Meet Aelicia “Chocolate” Watson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aelicia “Chocolate” Watson.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I grew up in extreme, absolute generational poverty. I’ve experienced an enormous amount of pain, having a baby at 14 yrs old, cancer three times, sexual abuse, domestic violence and more. #BUTGOD. My grandmother on my dad’s side of the family, took me in, taught me how to love and forgive, I begin to trust this God she served and turned my heart from stone to grace. Please see website for full Bio…www.RedeemedWomen.org

I’ve always lived in the “Hood”, from West Dallas, to Southern California, to South Dallas, I know all too well about the struggle. After growing up a culture Christian, I gave my life to Christ at age 25, And I’ve been living my new neighborhood almost 8years, the South Dallas neighborhood of Bonton. (Fair Park Area)

During this time, I started volunteering for other organizations making a difference in my community, before joining up with a few that I believed in. Because my community is predominantly black women, I knew I could relate to some of the things they have experienced so I followed the calling of the Lord to start Redeemed Women, in Dallas, Texas, a 501(c)3 nonprofit. I live in the community in which I serve, I share my story of hope and walk alongside the women in my community to meet some of their local/daily needs.

I got were I am today, because my grandmother, A strong Christian who taught me the word ​of God, I wanted it and I worked for it. I‘ve had and have some amazing mentors in my life, I read and ask questions. I’m not only a servant, I’m a public speaker and Author too! Publishing my first book, “Anointed” -A survivors story from unspeakable pain, to undeniable joy. People can find out how to get there copy by visiting our website and sending me an email. 

Please tell us about your art.
Our ultimate purpose is to raise up leaders from within the community, we do that by meeting them right where they are. We build relationships to help address the brokenness in their life. We specialize in relationship building. We are most proud of five people accepting Christ into their life, we are also proud of our community Bible Studies “Just for Us” that we have every week, were we create an environment for people to let the guards down to be themselves. “Where Friends Are Made And Lives Are Changed”. 

Do you have any advice for other artists? Any lessons you wished you learned earlier?
My Grandmother was my biggest inspiration. Why? because she instilled in me the values of loving the Lord, this would intern help me love and forgive others the way I need to. She was a strong supporter of encouraging me to do better in life and she always used practical ways to teach me how to grow as a young lady. I encourage people to build relationships with people that have gone before them, take lots of notes, mentally and on paper, lastly, be quite and listen. I’m the women I am because of these tips. I’m now married to my number one supporter Kevin Watson, and we have a blended family of three grown children. 

Image Credit:
Floral workshop -Hunter Folsom Lacey @thehunterlacey

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