Meet Charlynn Avery

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Charlynn Avery. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Charlynn, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

I have spent my entire life navigating spaces where I was the only one who looked like me. As a transracial adoptee, I was raised in a white family, in predominantly white communities, where I learned early on that I had to bridge cultural gaps to belong. But instead of letting that difference isolate me, I developed an ability to connect with people across backgrounds, learning to read a room, find common ground, and bring my full self to the table—even when I wasn’t sure how I fit in. I know without a doubt that we all have more in common than what we have that separates us.

One of the most pivotal moments in understanding this came when I reconnected with my biological family. I was meeting my father’s side for the first time, stepping into a space where my existence had been a hidden truth. It was one of the first times I truly saw myself reflected, yet I was still an outsider. I had to balance my deep desire for belonging with the reality that my presence disrupted long-held family narratives. Instead of shrinking, I leaned into the discomfort, asked questions, and listened. I made space for complexity—mine and theirs. That experience reinforced my ability to navigate spaces where I don’t fully “belong” but can still be present, influential, and whole. In this practice, I learned I actually fully belong everywhere.

That skill has carried over into my career. As an educator, healer, and business owner, I have worked with students, clients, and colleagues from every background. I’ve been in boardrooms, classrooms, and wellness spaces where I was the only person of color, the only queer person, or the only neurodivergent thinker. And in each of those places, I’ve learned that my difference is not a weakness—it’s a strength. It allows me to see perspectives others might miss, to foster inclusivity, and to create spaces where others who feel “othered” can find belonging.

At Soul Ascension Studio, I bring this awareness into every interaction, ensuring that the people who walk through our doors feel seen and valued. Because I know what it’s like to be the only one, I work to create environments where no one has to feel that way alone.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

My work is rooted in connection—helping people reconnect with themselves, their communities, and the natural world. Through The Tribe Authentic, my brand and platform, I create offerings that promote deep healing, rest, and transformation. As an aromatherapist and wellness educator with over 25 years of experience, I blend ancient wisdom with modern practices to help people cultivate balance and well-being in their daily lives.

I teach and hold space at Soul Ascension Studio, where I lead experiences in sound healing, meditation, movement, and aromatherapy. One of the offerings I’m most passionate about right now is Rooted in Rest, a rest and restoration series designed specifically for BIPOC folks. In a world that often demands so much from us, I believe that prioritizing rest is a radical and necessary act of self-preservation and healing.

In addition to my healing work, I am launching a new line of aromatherapeutic skincare products, crafted with high-quality ingredients that nourish both the skin and the emotional body. These products are designed for beauty and deep, intentional self-care, using scent and botanical properties to support emotional well-being.

I’m also in the process of completing my memoir, a project that has been years in the making. It explores my journey as a transracial adoptee and the complexities of identity, belonging, and reconnection. It’s a deeply personal story, but one that I hope will resonate with others who have felt like outsiders in their own lives.

At the core of everything I do—whether through my writing, my wellness offerings, or my products—is a commitment to creating spaces where people can feel seen, held, and empowered. The Tribe Authentic is about reclaiming our right to rest, to heal, and to show up fully as ourselves.

I’m excited to continue expanding these offerings and invite those who are seeking deeper connection and restoration to join me.

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, three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are resilience, perseverance, and a positive outlook. These traits have shaped how I navigate challenges, build relationships, and create spaces of healing and connection.

Resilience has been essential, especially as someone who has often been the only one in the room who looks like me. Whether in professional settings, personal experiences, or my identity journey, I have learned to stand firm in who I am, even when the world around me didn’t always reflect or affirm my existence. Resilience isn’t about avoiding hardship—it’s about learning how to bend without breaking, to adapt without losing yourself.

Perseverance has carried me through difficult times, from career shifts to personal transformations. When doors didn’t open, I found windows. When paths weren’t clear, I created my own. I believe in the power of persistence—not just in chasing goals, but in continually showing up for yourself and the work that matters to you. For those early in their journey, I encourage you to embrace discomfort. The moments that challenge you the most are often the ones that shape you the most. Keep moving forward, even when the path is uncertain.

A positive outlook has allowed me to see possibility even in adversity. I learned early on that a smile and grace can open doors, mend wounds, and build bridges where walls once stood. That doesn’t mean ignoring hardship or pretending everything is easy—it means choosing to focus on what can be created, learned, or healed rather than what is broken. My advice? Seek out connection. Find common ground. In a world that often highlights division, be someone who cultivates understanding.

Ultimately, our ability to grow and succeed is deeply tied to how we respond to life’s challenges. By staying resilient, pushing forward with perseverance, and maintaining a perspective of hope and possibility, we create space for transformation—not just for ourselves, but for those around us.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Collaboration is at the heart of what I do. I believe in the power of community, shared wisdom, and co-creating spaces that uplift and support others. I’m always looking to connect with like-minded wellness practitioners, healers, educators, artists, and storytellers who are passionate about fostering rest, healing, and transformation.

I’d love to partner with those who:
✨ Center holistic well-being—whether through bodywork, movement, breathwork, sound healing, or other modalities
✨ Create intentional, healing spaces—from retreats to community gatherings to creative projects
✨ Share a commitment to inclusivity & equity—especially in making wellness more accessible to BIPOC , queer, adoptees and marginalized communities
✨ Value the power of storytelling—whether through writing, teaching, or creative expression

If you’re interested in collaborating—whether it’s co-hosting events, exploring new offerings, or working on something entirely unique—I’d love to hear from you! The best way to connect is through Instagram @aromaticavery and @thetribeauthentic, or via The Tribe Authentic website www.thetribeauthentic.com. Let’s build something meaningful together!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thetribeauthentic.com; www.thesoulascension.com
• Instagram: @aromaticavery
• Facebook: Charlynn Avery/The Soul Ascension Studio/The Tribe Authentic
• Linkedin: Charlynn Avery

Image Credits

Charlynn Avery, Kimberly Charest and Ysabella Hay