Meet Raychell Simmons

We recently connected with Raychell Simmons and have shared our conversation below.

Raychell, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

I draw my resilience from my mother, who is the embodiment of strength and perseverance. She overcame a deeply traumatic and challenging upbringing, including experiences of abuse, domestic violence, and becoming a mother as a teenager. Despite these hardships, she broke generational patterns and created a nurturing, stable home environment for me—one built on love, intention, and purpose rather than circumstance. She worked multiple jobs to provide opportunities for me, including a private education, and she always emphasized the importance of education and self-worth. Her determination and unwavering commitment to my future taught me what resilience truly means, and it continues to inspire how I navigate challenges in my own life.

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?

My primary identity is as a daughter of God. My faith has always been the foundation of who I am and where I am today. In 2022, I went through a divorce after enduring years of abuse and neglect within my marriage—experiences that deeply affected both me and my children. For a long time, I accepted that pain as a life sentence, often apologizing to God because I didn’t understand how the life I was living had unfolded this way. I carried shame, embarrassment, and severe depression.

But slowly, a light began to shine—faint at first, but steady. As I committed to healing, that light grew brighter. I turned my private journal entries into a published book. I went back to school to pursue a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy, and began working with mothers and families in my community through a ministry birthed in prayer. That grassroots ministry has now grown into Raising Families, an organization dedicated to supporting families in underserved communities through parent support groups, family retreats, and youth camps.

I come from a maternal lineage where generational poverty and dependence on government assistance was the norm. No one owned property, and entrepreneurship was unfamiliar territory. I chose a different path—one of breaking generational cycles and building legacy. I immersed myself in learning about generational wealth through real estate and business ownership. Most importantly, I made a conscious decision to be fully present in my children’s lives: not just sending them to church, but going with them as a family; building strong spiritual foundations; creating lasting memories; and nurturing their voices and individuality.

This intentional parenting has borne fruit. My children are thriving—one of my daughters landed her first movie role in 2023, and others are excelling in sports and modeling. Despite the adversity I’ve faced—including domestic violence, poverty, and discouragement from those closest to me—I am now an author, entrepreneur, landowner, graduate student, and a registered therapist working toward licensure to open my own private practice.

This journey has been nothing short of transformative. It is a testimony to faith, resilience, and the power of choosing a different path—not just for myself, but for the generations that follow.

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, the three most impactful qualities in my journey were resilience, resourcefulness, and intentionality.

Resilience – The ability to keep going, no matter the setbacks, was and continues to be key. Life handed me many challenges, but I made a conscious decision not to give up. For those early in their journey: expect obstacles, but refuse to let them define you. Build your endurance through faith, self-reflection, and surrounding yourself with even just one person who believes in you.

Resourcefulness – I learned to capitalize on even the smallest opportunities. Whether it was turning journal entries into a book or using my own healing as a blueprint to help others, I focused on taking what I had and transforming it into something meaningful and useful. My advice: don’t wait for “perfect conditions” to start—look at what’s already in your hands and ask, how can this serve someone else?

Intentionality – I stopped chasing money and started pursuing purpose. I learned not to waste time but to invest it—especially in seasons of waiting or stillness. I let my down time become preparation time. That shift in mindset changed everything. For others starting out: seek clarity on your why early on, and let that guide your decisions. Purpose creates momentum that profit alone cannot.

Finally, let your critics be confirmation that you’re headed in the right direction. Use their doubt as fuel—not for revenge, but for growth. Let your journey prove what perseverance and purpose can build.

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?

Over the past 12 months (and really past 3 years), my greatest area of growth has been learning how to prioritize my own well-being—what I call “putting on my own oxygen mask first.” After going through years of enduring a toxic relationship- my biggest act of self-care, self-love and love in general was making the decision to live by getting myself and children away from that environment and filing for a divorce. Had I stayed in that marriage- I’m not sure if I would have the privilege of doing this interview.

For much of my parenting journey, I operated in survival mode, always putting my needs last. This year, I’ve grown in understanding the importance of self-care—not just as a concept, but as a practice. I’ve been intentional about modeling this for my children by taking breaks, planning vacations, and showing them what rest and balance look like in real life.

Another key shift has been giving myself permission to engage in activities and experiences that exist outside of my role as a mother. I’ve learned that nurturing my identity as an individual actually strengthens my ability to parent from a place of peace and purpose, rather than pressure and exhaustion.

This growth has not only enhanced my personal wellness but has also deepened the emotional and relational health of my family. It’s a shift I’m proud of—and one I plan to continue cultivating.

Image Credits

Alashae Photography for main photo