Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelsea Okafor
Hi Chelsea, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
As a new graduate of nursing school back in the summer of 2020, I had a lot of uncertainty about my future. In the midst of a pandemic, student debt, and rising anxieties, I found a safe haven within online communities. Originally, I just started sharing curated photo dumps and colorful outfits of the day. Then, suddenly the brands that I frequently used were now reaching out to me to send over PR packages. In addition, I started to dibble and dabble in modeling for small businesses and local photographers. I had immense impostor syndrome not only as a graduate nurse entering healthcare, but now as a “micro-influencer”. The concept of me having influence on anyone was hard to grasp. In a world that felt so lonely, I was quickly reminded of the power of creative outlets. Expression truly became survival for me and was my biggest gateway to vulnerability. I had to balance out the loss I witnessed at my job being a healthcare worker on the frontlines. Bringing unique ideas and content to life, when it felt like all the life was being sucked out of me.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Imposter syndrome is my middle name. Entering the workforce in the midst of a global pandemic as a 22 year old felt like a fever dream. I managed to get through nursing school while my final semester was completely shifted to virtual and we had lost access to hospital clinical rotations. It did not quite make sense to me that I was working to save the lives of others as I felt like I was just starting my own…
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a registered nurse with four years of experience in the hospital setting. I have specialized in gynecology and women’s health. At the moment, I work in a primary care clinic that serves the underserved population of my community. I educate patients about nutrition, hypertension/diabetes management and overall preventative care. I also act as a triage nurse for those with health concerns in order to help determine the right course for their care. Most days, I administer vaccines, vitamin B-12 injections, and various medications to aide in the public health of my community. I have, for as long as I can remember, been a champion of accessible wellness and this job fulfills me in so many ways. I bring my passion and knowledge of holistic wellness to those that have limited access to healthcare. It brings me joy to provide tools for others to take care of themselves effectively. I believe we are strongest when we are looking out for each other. Community oriented places like the clinic I work at are pivotal in changing the lives of those in the most need.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Yes, luck has a role to play for everyone’s success and failures, but what is also under appreciated is the work it takes to prepare oneself to be able to take advantage of lucky opportunities when they occur. I have created luck by simply putting myself out there. Attempting things that felt uncomfortable at the time but turned out to work out for the best. Securing my nursing degree right at the start of a global pandemic and posting content online during quarantine as a hobby and reaching brands by it are all examples of luck’s role in my life.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/ctrlchelsea
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ctrlchelsea
Image Credits
Tyler Woodruff @tylerwoodrufff
Lucy Gan @ganlu_
