Meet Chanell Smith

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chanell Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chanell, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
My book is the best business venture I finally submitted to finishing and not fearful of dealing with the sensitivies of sharing my journey of Vitilogo. I had been so shameful of having “Vitilogo”, not fulliy understanding what this was. I was familiar due to maternal family members having it but the secrecy and silence about it with those family members, it came across as being something “I should not talk about” privately or publicaly.

During the shut down (my word: Resetting Time) being at home, can’t leave and the four walls of my home surrounding me. I had numerous journals and took those journals to the computer (typed) and after looking at my heartfelt words, I took time to pray and started asking questions from fellow Authors I knew while seeking direction and guidance. Let me share, I had a dream about 8 to 10 yrs prior with the name of a book (Lonely Sunday) and honestly did not know it woudl be my first book internally.

After talking to a fellow USC alumni colleague who wrote a book and following up with her publisher, I decided to sign up with Lee Press Publishing. During the process of writing the book, I also was in one year of Inner Healing Counseling with Faith Dickens (Live Again Counseling Service). I truly knew this process was the best and I have come to love the “skin I am in”. As a woman, I have times that I am not feeling 100% however I am no longer living in shame. As I shared in the book, shame is a trick of the enemy (The Devil) to have a person live in isolation. When we have isolation, the thoughts of being alone, no one wants you or me while the small whispers of “death”. I thankfully did not want to harm myself however I felt so alone, Lonely or forgotten.

I went to my favorite song by Darryl Coley: I am with You and one of my favorite scripture: Jeremiah 29:11 (“I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out – plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for”. This provided comfort and I knew everything was going to be fine.

I pray this book will make someone dealing with Vitilogo to understand, they are “Fearfully and wonderfully” made by God.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My career is extensive: I started as a Sign Language Interpreter for ten years (currently unable to use my skill due to work injury; with physical therapy and some ASL development, I hope to be able to use my specialize skill in the future). Worked as a social worker specializing with Deaf and Hard of Hearing families for two years. I transitioned as an adoption social worker while offering my ASL (American Sign Language) skills for families who were Deaf or Hard of Hearing who desire to become foster parents and/or adopt. It was a speciality that I was able to provide for ten years. I facilitated foster care curriculum and teaching throughout La County specializing in adoption/foster care families. Being an adoption social worker was some of my most cherished years. I was recently contacted by a former adoptive family, who asked to introduce me to their daughter. I was honored to be invited to their home and met their daughter who is now 12 yrs old.

My career path seems to have been hand picked by God. Starting out in the school system as a Sign Language Interpreter for children, then being asked by my school director to work at the high school was the trajectory in my career path. While working at the high school, most of the students were in foster care and over time I decided to return to college. In six years (3 yrs undergraduate work at California State University Dominguez Hills (CSUDH); then 3 yrs at University of Southern California (USC) School of Social Work. My life was forever changed. I am in the process of getting certification in the mental health arena to provide counseling services in Self Esteem; Self Image; Caregivers and Trainer.

With a humble heart, I want the world to know that I am a fighter; have tenacity; perseverance; a loyal friend (true friendships over 40 yr plus). I have always been a BIG dreamer. Spending time with my daddy in the summers while watching Wheel of Fortune, I knew one day I would be a winner. I auditioned for WOF five times and was blessed to win 2nd place in March 2019 (nearly $14,000). When I say that experience was surreal and I truly could feel my father’s spirit that day. I have a dream to be featured on the Tamron Hall Show and meet Winnie Harlow (Supermodel with Vitiligo) and work with her in the future.

When the shut down (what I refer to as Resetting time), taking all my journal notes formed my book, Lonely Sunday. Living with shame of having Vitiligo was not an easy path. I am free! My favorite scripture: Jeremiah 29:11, “I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out- plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Traveling is my love. I am an avid solo traveler. My daddy said do not wait for others to experience the world. I would take my best friends back to Athens and Santorini Greece. I recently explored in January 2024 for my post-birthday adventure. Walking the cobble streets, eating at little diners along the street while enjoying the city. Overlooking the vast blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea is unbelievably gorgeous and breathtaking.

Taking a mini vacation to Niagara Falls or The Grand Canyon. A week of relaxation in Jamaica, Hawaii or Barbados swimming in the ocean with the sunshine landscaping overhead, sounds like peace.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I first have to give honor to my Lord Jesus Christ who has brought me such a long way. I am a daddy’s girl forever, I miss my father everyday and dedicated my book to him. He always doted on me; showed me unconditional love; he was a man’s man and offered guidance, apologized for his mistakes when I was growing up and my love of travel comes from my daddy.

Instagram: ItsChanellsWorld

Image Credits
https://vimeo.com/749381295 https://vimeo.com/752735487 https://a.co/d/1Z3X55S https://youtu.be/ErtCbMvSA1w?si=FlWUGN1gL6yO7OzE