Meet Chelle Ticeson

We were lucky to catch up with Chelle Ticeson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Chelle , so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?

There was a time in my life when everything seemed to be unraveling at once. Plans I had carefully laid out crumbled, relationships shifted in painful ways, and I felt lost, as if I were being tossed by waves in a vast, unrelenting ocean. I remember sitting alone one evening, staring at the sky, asking, Why is this happening? The silence that followed wasn’t empty, it was full of something deeper, something I couldn’t yet name.

I had always believed that things happened for a reason, but in that moment, I was being asked to embody that belief in a way I never had before. It wasn’t about merely accepting life’s difficulties, it was about surrendering to them, trusting that they were shaping me in ways I couldn’t yet see. I started to realize that every storm in my life had carried a lesson, every heartbreak had softened me, and every challenge had stretched me toward a deeper understanding of myself and others.

That realization became my optimism. It wasn’t a blind hope that things would magically get better, but a knowing, deep in my bones, that everything was serving a purpose. That even in the hardest moments, I was exactly where I needed to be, not just for my own growth, but for the people around me. Maybe someone needed to witness resilience through me. Maybe my pain would one day help me hold space for another going through the same.

From then on, whenever life tested me, I no longer asked Why is this happening to me? but rather, What is this teaching me? Optimism, for me, is not about ignoring the darkness, it’s about understanding that the darkness is where the most beautiful transformations take place. And that no matter how heavy the storm, there is always light waiting on the other side.

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?

Ultimately, everything I do is about building something bigger than myself—creating spaces where people can see their worth, find support, and know that no matter what they’ve been through, their story isn’t over. There’s always hope, and there’s always a way forward. I believe that every challenge, every triumph, and every moment of growth is guided by something greater than us. When we remember who we truly are—resilient, worthy, and deeply connected to a higher purpose—we find the strength to keep pushing forward. Everything we need is already within us, placed there by a source far greater than we can imagine.

I am the CEO and Co-Founder of the Canvas of Hope Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting youth—especially those impacted by the justice system—through creative expression, mentorship, and essential resources for stability and success. Our work is rooted in the belief that everyone, no matter their past, has the potential to create a prosperous future. We provide programs in the arts, mental health support, career development, and reentry services to help young people navigate their journeys with confidence and purpose.

Beyond my work in the nonprofit space, I have a deep passion for entrepreneurship and creativity. I am the founder of Axionyx Fitness, a Sports Performance and Mental Resilience training brand focused on helping individuals push past their limits, strengthen their mindset, and build the discipline needed to excel in both athletics and life. Through Axionyx Fitness, I help people unlock their physical and mental potential, emphasizing the connection between a strong body and a resilient mind.

I also own AAATtv, a media platform dedicated to storytelling, cultural commentary, and highlighting voices that deserve to be heard. Through AAATtv, I aim to uplift artists, entrepreneurs, and changemakers who are making an impact in their communities.

Additionally, I am the Co-Owner of Black Sasquatch 206, my own clothing brand that fuses sci-fi influences with laid-back streetwear. It’s another way I channel creativity, and I love using design to tell unique stories.

By day, I work as a King County Metro Dispatcher, playing a vital role in keeping the city moving efficiently. While it may seem different from my other ventures, it aligns with my broader mission—helping people get where they need to go, both literally and figuratively.

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, I’d say the three most impactful qualities or skills in my journey have been resilience, creativity, and emotional intelligence.

Resilience has been key to overcoming obstacles and pushing through the difficult moments. Whether it was the early days of building the Canvas of Hope Foundation or balancing multiple ventures, there were countless times when setbacks could’ve easily led me to give up. But learning to pick myself up after each fall, to see failures as opportunities for growth, and to keep moving forward despite the odds, has been essential. Advice: Resilience is something that grows over time. The more you face challenges and continue pushing, the stronger you become. So, embrace the hard times, learn from them, and trust that every challenge is shaping you for something greater.

Creativity has been the driving force behind many of my ventures, whether it’s in the arts, business, or fitness. Creativity isn’t just about creating art or products—it’s about thinking outside the box, finding solutions to problems, and continuously seeking new ways to bring ideas to life. Advice: To build creativity, surround yourself with inspiration—whether it’s art, books, conversations, or nature. Challenge yourself to think differently, to see opportunities where others see roadblocks. And don’t be afraid to fail. Some of the best ideas come from those moments of experimentation and risk.

Emotional intelligence has been a cornerstone of my journey, especially in leadership roles. Understanding my own emotions and those of others, and using that awareness to navigate relationships and challenges, has made me a more effective leader and collaborator. Whether I’m working with artists, mentees, or a team, emotional intelligence has helped me create stronger, more authentic connections. Advice: Emotional intelligence isn’t something you’re born with—it can be developed. Start by becoming more aware of your emotions and how they influence your decisions. Practice empathy—put yourself in other people’s shoes. And work on communication skills so you can express yourself clearly and understand others more deeply.

For anyone early in their journey, my advice is simple: start small, stay consistent, and never underestimate the power of persistence. Developing these qualities doesn’t happen overnight, but with time and dedication, they become the foundation of everything you build. Don’t rush the process—enjoy the growth, and trust that each step forward, no matter how small, is progress.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Yes, I am always open to partnering and collaborating with like-minded individuals and organizations. Collaboration is such a powerful tool for growth, and I truly believe that when we come together with shared intentions, we can accomplish far more than we ever could on our own.

I am especially interested in collaborating with:

Nonprofits and Community Organizations: I’m always looking to partner with groups that are focused on creating meaningful change in their communities—especially those working in areas like youth development, mental health, criminal justice reform, and the arts. If you are doing work to help uplift marginalized communities and create spaces for growth and healing, let’s talk!

Artists and Creatives: Whether you’re a musician, visual artist, fashion designer, or any type of creator, I’m passionate about supporting and amplifying the voices of artists. If you’re looking for a platform to showcase your work or collaborate on creative projects, let’s connect!

Entrepreneurs and Innovators: I’m always excited to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, especially those who are working in the fitness, wellness, and lifestyle industries. If you have a business or project that is focused on helping people become their best selves, I’d love to explore potential synergies.

Mentors and Coaches: As part of my work with the Canvas of Hope Foundation, we’re constantly looking for mentors, coaches, and other individuals who are passionate about supporting youth through mentorship, leadership development, and mental resilience.

If you’re reading this and you feel that there’s a way we can collaborate, I’d love to hear from you! You can connect with me through:

Email: contact@canvasofhopefoundation.org

Social Media: Reach out on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook at @CanvasofHopeFoundation (for nonprofit work) or AAATtv (for clothing brand *links to blacksasquatch206)

Website: CanvasofHopeFoundation.org, AAATtv.com

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Canvasofhopefoundation.org
• Instagram: @canvasofhopefoundation
• Facebook: Canvas of Hope Foundation
• Twitter: @canvasofhopeorg
• Youtube: Canvas of Hope Foundation

Image Credits

AAATtv Media