What Self-Care Looks Like To Chief Of Chic Sneakerhead Channing Beumer
In xoNecole's Finding Balance, we profile boss women making boss moves in the world and in their respective industries. We talk to them about their business, their life, and most of all, what they do to find balance in their busy lives.
Channing Beumer is wearing Nikes. An efficient yet stylish pair, mind you. The kind of pair that both serves looks and leverages comfort. You know, the kind of shoe that is built for running large scale brand-sponsored events and campaigns.
The self-proclaimed "sneakHERhead" balances a traditional 9 to 5 while running a successful business with CNK Daily, a platform designed for and by ladies who have an affinity for sneaker culture -- all while running from one long meeting after the other. The latter of which our conversation finds itself wedged between.
I, on the other hand, am wearing Michael Kors sneakers. They're stylish true enough, but arguably not built for anything except fake running for an IG boomerang. But as we both began to connect on our mutual love of fashionable footwear, our talk quickly evolved into the ins and outs of personal and professional evolution. And it becomes easier and easier to see why ChickNKicks exists.
For Channing, more affectionately known as Chan-Lo, providing a platform dedicated to women in the sneaker space all while inspiring, empowering, and educating them on how to chase after the life they deserve is what it's all about. And in this latest segment of Finding Balance, I wanted to know just how she manages to keep everything running smoothly. Here's what she had to say.
What does the average day/week look like for you?
It really depends, to be honest with you. If I'm running campaigns, then that week is super hectic, especially if it's like an event. The first quarter has been kind of crazy for us because we've done a lot, but I also have a 9 to 5 so my life has to be planned. Very rarely can I plan it down to the T because there's always something that gets kind of thrown into the mix. And it's always like, 'Now I have to pivot and figure out what is the priority here and what can wait until later.' That's something personally, I really struggled with but it's also something I think that has made me stronger as an entrepreneur and businesswoman. There's no not getting it done, it's more like, when can we get it done? For me, it's about finding the time to do the little things because if I don't, my week goes into shatters.
What do you find to be the most hectic part of your week? How do you push through?
The most hectic part is making sure that I have my stuff done at my 9 to 5, but also when you're building your brand or business--it's not a side thing. Side hustles are cool but when you're really trying to build something, it doesn't just take a 20-hour part of your week. It's legit 9 to 5 and from 5 to 2 [a.m.]. If I stay on top of my planner, my weeks aren't really all that hectic because I can move well. I've learned after doing this long enough that it's best for me to adjust and then I just make sure I find time to unwind by myself. Turn my phone on silent, take a long bath, or if I need to just watch Game of Thrones, I make that time for myself because decompression is so important. I've actually developed this new thing this year where I don't answer emails after 7 p.m. unless I know it's something super important that I need to pay attention to. I don't take business calls after 7 p.m. either. I'm trying to make sure that I have some semblance of balance. But I don't necessarily believe in balance, I believe in prioritization.
Channing's Instagram
"I'm trying to make sure that I have some semblance of balance. But I don't necessarily believe in balance, I believe in prioritization."
How do you practice self-care? What’s your self-care routine?
I love Korean masks, I think they're the greatest thing in the world. On Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays, I take about 15 minutes a day and put on a Korean mask and kind of lay on my bed and breathe. It's wonderful because I get a little bit of 'me' time but I think also sometimes we have this cute idea of self-care. It may be decompressing or going to the spa or getting your nails done but sometimes self-care is also checking yourself when you need to be checked. So I'm also trying to be really honest with myself, especially in those moments where I feel like I'm procrastinating and not doing anything.
Sometimes self-care is telling yourself, "You got to get this done."
I may have to do that more often than a bubble bath sometimes because you really just don't feel like it some days. You have to make sure that you push yourself,not to the brink of insanity or exhaustion--but when you know you got to get something done that should be your self-care.
How do you find balance:
With friends?
My tribe is really very small. My best friend Brittany and I, we're on a small platform called Bean & Cream. But we make time at the beginning of each month to just powwow with each other, not to talk about content but life and to catch up. I think the older you get, the easier it is to kind of be a little bit distant with your friends. So we just try to make sure that we at least see each other once a month and just kind of talk through what our lives are looking like. I try to make time to talk to my friends at least once a week, even if it's just a quick IM. Those things go a long way and I know that I really appreciate it when somebody texts me messages asking "How can I pray for you?", so I try to do the same.
Love/relationships?
I make time, you know I'm not sitting here thinking that the right man is going to come to my doorstep. I am dating and if there's someone that I'm really interested in, I make sure I make time for that person. You have to give of yourself and a lot of it goes back again to the priority thing. If I'm in a situation where someone is really important to me, I'll definitely make the time but it's also one of those things where you have to have someone who's super understanding. You can't be all up under somebody, or at least I can't. And if you have someone who understands that you have things going on and they're building something of their own, then that's just ten times a plus for me.
Exercise/health? Do you ever detox? What does it look like for you?
Once a quarter, I do like a a food restriction type of thing to try to get my head clear and hear from God in a very tangible way. Hunger is one hell of a catalyst and it's also an opportunity for me to discipline myself. As far as working out goes, I actually joined a gym that's literally in my office building so I don't have an excuse. So at lunch time, I have on my calendar it's time to work out. I'll go down there for a solid 45 minutes to an hour and just sweat it out. Some days I don't realize I needed it until afterwards but it forces me to make sure that I really get it in. Exercise and wellness is incredibly important to me. I didn't really realize it until last year how much it's important to the growth of my business and to maintaining my mindset.
Channing's Instagram
"Exercise and wellness is incredibly important to me. I didn't really realize it until last year how much it's important to the growth of my business and to maintaining my mindset."
What’s the hardest part about all you do?
The hardest part about all that I do, is feeling like there's not enough time but then realizing that there's more than enough time -- I just need to do a better job at prioritizing. Sometimes that means letting go or saying "no" to certain things that I really wanted to do. Saying "no" to campaigns that I really wanted to take because I know the vision that I have and I know the vision that God has given me for this. It's taking a look at what I have to do and saying, "I can't do that" and knowing that I can't do that and standing firm in that and taking my hands off of it.
I'm learning more and more each day that not every opportunity is your opportunity. Some opportunities are just there to show you what you're capable of and some opportunities are just there as a catalyst to get you to the next one. So I'm trying actively to make sure that if it's not something that we can do and do well, then we have no business doing it.
Channing's Instagram
"Some opportunities are just there to show you what you're capable of and some opportunities are just there as a catalyst to get you to the next one."
When you’re going through a bout of uncertainty or feeling stuck, how do you handle it?
I recognize that as a moment when maybe I'm walking in my own idea of my purpose, not God's. I take those moments as a sign that I need to be still for a second and really make sure that the things that I'm doing are purposeful and aligning with the plan God has set forth for my life. It gets very easy to think that you know best, so I really try to figure out if I'm doing this because it'll help other people or just to get some likes or because I'm feeling like I need to put out something.
What is something you think others forget when it comes to finding balance?
Other people's gifts aren't your gifts. Just because somebody else is doing something and doing it well, that doesn't mean you're meant to do it. I constantly see all these other bloggers and they're making all this money and you start to think, 'Maybe I need to start doing this or taking more pictures.'
But my gifts are not their gifts and the moment I stop trying to operate in my gifts and try to operate in theirs, it's almost like I'm trying to receive their blessings. And that won't fit. I try to tell my team all the time that we're not focused on what similar brands are doing. We'll lose our purpose and our calling if we do that. I have to recognize, and others have to recognize, that you need to get in tune with who you are and what your gifts are, then operate accordingly.
Channing's Instagram
"The moment I stop trying to operate in my gifts and try to operate in theirs, it's almost like I'm trying to receive their blessings. And that won't fit."
What does success mean to you?
Success is a job well done and serving other people in a way that transcends anything that I could ever do for myself. It's making a difference, whether it's in someone's shopping experience or just in the way that they see or view entrepreneurs. I want to make sure that I'm doing something that's better than me and that gives glory to God more than anything else. I'm just a vessel and I'm just here for whatever purpose He has been there for.
For more of Channing, follow her on Instagram. Be sure to check out her sneakerhead platform CNK Daily on Instagram as well.
Featured image via Channing/Instagram by JCI Creatives
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Writer. Empath. Escapist. Young, gifted, and Black. Shanelle Genai is a proud Southern girl in a serious relationship with celebrity interviews, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and long walks down Sephora aisles. Keep up with her on IG @shanellegenai.
There’s just something about HBCU Homecoming that just hits different. Whether it’s your first time stepping onto the yard since graduation or you’re a regular at every Homecoming tailgate, HBCU pride is undeniable. It’s a vibrant celebration that unites the legacy of excellence and tradition with the energy and resilience of Black culture.
The experience goes beyond a typical college reunion; HBCU Homecoming is a family reunion, a fashion show, a cultural festival, and a week-long turn-up that embodies what it means to be unapologetically Black and educated. For HBCU alumni, the journey back to the yard each year is rooted in a love and pride that’s hard to put into words but impossible to deny.
From statement pieces to tech must-haves, every item represents the intersection of Black pride and HBCU love, ensuring that you show up to the yard in style and with intention. So whether you’re repping your alma mater for the first time since graduation or looking for fresh pieces to express your HBCU pride, these essentials will have you standing out, because, at HBCU Homecoming, it’s not just about showing up—it’s about showing out.
Thread Goals
diarrablu Jant Pants in Alia Noir
High-waisted, wide-legged, and ready to shut down the yard, the Jant Pants by diarrablu bring a whole new meaning to campus chic. Handcrafted in Dakar, Senegal, these free-flowing jacquard pants are perfect for stepping onto the yard with style and ease—making them a must-have for any HBCU alum’s closet.
Silver & Riley Convertible Executive Leather Bag Classic Size in Olive
This all-in-one luxury bag isn’t a bestseller for nothing. The Silver & Riley essential is made of Italian calfskin leather and thoughtfully designed, as it can be worn in four different ways: a shoulder bag, crossbody, a top handle, and a backpack. Chic and elegant, the Convertible Executive Leather bag is “the bag that every woman needs in her collection.”
Renowned Women's Intuition Cotton Graphic T-Shirt
Renowned
Renowned’s Women’s Intuition Cotton Graphic T-shirt features a bold graphic print inspired by the power and essence of women’s intuition. With its striking design, this all-cotton tee is a vibrant thing, making it a statement piece that celebrates feminine energy.
Mifland Million M Mesh Crop Shirt
Talk about bold, the Million M Mesh Crop Shirt combines edgy style with comfort, featuring Mifland’s signature print on a semi-see-through mesh fabric. Show up and show out in sophisticated flair.
HBCU Love FUBU
Melanin Is Life Melanated & Educated - I Love My HBCU Hoodie
Show off your HBCU love with this piece that represents everything you gained from your alma mater: a top-tier education, a community that lifts you up, and a deep sense of esteem for yourself and your culture. Wear it loud and proud, because being melanated and educated isn’t just a flex—it’s a legacy.
HBCU Culture Spelmanite Sweatshirt in Navy
Spelmanites, rep your Spelman pride with this unisex crewneck sweatshirt, designed for ultimate comfort and a relaxed fit. Made from a cozy cotton/polyester blend, this classic sweatshirt is as durable as it is stylish—making it an ideal piece for any Spelmanite showing love for their alma mater.
HBCU Culture Howard Is The Culture T-Shirt
Rock the ultimate flex by showcasing your Howard U love with HBCU Culture’s Howard Is The Culture t-shirt. This unisex tee offers a comfortable, relaxed fit that’s perfect for celebrating your HBCU spirit without sacrificing style or comfort.
DungeonForward FAMU - Strike Bucket - Reversible
DungeonForward’s Strike Bucket Hat brings versatility and style to the FAMU Crown collection with its reversible design, giving you two looks in one. Featuring a sleek black snakeskin-embossed brim lining and a bold outline Rattler emblem, this hat is all about repping your Rattler pride in style.
DungeonForward Savannah State University - HBCU Hat - TheYard
The Savannah State University HBCU Hat by DungeonForward is more than just a hat—it’s a symbol of Tiger pride and a nod to the culture. Perfect for gamedays, tailgates, or just showing off your HBCU love, this hat lets you carry a piece of the yard wherever you go.
Tech the Halls
Anker iPhone 16 Portable Charger, Nano Power Bank
Stay charged up with the Anker Nano Power Bank, which features dual USB-C ports, a foldable connector, and a compact design, making it perfect for those HBCU tailgates and late-night parties you pull up to.
Drip Check
Wisdom Frame 14 Square Sunglasses
Elevate your look with these angular square-frame sunglasses by Wisdom, bringing an ultramodern edge to any outfit. The sleek design makes them perfect for blocking out the haters while you stunt on the yard.
Coco and Breezy Eyewear Fortune in Gray Turquoise
The Fortune Glasses in Grey Turquoise is a bold statement piece to any Homecoming weekend ‘fit that “embody our fearless and outspoken DNA.” With their color and edgy design, these frames by Coco and Breezy are perfect for anyone looking to stand out and express their unapologetic confidence.
Howard U Lapel Pin
Rep your Bison pride wherever you go with this Howard U Lapel Pin from Pretty AmbVision. Whether adding it to your jacket, shirt, or bag, this pin is the perfect way to showcase your love for your alma mater while rocking your HBCU love with honor and distinction.
Mifland Standard Rucksack Mini
The Standard Rucksack is designed to evolve like that HBCU pride—getting richer, bolder, and better with time. Durable, stylish, and built to last, this Rucksack by Mifland is a timeless piece equipped with versatile carrying options and fully adjustable back straps for ultimate comfort.
Stay Fresh, Stay Blessed
Slip Pure Silk Sleep Mask in Pink
Keeping it cute starts with beauty sleep. This luxurious silk mask is an essential for a reason. If protecting your skin and waking up refreshed is your priority, look no further than this Homecoming essential.
Liquid I.V.® Hydration Multiplier Lemon Lime - Hydration Powder Packets
Stay hydrated and energized throughout Homecoming weekend with this Liquid I.V.® Hydration Multiplier in Lemon Lime. Just add a packet to your water bottle, and bless your body with 2-3 times more hydration than water with every packet. Because staying hydrated is the key to popping up and showing out all weekend long!
Loop Experience Plus Earplugs High Fidelity Hearing Protection
Designed for your hearing protection, these sleek earplugs reduce noise without compromising sound quality—perfect for enjoying the band’s halftime show, late-night parties, and DJ sets. Whether you’re front row at the step show or hitting the yard, your ears deserve to be protected in style!
Black Girl Magic Glass Cup
Sip in style and celebrate your melanin with the Black Girl Magic Glass Cup. Perfect for morning coffee, your favorite iced drink, or showing off your HBCU pride on the yard—this cup is all about keeping it cute while radiating your endless supply of Black Girl Magic.
Glow Up & Show Out
Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30
What Homecoming weekend can be complete without an assist from this beauty find? Formulated to blend seamlessly into melanin-rich skin (no white-cast), protect your glow while you turn up with the Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30.
Sienna Naturals Issa Rae's Wash Day Ritual Set
Issa Rae’s Wash Day Ritual Set from Sienna Naturals includes the H.A.PI. Shampoo, the Plant Power Repair Mask, Dew Magic, and Lock and Seal to get your crown right. Whether you’re repping your coils or rocking a new color on the yard, these products restore and nourish your strands, keeping your hair healthy, strong, and Homecoming-ready!
54 Thrones Ivorian Cocoa + Ghanaian Coconut Beauty Butter
Stay glowing from the tailgate to the after-party with the 54 Thrones Ivorian Cocoa + Ghanaian Coconut Beauty Butter. Infused with African-sourced ingredients, this rich, multi-purpose butter is the answer to keeping your skin soft and radiant through all the festivities all Homecoming long.
Saie Glossybounce Hydrating Lip Oil
Keep your lips looking luscious and nourished with the Saie Glossybounce Hydrating Lip Oil. Perfect for adding an extra pop to your pout before hitting the yard or freshening up between events, this lip oil is a beauty essential for staying camera-ready all weekend.
Join us in celebrating HBCU excellence! Check out our Best In Class hub for inspiring stories, empowering resources, and everything you need to embrace the HBCU experience.
Featured image by Visual Vic/Getty Images
Ananda Lewis Clarifies Why She Didn't Get A Mastectomy & Says She's Doing 'Better' After Stage IV Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Former MTV VJ Ananda Lewis received a lot of backlash from online critics after sharing she decided to forgo a double mastectomy. But there's more to the story.
Ananda was diagnosed with stage III breast cancer in 2019, and during a recent round table discussion with CNN's Stephanie Elam and Sara Sidner, she revealed that she decided not to get a double mastectomy and, now, she has stage IV cancer.
Following that interview, she clarified why she did not get the surgery. “The circumstances were not conducive to surgery because my tumor wasn’t aggressively growing at the time, and then COVID hit,” Ananda told The Epoch Times.
She opted for a cryoablation treatment instead, which uses extreme cold to destroy the cancer cells.
Another thing the 51-year-old wanted to clarify was whether she was dying. She said she is not. “Nothing happened. Today, I am fantastic. I may have felt like I was dying in February, but I’m not dying, and I’m definitely doing better than I was last October,” she said.
She is focused on taking care of herself and getting a "good 20 more years out of this body." She follows a keto diet and avoids alcohol, white flour and white sugar.
During the CNN roundtable discussion, the mother of one shared that she had an integrative approach to her treatment, which included traditional medicine and homeopathy methods such as red light therapy.
“My plan at first was to get out excessive toxins in my body. I felt like my body is intelligent, I know that to be true. Our bodies are brilliantly made,” she said.
“I decided to keep my tumor and try to work it out of my body a different way,” she continued. “Looking back on that, I go, ‘You know what? Maybe I should have.’
Ananda also admitted that she wasn't prioritizing early detection, such as getting mammograms. The former talk show host's mom also had breast cancer and chose to go the conventional route, which influenced her to go a non-traditional route.
As a content creator, Ananda uses her social media to inform others on the things she's learned about obtaining good health such as toxic items to through out of your pantry and the many benefits of water.
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Feature image by Paul Archuleta/Getty Images