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
- Blavity News on Twitter: "Channing Beumer created @CNKdaily out ... ›
- Meet the Creators: Channing Beumer - YouTube ›
- CNK DailyCNKDaily ›
- Channing Beumer: From Tomboy to Girl Boss – RowASeat1 ›
- Boss Ladies | Channing Beumer of CNKDaily.com talks ... ›
- Channing Beumer - Founder and Senior Editor - CNKDaily, LLC ... ›
- CB (@callherchanlo) • Instagram photos and videos ›
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.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
ItGirl 100: Get To Know Some Of The Most Inspiring And Empowering Women On Our List
The ItGirl 100 List, in partnership with Hyundai, is a celebration of 100 Black women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table.
We often see lists featuring amazing women who are seasoned in this thing called life, and our ItGirl 100 List gives flowers to the people they’ve passed the torch to: young millennial and Gen Z women who are innovating and disrupting in today’s world of advancement.
xoNecole has partnered with Hyundai for its inaugural ItGirl 100 List to give these women their flowers today. It’s a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who have built their own tables, launched new businesses, and redefined what it truly means to be blessed, booked, and busy.
Here’s a snapshot of fun facts from a few of the women listed on the ItGirl 100, representing the East, West, Midwest, and South:
EAST
Courtesy
DJ 9AM: DJ & Curator
Representing: Brooklyn
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "On My Mama" by Victoria Monét
Favorite OG It Girl: Nia Long
Zodiac Big Three: Cancer Sun, Taurus Moon, Pisces Rising
Favoring open-format, multi-genre mixes, this DJ has created a winning reputation for rocking a crowd with seamless transitions and selections, always representing Southwest musical and cultural influences.
Courtesy
Tiffany James, Founder, Modern BLK Girl
Representing:Brooklyn
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Lucky Girl" by Carlina
Favorite OG It Girl:Naomi Campbell
Zodiac Big Three: Sagittarius Sun, Leo Moon, Virgo Rising
Modern BLK Girl is one of the leading investment groups among women of color, and the founder serves as an avid investor, community builder, and advocate. Tiffany James is also a mentor, utilizing her unique combination of financial and fashion expertise.
Courtesy
Kat Mateo, Casting Director
Representing: New Jersey
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Princess Going Digital" by Amaarae
Favorite OG It Girl: Kelis, Eve, Lil Kim
Zodiac Big Three: Aries Sun, Cancer Moon, Cancer Rising
Thriving as a casting director and stylist, Kat Mateo offers a unique point of view that has shaped New York Fashion Week shows, ad campaigns, and editorials. She has also been a major contributor to cultural conversations related to fashion and inclusivity.
Courtesy
Denise Stephanie Hewitt, Photographer
Representing: Brooklyn
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Experience" by Victoria Monét
Favorite OG It Girl: Hannah Montana
Zodiac Big Three: Taurus Sun, Aquarius Moon, Aquarius Rising
This Gordon Parks Foundation scholar is a full-time student who has been working to expand her freelance career in photography. Denise is also been featured among Essence'sinaugural list of "Top 10 Creators Under 30," for her unique aesthetics and perceptions through her art.
WEST
Courtesy
Nayamka Roberts-Smith, Aesthetician
Representing: Los Angeles
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Tomorrow 2" by GloRilla & Cardi B
Favorite OG It Girl: Meagan Good
Zodiac Big Three: Sagittarius Sun, Leo Moon, Capricorn Rising
Nayamka Roberts-Smith is an award-winning professional in the skincare industry and serves as an educator, offering knowledge on beauty culture. She also is a well-sought-after speaker on beauty and women’s issues, with a following of more than 1 million on social.
Courtesy
Desiree L. Talley, Esq., Vice President, Legal & Business Affairs, Revolt TV
Representing: Los Angeles
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Nice" by The Carters
Favorite OG It Girl: Issa Rae
Zodiac Big Three: Cancer Sun, Scorpio Moon, Cancer Rising
An attorney and storyteller, Desiree L. Talley meshes relatability with her legal smarts for the culture. She advocates for cultural advancement and societal change through her POPLAW Podcast while balancing her executive duties at Revolt TV.
Marley Rae
Courtesy
Marley Rae, Organizer, WalkGood
Representing: Los Angeles
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Nice For What" by Drake
Favorite OG It Girl: Mariah Carey
Zodiac Big Three: Capricorn Sun, Taurus Moon, Leo Rising
Marley Rae is a Nike Athlete, certified yoga instructor, COO, and Director of Health and Wellness for WalkGood LA, a family-founded non-profit organization. She is dedicated to fostering understanding and care in local and global communities.
MIDWEST
Courtesy
Shawnee Dez
Representing: Chicago
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "FreeBody Freestyle" by Shawnee Dez
Favorite OG It Girl: Toni Morrison
Zodiac Big Three: Cancer Sun, Aquarius Moon, Cancer Rising
Shawnee Dez is an artist who's all about captivating her audience through encouragement and empowerment. Her music features fluid harmonic layering, live instrumentation fused with digital production, and her unique multi-talented voice in an alto melodic tone.
Courtesy
Bianca Pastel, Visual Artist
Representing: Chicago
Ultimate ItGirl Song: Anything by Whitney Houston
Favorite OG It Girl: Grace Jones
Zodiac Big Three: Taurus Sun, Leo Moon, Sagittarius Rising
Bianca Pastel's artistic portfolio includes fine art, illustrations, and animation, and she's worked with clients including Disney Pixar, and the NFL, to name a few. Her focus is "empowering the experience of being a Black child and dealing with mental health issues."
Courtesy
Donyale Walton, Founder, Hoop Mobb
Representing: Detroit
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Yeah I Said It" by Rihanna
Favorite OG It Girl: Aaliyah
Zodiac Big Three: Virgo Sun, Libra Moon, Capricorn Rising
Donyale Walton's brand Hoop Mobb, celebrates the Black and Brown fashion and cultural impact and presence of hoop earrings. It's grown to earn more than seven figures in annual revenue and a nationwide community of loyal consumers.
Courtesy
Ticara Devone, Content Creator
Representing: Chicago
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "She's a Bitch" by Missy Elliott
Favorite OG It Girl: Ananda Lewis
The Zodiac Big Three: Libra Sun, Taurus Moon, Virgo Rising
A trusted sneaker enthusiast and content creator, Ticara Devone uses dynamic storytelling to hold space for others with a passion for sneakers. A published writer, she’s worked with brands including Nike and Footlocker and inspires us all by ensuring women are vocal and seen in the multi-billion dollar shoe space.
SOUTH
Courtesy
AllyiahsFace, Content Creator
Representing: Atlanta
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Go Off" Doja Cat
Favorite OG It Girl: Gabrielle Union and Halle Berry
Zodiac Big Three: Gemini Sun, Leo Moon, Scorpio Rising
AllyiahsFace's YouTube channel has more than 830,000 subscribers, and she's been hitting the ground running since 2015. Her content creation, which centers on beauty, fashion, and lifestyle, has led to a lucrative career and drawn a close-knit social and real-life community to view and be inspired.
Courtesy
Jaycina, Executive Director, Tender
Representing: Atlanta
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "All I Got" by Amel Larrieux
Favorite OG It Girl:Tracee Ellis Ross
Zodiac Big Three: Leo Sun, Sagittarius Moon, Sagittarius Rising
Jaycina is a signed model with a nonprofit that works to provide support and community for single mothers in Atlanta. She's also appeared in campaigns for brands including Fenty and GAP as well as features in all your favorite magazines and on billboards across the country.
Courtesy
Asha Christian, Founder, Coily App
Representing: Atlanta
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "It's My Life" by Mariah Carey
Favorite OG It Girl: Toni Childs (Girlfriends)
Zodiac Big Three: Sagittarius Sun, Leo Moon, Leo Rising
Asha Christian created Coily to provide beauty recommendations utilizing social data. It offers a more personalized, AI-driven experience for users and part of her mission is to provide solutions related to diversity and put the focus back on the consumer. Meshing tech and culture, Christian is innovating with options that exemplify the Black girl magic needed in tech.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image by FG Trade/Getty