We’re looking forward to introducing you to Chaconna Downs. Check out our conversation below.
Chaconna, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
I think a lot of people are struggling with the unspoken requirement to be strong for others when they really need support. Most of the time, the “strong friend” is the one that nobody checks on because they seem to have it all together. They make it look easy, or like they don’t need anything, many times because they’ve been let down so often, they refuse to ask for anything or anyone to be there for them.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! My name is Chaconna Downs, and I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I wear a lot of hats running C. Jaqis Enterprises LLC. It’s my baby, and I’m so proud of the work I get to do. I provide counseling and mental health services for individuals 13 and up and couples. My latest joy has been speaking with students in the elementary schools and teaching them about emotions and coping skills. C. Jaqis also allows me the freedom to travel for speaking events and provide education and advocacy for mental health and self-care. When you love what you do, it never feels like work. I’m excited to host my second annual mental health retreat in May, and a power-packed Virtual Women’s Summit March 16-22 in honor of Women’s History Month. I’ll also be out on tour teaching workshops for men’s mental health, preventing burnout in pastoral care, and various other topics. I also have two new books releasing at the top of the year.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
This is a great question! The part of me that undervalues myself and doesn’t demand what I deserve has been released. Honestly, it’s happened this past year. I never set New Year’s resolutions, but I always ask God what my goals and purpose should be for the year. At the top of this year, the instruction was to go full throttle all year long. What that meant for me was, go after everything you’ve worked for, quit selling yourself short, and demand what you’re worth in every area of your life. Get rid of everything that keeps you thinking and living small because I didn’t create you to be small. I ended my toxic relationship, cut ties with some takers and dream crushers, and determined that THE PRICE IS THE PRICE! It’s been an amazing year of growth and forward movement since then.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
My favorite scripture is Romans 8:18, which reads “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us.” I always keep this scripture in mind when I’m going through rough times. I remember that suffering is temporary and that if I don’t suffer, I don’t get to reign. Suffering has taught me tenacity, patience, grace, humility, and empathy. Success is easy when you haven’t endured anything for it, but it means so much more when you’ve had to overcome obstacles, suffer loss, do it alone, or sacrifice for a small amount of progress.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely! There’s only one version of me, and that’s the real one. Now, I will say that not everyone gets access to the inner depths of who I am. I’ve had to learn to reserve some places for myself, some spaces for God, and some spaces for the person I choose to share life with. I show up in every space unapologetically and authentically me! I don’t know how to be anybody but me, and I’ve never been good at faking anything.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say that I lived a life poured out and that I left here empty of everything God purposed me to do. I know that I’m here for a purpose, and part of that is to pour into others and help them heal. My hope and prayer is that everything I do brings about healing in some way, that people leave my presence better, empowered, encouraged, and feeling well-loved. I want them to say, “Honey, she LIVED! and had the time of her life doing it.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cjaqis.com
- Instagram: @cjaqis
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chaconna-downs-50406485/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cjaqis
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CJaqis
- Other: ticktock- https://www.tiktok.com/@chaconnadowns?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
