Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Chelsea Borruano. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
In 2019, just a year after getting help for my anxiety and depression for the first time, I started a nonprofit in Louisiana, the You Aren’t Alone Project (YAAP), with the goal of changing the conversation around mental health.
Since then, we have served thousands of people from all backgrounds with an even stronger mission–facilitating & changing conversations around mental health so that no one ever has to feel alone. We offer community programming, events, and resources that bring people together over shared creative journeys to foster holistic connections. By tapping into the power of art and storytelling, we create safe, supportive, and inclusive spaces that encourage positive mental health & wellbeing for all.
We will be hosting our 5th Annual Live Art Event in May, an immersive experience that merges art and mental health advocacy, bringing together a diverse community of artists and attendees to change the conversation around mental health through the power and vulnerability of visual and performance art.
However, this organization is fully volunteer-run so I also have to “make a living.” While starting the nonprofit and finding my place in mental health advocacy, I decided to get my Master’s in Mental Health Counseling…at 30 years old (cue 2020). After graduating, I realized that the traditional path to becoming a clinician was not for me. I didn’t want to be tied down to a place. So, instead I use my experience to create free community workshops that we offer through YAAP and support digital nomads, expats and slow travelers with mental health coaching.
After grad school, I also began working for a mental health app startup doing their marketing and communications (my career before grad school). I was laid off after a year, and during a bad depressive episode, unfortunately.
After picking myself back up (and with the help of an amazing community), I decided to pursue solopreneurship full-time. I knew that nonprofits needed help with their marketing and I had both the experience and network to do just that. So, Gravel Road Marketing was born. I am now a year and a half in and love my work. I’ve supported local and national nonprofits to amplify their mission while also starting my journey as a digital nomad. I’ve been traveling for almost a year now, working remotely, and supporting mental health of other travelers along the way. I also still run the nonprofit with my incredible board and will not be missing the Live Art Event!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Authenticity always. I realized I was trying to do everything on my own and sometimes failing miserably. Once I opened myself to being honest in the good and bad moments and reaching out for help, I was capable of even more.
Setting Boundaries- Burnout is real. I had to take accountability for the role I played in taking on too much, saying yes to everything, and set clear boundaries in order to be more productive and happy.
Mission-driven. Once I took the time to know myself and understand my strengths, I set a personal mission based on clear values that I use as a guide in everything I do.
My advice? You do not have to do this alone. If you’re doing good work, are there for others, believe in yourself, don’t ever forget that you are worth the support you give away, and sometimes, all that’s left to do is ask.
Contact Info:
- Website: alongthegravelroad.com & youarentaloneproject.com
- Instagram: alongthegravelroad
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelseaborruano/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7VCUlxcSr9bm6uWmlP7abQ
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
