We recently had the chance to connect with Chaquevia Dumas and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Chaquevia, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? Have you stood up for someone when it cost you something?
Yes–myself. I have had to leave toxic work environments in protection of my mental health. I’m looking forward to the day we start taking Black women’s mental health in the workplace more seriously.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I call myself a “creative with professional skills.” I help talented people see the possibilities, shine, and create environments where everyone feels the vibe — and is part of the magic.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
I think working has taught me the most about work. I actually love working. And I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of “making a living” — not just in terms of income, but what we contribute to people outside of ourselves, and whether we should contribute outward at all (I think we should).
I grew up in Florida, and at Publix — a regional grocery store chain — you could get hired at 14. I wanted to work there so badly. But my mom said no, and for once, I listened. She wanted me to focus on school. And now here I am in New York City, pursuing my master’s degree and getting ready to graduate.
Which… is also teaching me a lot about work. In ways I don’t think I’ve fully processed yet.
Do you remember a time someone truly listened to you?
No, but this does remind me of a time I was playing one of those relationship deep-dive card games with my sister. The question was something like, “What’s my biggest pet peeve?” — and the other person had to answer for you. My sister said, “When people don’t listen to you.” And I’ve verbalized many pet peeves in my day, but never that one — and never that clearly. Yet she recognized it anyway, and I felt so… seen. Like, ironically, deeply listened to.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I am such a “character determines power” type, and I have been my entire life. I actually think that’s probably why I’ve had so many issues with “authority” –especially in religious settings and many work environments. To me, power is determined by character, and power is only power when recognized. Why recognize someone with horrible character? I don’t know how to make that not be. It would be a lot better for me, easier, if I could turn it off, but I literally can’t.
But as an imperfect human being who still strives my best every single day to be considerate of myself and other people, I actually kinda like that it’s always on.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
When I’m in my bed or at the beach–unless it’s crowded.
