If you’re in the know about plant-based goodness and green natural beauty, That’s Chelsea, aka Chelsea A. Williams, will be no stranger to you. A force to be reckoned with, she’s a wellness warrior on a mission to improve the health of communities around her and to inspire change. And inspire she does.

Described by ESSENCE magazine as helping to “Defy all preconceived notions about living a plant-based lifestyle” (you just need to take a look at her mouthwatering recipes to see why), and commended by Beauty Independent for her presence “Bringing an underrepresented voice in a green beauty segment criticized for its lack of diversity”, Chelsea is a role model to many, amounting a series of accolades for her work.

With a Masters in Public Health Nutrition (MPH) and a leader of Live Sacred DC, a series of mindful wellness experiences for women in the District, it’s no wonder why.

 

What one word best describes you? Loving.

 

What’s your superpower? And your weakness? (because we’re all human). My superpower: Discernment. Weakness: Overthinking

 

A moment that has defined you most in life? Making the decision to transition to a plant-based, non-toxic lifestyle has defined me most in life. I not only improved my overall health and well-being, but through this change, have helped improve the health of family members, friends, and now my readers. It's truly a testament to the fact that our personal choices can positively impact others.

 

Your go to feel good ritual?  I love being outdoors. While, it has not quite become a ritual for me, doing some form of physical outside activity daily energizes me and improves my outlook on life. Hiking and swimming at the beach are my favorite outdoor activities.

 

Your greatest passion? My greatest passion is learning more about plant-based living, sharing my knowledge, and teaching others how to improve their health and wellness literacy.

 

Who do you admire most and why? I admire Lalah Delia of Vibrate Higher Daily. Lalah is a spiritual writer and wellness educator. I have been following her work for years. I admire her emotional maturity and resilience.

 

Tell us something about yourself not many people know? You recently shared your story about being an only child and seeking solitude, showing a vulnerable side that often isn’t shared). I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design with a minor in Advertising. I also can draw and paint (oil and acrylic) and have won several awards for my artwork.

 

What keeps you awake at night? My struggle with pursuing entrepreneurship full-time versus balancing entrepreneurship with my 9 to 5 keeps me awake at night.

 

You’ve struggled with your own health issues in the past suffering from Grave’s disease and more recently hypothyroidism. Can you tell us more about the role your diet has played in managing these conditions and how That’s Chelsea evolved? Since transitioning to a plant-based diet, I have experienced an increase in energy levels, improved digestion, better skin, longer and stronger hair, and better weight management (something that can be difficult for someone living with hypothyroidism.) That’s Chelsea originally started as a creative outlet. I knew I wanted to start a blog, but I didn’t want to share products or lifestyle practices that I knew were potentially harmful to others. That’s when I decided I would attempt to carve out my own lane.

 

You were recognised as one of The Daily Record’s Successful by 40 recipients for its Very Important Professional Awards last year and most recently nominated as Entrepreneurs Rock 2018’s Best Blogger, but what achievement are you most proud of to date? I am most proud of working toward a position that allows me to be an underrepresented voice in the green living community.

 

You say you sometimes feel unworthy of all the good things that come your way. Why is that? Although my work ethic is very strong, I recognize that I have been able to take advantage of certain opportunities in my entrepreneurial journey because I have more access to reliable transportation, healthy food, and education than some others in my community. Additionally, I am a lighter-skinned Black woman and colorism is very real, especially in the green beauty industry.

 

Health communications strategist, media contributor, wellness blogger and community activist.  What's been your biggest transformation? My biggest transformation was changing my career path from graphic design to public health. I was always known as “the artist.” However, after dealing with my own personal health struggles, and early experiences working in the pharmaceutical industry, I found a new passion in the health and wellness industry. However, I could argue that sharing health-related information in a credible, yet fun and engaging way is an artform.

 

We like to think of ourselves as explorers and love to discover the unknown. You say you’ve recently been thinking about the next step for your business. What’s the next big adventure in store for you? I’m honestly not quite sure. I thought becoming a board-certified health coach would be my next step, but I decided that was not the route I wanted to take. I’m currently considering training to become an Integrative and Functional Nutrition Certified Practitioner, but I’m taking things one step at a time. Health and wellness is my life’s work. There’s no need for me to rush.

 

If you were a LUXE Botanics botanical, which one would you be? Camu Camu Berry