We had the good fortune of connecting with Chenica Grant and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Chenica, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
I started off thinking how I wanted to be a change agent, I absolutely love giving back to my community and being a part of groups and organizations that focus on women and families. Unveiled Aspirations was founded in March 2014. I told my sister-friends that I wanted to host a Women’s Empowerment Conference and start an organization that focused on empowering, inspiring and motivating women and girls. And I wanted to create programs and events that also focused on family strengthening and empowerment. I have since taken this passion to become a Certified Life Coach to help with the Personal Development of Women, Girls and Families. Through my organization we are able to give back through volunteer efforts, community projects and sponsorships.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Well as an entrepreneur, I am constantly trying to improve myself and my businesses. Unveiled Aspirations is just one branch of what makes up C. Grant Enterprises. I am a Certified Life Coach that works with clients on their own Personal Development. I get excited to see the lights go off and for clients to realize that everything they need to be successful starts with them. And as if that wasn’t enough, June 4th of 2020 I became an on-air personality with my own show Access Granted with Chenica Grant. This was a wild ride. It happened so fast! Here I am in the middle of a Pandemic trying to start a Life Coaching business, maneuver on-line speaking and I get asked to do my own show? I was not ready! But I quickly became ready because it was my time. Now as I continue to grow and evolve, I have to thank Ant Boogie with High Volume Music Radio for believing in me and wanting me to be a part of his radio family and Tanya Nolan, R&B recording artist for giving me my first opportunity to direct her music video “Smile On My Face”, along with Ol’Skool (Howard McAfee) for the opportunity to direct my first movie “Unspoken Words” due to be released this fall. Yes, did I mention I am a director too? I am an actor with over 27 years experience and have had the opportunity to work with some amazing actors. When the moment was presented to me to direct, I will not lie, I was scared. I second guessed myself and truly had to go into prayer. GOD showed me then, HE had so many doors to open for me if I followed HIS lead. So I have stepped into the role as director and I am loving it! Is it easy? No, but it truly worth it! What I want the world to know is to never give up! When it is your time, things will begin to fall into place. We have to do the work. I am honored to be able to speak on panels, events, conferences and be able to share the knowledge I have gained over the years. The road has not always been easy or smooth. My dreams are big and sometimes dreams and reality clash! But knowing my purpose keeps me motivated to be the very best me that I can be. I want to be a change agent for those around me.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Houston is so diverse in culture and history that I would not know where to start. I love the arts, so I would probably start there. If there are any shows or plays….we are there. But I cannot forget the shopping! Tanger and Galleria here we come! Now we can’t pass up a meal or two or three…so let’s start with some Breakfast Klub then work our way over the Max’s Wine Dive. After we have worked up more of an appetite, we can move on over to Phil and Derek’s for some great food and live music.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many that have supported me along this journey and have been integral in my continued success. I would love to dedicate this shoutout to some amazing people. I would be amiss not to thank my mother who was my first inspiration. My mother, Geraldine Glover has one of the biggest hearts of anyone I know. She has always been a source of giving back to others and has always had our doors to our home open to family and friends and even some strangers. The constant support of my husband Mark keeps me sane. He is my gentle giant that keeps me calm when things are crazy. Trust me, he has his work cut out for him! My mentor and aunt, Del Dugas who motivates me to never ever settle. My sisters Sharon McDougle, Stephanie Isaac, Angie Davis, Jessica Kossie and my cousin Yvette Greer have been here with me from the conception of the name to the very first Women’s Empowerment Conference and everything in between. They are now board members and some of my biggest cheerleaders and supporters. Whenever I have an idea to add something to do an event…whatever, their responses are always, “What do you need me to do? or Ok Let’s do it!” There is no way I could not give a special thank you to my amazing boss Mr. Patrick Asuquo, Prayer partner Dr. Geneva Devaughn and my 2 coworkers turned sisters, Natasha McPherson and Brianna Turner for their love and constant support. And finally, my biggest thanks go out to my 3 amazing children….Marcus, Keaira and Kyra. They are my biggest motivation!
Website: https://chenicagrant.wixsite.com/website and www.unveiledaspirations.com
Instagram: thechenicagrant
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chenica-grant-97abb31a
Twitter: https://twitter.com/nicag001
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheChenicaGrant/ and https://www.facebook.com/unveiledaspirations/