For This Couple, Love Came Into Their Lives At The Perfect Time
In xoNecole's Our First Year series, we take an in-depth look at love and relationships between couples with an emphasis on what their first year of marriage was like.
I think that a lot of us believe in the notion of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. This notion allows us to be grateful for being late to appointments, having plans being canceled last minute, and even changing our minds on attending events we said we would go to. I know I am guilty of feeling so satisfied when things are changed at the last minute and it honestly makes my day better. For a then-25-year-old copywriter, Chelsea Coffey, it was actually the opposite. A last-minute change in her schedule would make her be at the right place at the right time.
Chelsea received a phone call from a coworker to cover a soccer event in Houston, Texas. She was not expecting this assignment, but she is so glad that she did. At the event, Chelsea had plans to connect with the soccer team, but had no idea that one of the soccer players would charm their way into her heart. Just in case you were wondering… yes, that MLS player was Warren Creavalle.
Warren and Chelsea dated a year and half before tying the knot. These days, the married couple has not only solidified their lives in love but also in business.
Courtesy of Chelsea and Warren
In addition to a successful Philly Urban Retreat the two are known for, Chelsea and Warren have founded a business brand called Coffey + Creavalle. Coffey + Creavalle is a one-stop-shop for all things ranging from home goods to apparel. For this couple, they want to become a resource for the community and create a legacy for their children.
Time was really on their side from the very beginning and if there is anything that I took from connecting with this couple is that: when it comes to true love, it comes right on time.
In this installment of xoNecole's "Our First Year," Chelsea and Warren share how they have kept their love alive by supporting one another, making love a daily choice, and knowing the importance of building a legacy.
How We Met
Warren: I was playing soccer for the Houston Dynamo. Chelsea was covering our team's End of Year Banquet for the magazine she worked for. So on that day, I saw her before we even spoke. I was already trying to see who this fine girl was. After the event and the after-party was going on, Chelsea saw me from across the room. With her being on the job and all, she walked over and approached my teammates and I. She starts giving her a spiel on how she could work with us to style us for a photoshoot. And we followed each other on Twitter--after she threatened me about not being a ghost follower.
Chelsea: So my coworker called me about covering the End of Years Awards Dinner for the Houston Dynamo. I thought this was perfect because I was coming from a photoshoot. So, I already had my makeup done. I wasn't very familiar with soccer-focused events, so I didn't know what to expect. But girl when I got there, I called my coworker saying we have been missing out! I continue to be professional, but after the event, I figured it would be a missed opportunity if I didn't make a connection. So I come up with my business introduction, walked up to Warren's team, and did my thing. But when I was talking to Warren, I felt like we were talking for the longest. So we ended up exchanging our social media information, and that's how we connected.
First Impressions
Chelsea: I was a little smitten out the gate, to be honest. I remember it was very dimmed lighting in the room and Warren's smile was just *ding ding* (laughs). It was really nice. Also, something to know about me. Since I am from Texas, my default is to pronounce certain names as if they were Spanish. I assumed Warren was Afro-Latino and when he was telling me his last name, I pronounced it differently. He got a little sassy with me, understandably, because I was saying his name wrong. But that was my first impression of him. As charming as he was, he was still a little sassy to me.
Warren: It was my rookie year and I was new to Houston. So when I saw her from across the room, I felt it was a turning point for me. I felt like I was glowing up and me being able to talk to women who look like her was a plus. I was convinced that Houston may be my kind of city. As Chelsea walked passed, I said out loud, "Look at my future beautiful Black queen!" Even after we were able to finally connect, I still thought Chelsea was beautiful and was looking forward to what was coming next.
Courtship
Chelsea: Warren and I actually dated twice. We hung out a few times and we'd been dating for like five minutes. This thought came into my head, 'I don't care if he gets traded, we're going.' And immediately I told myself, 'Girl, what is wrong with you?!' 'First of all, where did this thought come from, and second of all, we don't even know him for real.' But, it's true when they say when you know, you know. I saw Warren as my best friend and we always had a good time together. Even though we broke up temporarily, I told myself that I wanted to feel like that, if I ever fell in love again.
Warren: So when we reconnected, Chelsea was still in Houston and I was in Philadelphia [two teams later]. But it felt like we didn't skip a beat. I still felt like I was talking to my best friend. It was a really refreshing vibe. To be honest, I did date other people when we were both single. But Chelsea was the only woman that would make me scramble if that makes sense (laughs). That was really significant for me because I felt like I didn't have to worry if she wasn't going to be in my life anymore. That was when I knew. It was natural to take that next step with her to me.
"Chelsea was the only woman that would make me scramble if that makes sense. That was really significant for me because I felt like I didn't have to worry if she wasn't going to be in my life anymore. That was when I knew. It was natural to take that next step with her to me."
Saying "I Do"
Chelsea: We had two weddings. We got married legally in the spring and then had our marriage reception/ceremony six months later. At the main marriage ceremony, Warren wrote his own vows, and what he said was so sweet. I would say that is one of the things I will never forget. But there was this moment after the vows and all the pictures were taken. I thought that we would come back to the bridal suite for a special one-on-one moment during the wedding. Ironically, it didn't happen like that.
We got to the room and slowly, but surely, all of our bridesmaids and groomsmen were in our room. They were eating snacks and playing music. But seeing all of our close friends together made me appreciate things that were just out of our control in the best way. It was a beautiful way to celebrate our love story by being surrounded by the people we really care about. So it's a mixture of both of those for me.
Warren: I would have to say when we were saying our vows to each other was the most memorable part for me.
Biggest Fears
Chelsea: I think that one of the benefits of me being older than Warren is that I was at a stage in my life where I knew I didn't want to date just to date anymore. I was ready to be in a serious relationship and get married. I wouldn't say that I didn't have any fears, because I think that's natural when you do have them. One thing that was a sensitivity of mine is hoping that we can navigate through each other's different seasons.
I wanted us to be able to get through things together rather than individually. What helped me to be less afraid about stepping into marriage was Warren's pace. When things move too fast, I get a little nervous. And since we were at different seasons, I admired that Warren knew what he needed as far as time, to be completely ready for this. Warren has a thorough and thoughtful pace. So by the time we got closer to the wedding, we were sure about it.
Warren: I agree with Chelsea. I think the pace we chose in our relationship helped us be more confident in our decision to get married. Marriage is forever. So it's important that you are sure this is exactly what you want. So being able to take that time allowed that assurance we needed.
"When things move too fast, I get a little nervous. And since we were at different seasons, I admired that Warren knew what he needed as far as time, to be completely ready for this. Warren has a thorough and thoughtful pace. So by the time we got closer to the wedding, we were sure about it."
Courtesy of Chelsea and Warren
Early Challenges
Chelsea: I consider myself a proper particular kind of person. I have never lived with a guy before and so to my surprise, Warren is so particular too. He has his own ways of how he likes things done. In a way, we complemented each other, but there were times I felt we were tripping over each other and our own preferences. I will say that we are still working on this. It is all about picking your battles.
Warren: Yeah I do like things in my living space a certain way. I have had my roommates before, but I was living on my own when I was dating Chelsea. So stepping back into sharing my space with someone was an adjustment for me.
Love Lessons
Chelsea: With Warren, I really appreciate how supportive he is. There is just something to be said about someone who knows how to be present with their partner. For example, when I was writing my book, Warren sat down with me for days and went through/edited the entire book. It is really a blessing to have someone like that in your life. Someone that is just down for you for whatever. So learning how to be that way for someone is what I've learned through how Warren shows up for me.
Warren: Prior to our relationship, I had this grip on life. I had this idea about what I wanted, where I wanted to be, and how I was going to get there. So allowing someone you consider your partner to add to that, is a shift. There's a trajectory in your life that is for the better because you are letting other people in. It was something I didn't anticipate, but it has definitely been my biggest lesson.
"Prior to our relationship, I had this grip on life. I had this idea about what I wanted, where I wanted to be, and how I was going to get there. Allowing someone you consider your partner to add to that, is a shift. There's a trajectory in your life that is for the better because you are letting other people in."
Common Goals
Chelsea: I remember I was trying to make this video right after our Houston house renovation. I was trying to be cute and asked Warren what his main takeaway from the experience was. Warren says, "Go get the money." As much as we joke about that, we are grinding out here. We want our kids to live a life that reflects all the hard work we put in. We want to be a significant staple in our community in a big way.
Warren: If there is anything to add, we want to be able to open doors not just for our kids, but for other kids in our community as well. I think that it's important to lift up the next generation and be that source of knowledge or resources for them to become successful.
Best Advice
Warren: One thing I've gotten from Chelsea's father and our marriage counselor is to make a choice to love your spouse every day. The butterflies and everything is not enough to sustain the day in and day out. So you make that choice every day and sometimes multiple times a day to love that person.
Chelsea: There is the overarching theme about grace. When you are in a relationship, you have to show the other person grace. I think that sometimes when we don't give the other person grace and we lash out on them when we are upset about something, we forget about our own shortcomings. If you are able to put yourself in the other person's shoes, it sets you up for getting out of a situation better than you anticipate.
For more about Chelsea and Warren, follow them on Instagram @thecoffeybreak and @malik_lebeau. Follow their brand @coffeywithcreavalle.
Featured image courtesy of Chelsea and Warren
Originally published on July 8, 2021
'K' is a multi-hyphenated free spirit from Chicago. She is a lover of stories and the people who tell them. As a writer, 9-5er, and Safe Space Curator, she values creating the life she wants and enjoying the journey along the way. You can follow her on Instagram @theletter__k_.
Exclusive: Brandee Evans On Faith, Fibroids, And Chosen Family
Do you remember your first time at The Pynk?
We were first introduced to Mercedes at Uncle Clifford’s beloved strip joint, a matrix of secrets and self-discovery nestled deep in the heart of the Mississippi Delta. Brandee Evans, who plays the ambitious single mother and seasoned dancer in the STARZ original P-Valley, quickly won our hearts and has since earned widespread critical acclaim.
Her captivating command of the pole left many of us intrigued, perhaps even tempted, to explore pole dancing ourselves after witnessing the mesmerizing performances at Mercedes Sunday. But it wasn’t just her physical prowess that kept us hooked. Mercedes is a character of depth—empowering, complex, relatable, and deeply human.
These are qualities that Brandee embodies both on and off the screen.
(L-R) Marque Richardson and Brandee Evans on 'UnPrisoned' Season 2
Courtesy: Hulu
A Memphis native, Brandee is no stranger to dance. She boasts an impressive career as a choreographer, having worked with renowned artists like Katy Perry, Monica, Ke$ha, and Ledisi. But while it has been a significant part of her journey, Brandee has her sights set on more—expanding her acting career beyond dance-inclusive roles. This ambition nearly led her to pass on the opportunity to appear alongside Kerry Washington in Hulu’s UnPrisoned, where she plays Ava, Mal's (Marque Richardson) new girlfriend.
“When Kerry Washington slid into my DMs, I nearly said no,” Brandee revealed with a laugh. “She mentioned pole dancing, and I told myself and my team that once I was done with Mercedes, I wasn’t going to do that again.” Fortunately, Washington assured her that the role would be vastly different, leading to what Brandee described as an invaluable masterclass in comedy under the guidance of Washington herself.
“Kerry is a force of nature,” Brandee reflected. “She’s everything you’d hope she’d be—strong, compassionate, and incredibly talented. Working with her was like a masterclass in acting.” This opportunity was no mere stroke of luck; it was something Brandee had manifested years earlier. But make no mistake–she credits her faith and praying hands for her success. “I’m praying, you know what I mean? I’m asking God for what I want and working for it too,” she said.
"When Kerry Washington slid into my DMs, I nearly said no."
(L-R) Brandee Evans, Kerry Washington, and Marque Richardson on 'UnPrisoned' Season 2
Courtesy: Hulu
This role marked Brandee’s first foray into comedy, and while she was eager to embrace the challenge, she found herself in the hands of an incredible mentor. “Kerry was always so kind in her critiques,” Brandee noted. “She’s not a diva by any means. She knows exactly what she wants, but she’s gentle and encouraging in bringing it out of you. That’s something I’ve taken with me to other sets—I want to lead with the same kindness and openness that Kerry showed me. It’s a lesson I’ll carry for the rest of my life.”
Brandee speaks with profound respect and gratitude for her peers and fellow actresses as many have shown her genuine sisterhood and support in an industry often notorious for its competitiveness. “Danielle Brooks sent me a prayer the other day, and I was just so touched. Those are the moments that people don’t see,” she shared. “I call Sheryll Lee Ralph my fairy godmother, and Loretta Devine is like my auntie. Being able to pick up the phone and seek advice from these incredible women is a true blessing.”
And she pays it forward.
Brandee Evans
Courtesy: Hulu
But her commitment to supporting others extends far beyond her career. As an advocate for health and wellness, she empowers women to prioritize their well-being. “Azaria [Carter], who plays my daughter on P-Valley, mentioned wanting to start a weight loss journey and get more fit. I told her, ‘Well, let’s work out together,’” Brandee recounted. But her dedication to healthy living goes beyond physical fitness, encompassing a holistic approach to wellness. “When she came to my house and tried to microwave something in plastic, I said, ‘Let’s use glass instead. At 20, I wasn’t thinking about that, but let me share some tips now so you’re not battling fibroids in your 30s.’”
Because she was.
While filming the first season of P-Valley, Brandee faced enormous stress—not only as a caregiver for her mother, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, but also due to the physical demands of the role. Yet the impact on her body was far greater than she expected. “I was literally on my cycle every day while playing a stripper, which is far from ideal,” Brandee revealed. It was Harriet D. Foy, who plays her mother, who urged her to get checked for fibroids.
"I was literally on my cycle every day while playing a stripper, which is far from ideal."
Brandee Evans graces the 2024 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards Ceremony.
Arnold Turner/Getty Images for ESSENCE
The statistics are staggering—80% of Black women develop abnormal uterine growths by age 50, making them more likely to suffer from fibroids than any other racial group. But like many, Brandee was initially unaware of these growths and their debilitating effects, and the prospect of surgery was daunting. “I was scheduled to have a myomectomy on my birthday, but I thought about what it would mean for my career. How am I going to climb the pole? The healing process is similar to a C-section.” Determined to avoid surgery, she committed to healing herself naturally.
After a deep dive, she sought treatment at The Herb Shop of Vinings in Atlanta, which ultimately led to a remarkable recovery. “This man saves lives. His name is Jeff, and I call him my doctor.” Brandee shared. “I started detoxing my body with herbs and following his program. During my follow-up with the gynecologist, they said, ‘We don’t know what you’re doing, but your fibroids are shrinking.’”
Emerging on the other side of this journey not only fibroid-free but with a regulated cycle and a renewed outlook on life, Brandee is now focused on sharing her story and advocating for women’s health. “I know y’all want to hear about P-Valley, but I want to talk about regulating your period,” she said with a laugh.
Of course, she didn’t leave fans hanging when it came to what to expect in the upcoming season. “It is worth the wait. The world is about to go crazy. Oh, the world is about to lose it,” Brandee teased. “Y’all might be mad at us right now, but baby, it’s going to be worth it.”
All episodes of Season 2 of UnPrisoned are now streaming on Hulu.
Featured image courtesy of Hulu
How To Know If You're Following Your Destiny, According To Astrology
Your destiny can be defined as fate or the hidden power believed to control what happens in your future. Some say your destiny is not set in stone and can be changed or redirected over time. Others say you come into this life with events in the future predestined for you.
North Node In Astrology Meaning
Astrology considers both approaches regarding destiny and defines this phenomenon through the North Node. The North Node represents the direction toward your evolution, life lessons, your calling, and destiny in this lifetime. It is the area of astrology you want to go to when looking at the full picture of your life, your future potential, and where you should be directing your energy and intentions. “Living your best life” is living like your North Node sign.
The North and South Node In Astrology
The North Node or the “True Node” is one of two lunar nodes that form an axis, with the South Node on the other end. The North Node is where the Moon moves into the northern ecliptic hemisphere. The South Node is where the Moon enters the southern ecliptic hemisphere.
The North Node represents the aspects of your life you need to develop for spiritual growth and to fulfill your destiny in this lifetime.
We often feel challenged the more we pull away from our North Node energy, and it helps shape identity and purpose in the long haul. The South Node represents your past karma, what you already know, and the energy you are moving away from in this lifetime.
In short, you want to be more like your North Node sign and less like your South Node sign. You will know if you are following your destiny by how well you connect with the aspects of your North Node sign and when you have fully embodied and embraced the archetype of this sign.
What Does Your North Node Tell You?
Think about some of the traits, essence, and characteristics of your North Node sign that you admire, and start there. Connect with what types of purpose, careers, life paths, or directions this sign typically takes in life, and define which ones you feel called to most.
Once you can step fully into your North Node energy and have learned the lessons it comes with, you will feel personal fulfillment on a deep level and be aligned with your destiny or be able to shape it.
Read on for your North Node sign below to see how you can follow your destiny and live at your highest potential:
North Node in Aries Meaning
You are working through being more self-reliant in this lifetime. Independence, freedom, confidence, and inner resilience are the energy you need to enhance your life to live your full potential. Staying active, getting your body moving, and exercising all help you get in the right head space and think clearly, especially about your future.
You are learning how to take more action, go after the things you want, be direct, and leave toxic relationships unapologetically in this life. You are following your destiny when you are putting yourself first and aligned with independence rather than interdependence.
South Node energy that you are working on letting go and moving on from in this lifetime: Libra
North Node in Taurus Meaning
A North Node in Taurus teaches you to be more self-sufficient in financial matters and to always be able to count on yourself. You want to move away from being too reliant on others by finding a deep sense of confidence and stability within.
Building a life for yourself, being financially responsible, not giving more financially than you have, having financial independence, and being willing to be vulnerable with others is important. You are following your destiny when you are being consistent, standing by your word, and keeping the promises you make.
South Node energy that you are working on letting go and moving on from in this lifetime: Scorpio
North Node in Gemini Meaning
Communication is very important for you and your destiny in this lifetime. The conversations you have with others hold significance, and you learn a lot through the different types of connections you make in life. Being outgoing, getting out of your comfort zone, being involved in your local community, and being around a lot of movement serve you well.
Having good friends and mental connections around you is everything for your well-being in life and purpose. You are following your destiny when you are sharing your ideas, connecting with people, and saying what you truly mean.
South Node energy that you are working on letting go and moving on from in this lifetime: Sagittarius
North Node in Cancer Meaning
With a North Node in Cancer, your purpose or destiny involves nurturing yourself and others. You have motherly energy to embody in this lifetime, and you feel more aligned with your purpose when you can live in compassion, let go of overworking, and give yourself some TLC. In past lifetimes, a lot of your life was surrounded by work, and you put all of your energy into your accomplishments.
In this lifetime, you are learning how to care for yourself more, find self-love, and build a supportive family or emotional support system for yourself. You are following your destiny when you are in a space of comfort and safety and have a strong home base.
South Node energy that you are working on letting go and moving on from in this lifetime: Capricorn
North Node in Leo Meaning
A North Node in Leo signifies that your destiny involves aligning with your higher self and living life boldly and with proud confidence. You are meant to show up, shine your light, and take up space. You are working on being the leader of your life, letting go of shyness or isolation, and making yourself or your energy known in the world.
Use your creativity to your advantage and put your work and intentions out there. You are destined for the spotlight, and you are following your destiny when you are taking on these types of opportunities, have a strong sense of self, and are confident in yourself.
South Node energy that you are working on letting go and moving on from in this lifetime: Aquarius
North Node in Virgo Meaning
Following your destiny involves being logical, critical thinking, being direct, and being more communicative. You are meant to evolve mentally in this life and to move away from a more spiritual perspective to a logical one. Spirituality is still important, but in past lifetimes, you got lost in this area of your life, and now you are learning how to be logical and realistic as well.
Helping others is also a part of your destiny with a North Node in Virgo, and the daily rituals and routines you have are beneficial to teach the people around you. You are following your destiny when you are healing, thinking logically, and creating healthy boundaries in your life.
South Node energy that you are working on letting go and moving on from in this lifetime: Pisces
North Node in Libra Meaning
With a North Node in Libra, love, partnerships, and the connections you form in life are significant to your destiny. You are meant to communicate, connect, understand romance on a deeper level, and be in union in this lifetime. You are also learning the importance of thinking before speaking, not being too impulsive or reckless, and working cooperatively with others.
In past lifetimes, you were too independent, brash, and more of a lone wolf, and in this lifetime, you are learning how to connect more. You are following your destiny when you are being diplomatic, considering another's needs, and having balance.
South Node energy that you are working on letting go and moving on from in this lifetime: Aries
North Node in Scorpio Meaning
Patience, dedication, and following your intuition are aligned with your destiny with a North Node in Scorpio. You have a lot of potential to gain financially through marriage or an inheritance with this placement, and this is a good sign for wealth in this lifetime.
However, with a Taurus South Node, you are working on letting go of being too frugal or envious in financial matters, releasing attachments more, and honoring the more spiritual sides of life. You are following your purpose when you have a good balance between giving and receiving in your life and when you are not over-controlling things.
South Node energy that you are working on letting go and moving on from in this lifetime: Taurus
North Node in Sagittarius Meaning
With a North Node in Sagittarius, you have a natural philosophical and explorative mindset. You are working on embracing new opportunities, getting out of your comfort zone, traveling, and living life on your own terms in this lifetime. It’s important to travel, learn, pursue higher education, and expand in life.
You are moving away from your Gemini South Node energy, which is about being easily distracted, oversharing, being indecisive, or not standing by your word. You are following your purpose when you are growing your mind, exploring new places, meeting new people, and making confident decisions for yourself.
South Node energy that you are working on letting go and moving on from in this lifetime: Gemini
North Node in Capricorn Meaning
With a North Node in Capricorn, you are meant to grow financially and establish yourself in this lifetime. You have a lot of potential to make some great accomplishments, and you are destined to thrive in career matters. You are aligned with your destiny when you are working towards a goal or intention of yours and when you are building a legacy for yourself.
With Cancer on the South Node, you are moving away from feeling like you have to mother or nurture everyone and instead giving yourself that compassion and care. You are learning emotional discipline in this lifetime and are following your destiny when you have a healthy work-life balance.
South Node energy that you are working on letting go and moving on from in this lifetime: Cancer
North Node in Aquarius
You are aligned with your destiny when you have a humanitarian and open-minded perspective. You are meant to think about the collective as a whole, progress, and leave the world a better place. You have a lot of visions for the future and can be quite psychic as well. Manifesting your dreams and desires is significant, and you are learning how to strengthen this internal power.
It’s important to move away from egotistical pursuits, conforming to societal rules, or being too selfish as well with this energy. Overall, you are following your destiny when you are giving a voice to the voiceless, being your authentic self, and contributing to society in some way.
South Node energy that you are working on letting go and moving on from in this lifetime: Leo
North Node in Pisces Meaning
With a North Node in Pisces, following your destiny means following your heart and never giving up the dream. You are moving away from needing to have all of the facts and letting logic rule over your emotions in this lifetime. Getting creative, pursuing artistry, healing, and having compassion for yourself and others are all aligned with your purpose.
You are a true visionary and have a lot of creative potential and gifts to bring to the world. You are following your destiny when you are emotionally regulating, honoring your spirituality, and creating.
South Node energy that you are working on letting go and moving on from in this lifetime: Virgo
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Featured image by Getty Images