Today we’d like to introduce you to Chantanell Carmichael – Grayer.
Hi Chantanell, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Motivational Journal Living was birthed out of a life transition in 2017/2018. I was in a place in my life of low self-esteem and low self-worth, just in a low place. Weighing in at close to 331lbs and I was an entire mess. My 5’3 frame was burdened with so much physical weight and emotional baggage and all I was doing was existing in life. My body was failing me due to the excess weight. My mental state was fragile and it was truly my relationship with Jesus Christ as a keeper and my love of words and quotes that not only saved me but gave me a dream for more in my life. I began a journey of change. On that journey began the work on the inner me. I knew that if I did not do the work inside that, I would be nothing but a smaller mess in body size and the weight of my mental state would drive me crazy.
Always a lover of books, words and quotes. I began to journal my journey. I was always looking for something to keep me going and the inspiration would come in words both audible and visual. The 1st journal Motivational Journal: Journal Inspiration Through Words was published in June 2018. The 1st journal brought about Facebook lives on various topics related to self-esteem and self-worth. I was taking my Facebook family and friends with me on this journey with me. I had come to the revelation that it was purposed for me to share my journey not of the weight loss but of the total loss gained in fighting to get healthy in my body, spirit, and soul.
Motivational Journal Living has expanded since 2017/2018. It has expanded into a developing brand surrounding the art of journaling. Journaling to me is not only a chronicle of the journey but a living testament of your growth. Words have life! Words have power! We owe it ourselves to grow and get stronger in our living. I believe we have a God-given mandate to live our lives to our greatest potential. I have found that when you can not say it – you can write it and when you read it aloud you are participating in a process of healing to live.
Motivational Journal Living holds an annual day event when those who love to journal come together to journal our thoughts, dreams, goals and dreams. The next level with Motivational Living is transitioning the words on paper to more. Your dreams are just dreams if you do not work to accomplish them. I lived in that place too long and that is the most frustrating place, To have a dream and not know how to move into your next. Encouragement and connection are pivotal to greater living. Motivational Journal Living’s greatest desire is for the words to come alive in the life of the journaler. The secrets written to not hold the writer captive but to give freedom.
At our last event in November 2022, Motivational Bling was launched. Motivational Bling are the custom journaling accessories that include handmade custom ink pens, bookmarks and journals. Launching in 2023 will be the MotivateHer Podcast which will be interviews that will inspire the female listener to be motivated to live her best lives in various areas from finances, spiritual living, family and more.
I am committed to living my best life by motivating others to live out their goals, dreams and visions. I call my myself a Motivationalist! I am the Chief Motivational Officer – always here to encourage others to accomplish their goals, dreams, and visions at any cost.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No way has this been a smooth road. The journey to self-esteem and self-worth is a constant fight of my life. Building a business around your journey is a bit of a challenge. The product side (Motivational Bling) keeping up with the demand as they are all custom handmade items. Let’s not even discuss the supply chain issues with a delay of getting supply. Then staying engaged on social media, One of the Motivational Journals foundational pillars is being authentic. The social media space as you all know is crowded; navigating to find our niche is a challenge.
Maya Angelou authored a great book – “I wouldn’t take nothing for my journey now”, That’s how I feel. I am out here now. I have presented Motivational Journal Living/ Motivational Bling and so we keep pushing. We have participated in vending events and hosted online accessory parties to get our product in the hands of those who appreciate journaling accessories.
Next is getting in front of the right audience to motivate and encourage women to journal and live out the words that they write in their journals.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
In the workplace, I am a Senior hotel group sales manager. I am a rare bread as I have a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Administration from Morris Brown College. I have only worked in the hotel industry in the segmentation that primarily handles social events. In the hotel industry, we call this market segment (social, military, education, religious, fraternal(sorority), and entertainment. Also sports, tour & travel, association, and corporate groups. I handle virtually all aspects of hospitality sales.
I love hotel sales. I am known for being able to build relationships with my guests. I give each and every group my all. Never over-promising and under-delivering excellent service.
My goal is to obtain both a Certified Meeting Planner designation and a Master’s Degree so that I may one day teach hospitality at the college level. I dream of teaming at my alma mater – Morris Brown College in Atlanta, GA.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I believe there is a space for me/ Motivational Journal Living because who does not need motivation and encouragement in the world that we are currently living in? Each and every person is faced with something that may seem overwhelming. My mission is to assist in kindness. Assist in authenticity and truth. Yes, tough days come but they never last always. I’m here to show you what’s past the now and help you see the best possible next.
Pricing:
- Light weight bling ink pen $12.00
- Standard weight bling pen $20.00
- Planner Bookmarks $7.00 – $10.00
- Motivational Journal Living Journal & Planner $20.00
Contact Info:
- Website: www.motivationaljl.com
- Instagram: Motivationaljl.com
- Facebook: Motivational Journal Living
Image Credits
Tara Harp Photography
