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I am the Founder and Creative Executive Officer of They Love My Splash® LLC, a creative agency that offers an ingenious vision through authenticity in branding, Public Relations, and digital marketing for emerging and established businesses to connect with the community. We lead through education, mental health awareness, and community events. We’ve been helping businesses develop and define their unique voice and we are passionate about creativity and being solution-oriented. While adding our splash with an ingenious vision and creativity.

They Love My Splash® LLC (They Love My Successful Plan in Life Adjusting to Securing Happiness through Legacy Love Curation) is the blueprint for how I am breaking the barriers to give back to the community by creating a plan of action that allows me to authentic, joyous, and to display humanity in my response to life and the lessons I have learned along the way.

Our goal is to help our clients achieve long-term success through our tailored branding, PR, and digital marketing services. We manage internal and external communications that develop and support systems and strategies that enhance their business. By cultivating and maintaining relations with influential professionals to align with their brand’s mission to increase awareness and promote services.

I started on my path in 2008 and I built a network by utilizing my entrepreneurship to combat social issues. By creating initiatives such as the #KickBackAgainstBullying sneaker drive servicing families in local shelters, the #iSmileForAngele Legacy Scholarship to assist graduating High School seniors with first-year college experience, and community mental health check-ins. My work speaks for itself as I enhance every project with a unique forward-thinking approach. I’ve hosted a Yoga and Mindfulness for children via Zoom as I noticed that we as adults were having difficulty adapting to the new norm. In the same light children were as well, so addressing their stressors of being home all day, and not being able to go outside as often, in such a rapid change offering parents to enroll their children in a creative activity as I partnered with a Yoga company. The children practiced mindfulness to prepare their minds and bodies as a fun-filled narrative from the movie Frozen that was incorporated into yoga poses.

I’ve also introduced Dear Santa as we could not meet in person. I launched the initiative by nominating a child to write a letter to Santa and we spread holiday joy as their parents were not able to due to financial restraints. Partnering with Harlem Hospital to provide Bags and bandages and donate holiday gifts to in-patients who were in need. Success is the strides that you make to get to your ultimate goal and small victories equate to huge wins. Success can be a smile, a Thank you for thinking of me, a nod or a fist bump to continue your journey. Success changes with your perspective and always is predicated on your tiers of what you expected versus the unexpected trajectory your work gravitates towards you afterward. Just as success is being consistent not thinking of how far it will take you but knowing that someone is always rooting for you while you are creating your imprint to impact the world.

For the majority of my life, I played basketball however, I always had a business acumen. When I decided to step outside of the world that I knew which advanced me in so many incredible ways and presented opportunities that included traveling. I wanted to return to Harlem to pour back into what was instilled in me. At the beginning of my transition from playing basketball, the idea started the process of accumulation of returning to the workforce. Basketball is a world of its own. Yet, the discipline I received from playing basketball translated to the real world so it was an advantage for me.

I began to notice that many people would ask for my advice on music, advertising and media projects which I always toggled back and forth with alongside basketball. Not only did it give me real-time experience but it allowed me not to have any ceilings and apply my skills to the industry as a whole. From there I started a blog, then transitioned into hosting music showcases for artists, and became an on-air personality, spoken word artist, Director, photo/videographer, writer and a key resource. All because I invested in myself while creating initiatives for the betterment of my community. These were all stepping stones that prepared me to create my own business on how my presence, experience, efficiency, and work ethic could bring out the best in campaigns, events, and the overall aesthetic of other businesses.

The significance of continuing to make a social impact by investing in students’ education by providing #iSmileForAngele Legacy Scholarships in honor of my grandma’s life is significant to me. Investing in future leaders’ education is motivation within itself. To know that you are a part of a young person’s journey or even offering opportunities that are slowly becoming obsolete brings me joy. Especially because it is attached to my grandma’s legacy, of whom I would watch gather my cousins on the porch in St. Maarten after school and assist them with their Homework. Education was always important to my grandma, just as fostering community and lending a helping hand. So, it is my honor to continue her legacy by enhancing the lives of young people. I love to say my grandmother gave my life purpose, a greater purpose. Overcoming adversity, pivoting, and challenging myself to surpass any boundary set in my path.

The cause I am the most passionate about and connected to is in honor of my grandma it is a motivational tool. It’s the sense of carrying a torch of importance because you value the outcome. “This is dedication, hard work, plus patience.” – Nipsey Hussle

Witnessing a daily mantra transform into a movement to assist young students as a tribute to my grandma’s legacy is more than necessary. As the daily mantra progressed and made others smile there were a lot of realizations that set in. I had to prioritize myself to be my best self to assist others. I started going to therapy, developed a self-care routine, focusing more on healing, and meditation, attending a transformative Breakthrough Breathwork & Coaching session with Rosanna Gill, and practicing gratitude. I started to journal, participated in new activities, and completed passion projects that I loved. I felt so accomplished when I finally finished my poetry anthology ‘Eye See Reality’, started to travel again, and did everything on my own time. (I love timepieces/watches and I stopped wearing them for a while) so I did not limit myself to a particular time frame of enjoyment. I was going with the flow of where my journey was leading me. I was able to feel more, be more present, and feel free.

Being solution-oriented has always propelled me forward. I recently hosted a community mental health check-in event on National Smile Day and it became evident how necessary self-care, prioritizing your mental health, and advocating for time to unwind was. The primary objective is to honor the legacy of my late grandmother, do a mental health check-in, have a gifting suite, and host it at a business that I have never been to. That business was NBHD Brûlée, which was the perfect location. I found it on Instagram and within my research I discovered that they had undergone a recent fire and were in the process of rebuilding. I wanted to assist in a way that signified resilience, bringing the community together while making a statement about mental health. The parallel thereafter developed as rebuilding oneself from overcoming a great loss was the same commonality. The community poured into Duane Chane Shue and solidified that his establishment was a staple in the Harlem community. NBHD Brûlée is a community-based small business that is for the people and advancement within the community.

They know their customers’ names and orders by heart. That is what I represent and that’s what it is all about uplifting others when you have the opportunity to, telling others what they mean to you when you can, living in your purpose and giving away your gift as it may inspire the next. That’s old Harlem, everyone taking care of each other that is what I know and what is instilled in me. I am blessed with sight and vision so that includes: being able to recognize a gem, a diamond in the rough, or something that isn’t there yet. I have been standing on business before the phrase as I always had responsibility, organizational skills, and leadership qualities. So when asked “What is the purpose of me being here?” just cue Summer Walker because “I’m just here to do my job.” I stayed relevant because of my diligence, personality, business savvy, work ethic, and integrity. Educating myself on how to develop my own business, trademarking my catchphrases, and exploring creating my lane simply by personifying the definition of one of my catchphrases RADTASTIC SPLASHERY® – leaving a lasting impression.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back in hindsight the three most important qualities/skills that are the most impactful in my journey are my diligence, perseverance, and commitment. My consistency and diligence in my efforts, passion, and love for what I curate is a form of love. It is essential for being solution-oriented within Harlem and has expanded to other communities for advancement.

The best advice I have for anyone early in their journey is to do what is best and what feels right for you. You don’t have to compromise who you are to be who you will become. Many times others may try to talk you out of something or deter you because the outcome did not work for them. However, it is a different time now and only YOU can represent what you are portraying. Make sure it is authentic and something you can obtain. You shouldn’t have to compromise who you are to be who you will become. I believe there are people destined to do certain things and there are people who are called. The more resistance you have the longer your process will be. I am a force but I never forced anything that didn’t give me fulfillment. Take your time and be present when developing your niche.

Most importantly knowing that experiencing and navigating through the roller coaster of life is expected. It is OK to pivot if something does not work for you, it is OK to pause if the load gets too heavy, and it is OK to set boundaries that will allow you to flourish. As the responsibility may get heavy. Do what is necessary for you to remain level-headed and on track to the trajectory of your standards. It gave me freedom, a sense of vulnerability, to take pride in my work, and the autonomy of decision-making for projects I love. Don’t take anything for granted. Especially someone giving you a moment of their time – be present.

Any opportunity I have to add my Splash to a blank canvas and make art in all forms and mediums expressed through care within my major of multimedia on all spectrums of the senses whether it was writing, performing, storytelling, capturing in still or footage form, editing to depict or drive a story home. Onto educating others from what I learned, showcasing my talent all the while creating and owning my IP – while building a portfolio. If it was up to me the rejection was a sign. Did it take long? No, it took what needed to be done. I learned, applied, and executed which is something you can’t take away – the experience I’ve undergone firsthand. Normally, when you walk away from something you leave with what you came with. I curated a lane that was not given; it was granted so my passion is unwavering because it was something I wanted to do.

The results become your fuel to see if it is something you are willing to pursue whether you receive recognition or not. It will test your creativity in the beginning if you don’t have the funds to execute your vision fully. You just have to remember starting is a direction. There is always room for improvement from where you start because you will have the experience to guide you as to what worked, what didn’t work, what can be improved upon, and what you will not repeat.

Keep GOing!

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

I would love to partner and collaborate to spread and bring more positivity to the world. I would like to bring more awareness to initiatives. I am looking forward to being introduced to people who are interested in expounding in the areas of mental health, storytelling, sports, advancing the community, providing scholarships, educating and mentoring the youth in financial literacy, career advancement, life after sports, internships, and acknowledging Student-Athletes who are also scholars.

I also want to continue to incorporate American Sign Language education as I have a firsthand connection with seeing the perspective through my sister’s eyes. It brings forth the topics of mindfulness, awareness, and sensitivity to trying to understand the sentiments leading to feeling isolated, unaccommodated, frustrated, and misunderstood. Continuing to partner with other organizations and likeminds to provide events and initiatives by providing: Community Building, Career exploration, youth financial education, and life preparation is always the goal.

Serving as the Communications and Public Relations Board of Directors on the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization G.R.A.C.E. (Granting Resources And Community Enrichment) Incorporated that is dedicated to bridging the gap in economic disparities, advancing health equity, and providing equitable resources to individuals and families in low income, poverty-stricken communities. Last year, I procured over $73,000 of in-kind resources for community events to give to underserved families for Back to School, Wellness, Basketball, educational, and appreciation purposes. We assist in empowering the community through service and support. Through organizing Annual Back to School Block Parties in Harlem and Atlanta to celebrate the importance of education, support, and engaging activities for youth and their families.
Understanding the constraints many families face at the beginning of each school year, we alleviate costs, and ease stress, and hardships some may encounter. We directly impact both communities by ensuring families are prepared for the new school year. We provide entertainment, school supplies, haircuts, and resources. In December our Holiday Toy Distribution collaborative efforts allow us to give back to the children of our community by spreading holiday cheer.

You can connect with me by emailing hey@theylovemysplash.com.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.theylovemysplash.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theylovemysplash
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chanel-b-b1020410
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/chanelspeedy
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@theylovemysplash
• Yelp: https://yelp.to/9asF24Qtok

Image Credits

Samantha Baker