We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cherron Lampkins. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cherron below.
Hi Cherron, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
After many years of self-doubt and feeling worthless in many aspects, I had to learn how to overcome these horrible feelings. I learned that, overcoming imposter syndrome involves acknowledging your gifts or accomplishments and reframing negative thoughts you have placed on yourself.
Decades ago, as a record-breaking high school hurdler, for years, I still remembered hearing my coach tell me I’d never be anything. I also carried the shame and hurt placed on me by own childhood church and, as a young woman, I once had a relative tell me that no one would date a single mom seriously, especially one who was a teen mom. I carried those conversations and memories with me throughout my entire life and the damage that was done contributed to low self-esteem, feeling inadequate and I believed that anything bad that happened to me was deserved and, if anything good happened, I was lucky, but I shouldn’t get used to it.
It wasn’t until I began to tell my story to anyone who would listen and started to connect the pieces in my life that I began to recognize my worth. I discovered a career where I get to make a difference in so many people’s lives and that alone builds self-confidence and can help combat imposter syndrome.
I set realistic goals and I make sure to celebrate my successes, even if I have to do it by myself. I know that I am worthy and that I belong in spaces and conversations where my personal and professional gifts shine.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a Licensed Massage Therapist with over 16 years of license and experience in the field. My focus is on clients who understand the value and importance of the work that massage therapy provides and recognize that it is more than a luxury. Being able to work with ideal clients who understand my work is so rewarding. I became a therapist to be able to help people like my grandparents but, when they passed away, I continued with the purpose. I always say that the work I do is a continuation of their care. I think that gives me the drive to do this work for so long. It is healing for me mentally as it is mentally and physically for my clients.
As someone focused on self-care, including my own, I take so much joy in spreading that message either through corporate work, virtual support, or providing education and in person support.
I recently moved into a new location, so I am looking forward to working with more diverse clients in my new space. I am also excited about the work I have challenged myself to do outside of the studio, whether speaking, developing partnerships to provide self-care and wellness support to corporations and sports teams or, the travel opportunities I am developing to spread my outreach.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Three things that were most impactful to me in my journey would have to be 1. Resilience
2. Knowing my purpose
3. Authenticity
There have been many times I should have quit or given up in order to do something else. As a matter of fact, I once took a break for what I thought was my dream job, but it turned out to be another painful chapter in my life. I have stayed the course because I knew my purpose and it was greater than anything I ever wanted for myself.
Being a successful Massage Therapist and business owner has given me the freedom and flexibility to do the things I enjoy such as travel and continuing to improve relationships with my family.
My greatest quality has been my ability to be authentic in every sense of the word. Whether on social media or in person, you always get the real Cherron and that, I believe has been key to my success.
I encourage anyone at the beginning of journeys similar to mine to first and foremost, understand your “why.” Why are you doing this and who are you doing it for? Knowing that will help you stay focused and resilient in times where you want to give up. Be you. That’s enough.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I am looking to partner or collaborate with international corporations and/or sports teams, whether virtual or in person. I know many US companies have businesses overseas and I am looking to partner with some of them in order to help their Wellness division be more successful and diverse. I bring a lot to the Corporate Wellness space so those are partnerships I am looking to adding to my resume. I am also intrigued by the number of American sports leagues that are creating international camps and divisions in places like Africa and I am eagerly awaiting partnerships and opportunities to bring my knowledge and skills to these organizations.
I know that once I am in the room to present my ideas, the opportunities will be limitless and will transform the way the leagues view Massage Therapy and self-care.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cherronlampkinswellness.com
- Instagram: @Cherron_massages
- Linkedin: Cherron Lampkins
- Youtube: cherron_massages
Image Credits
Hope Cook Tristian Johnson
