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Today's inspiring woman is Chantel Chapman.
Chantel is the co-founder of The Trauma of Money and founder of What The Finances, Chantel is considered a refreshing voice in the financial recovery and education space; renowned for her cutting-edge, relatable, and trauma-informed money guidance.
I was first introduced to Chantel as a student through TOM. This program and Chantel's approach to financial literacy education truly is nothing short of groundbreaking. Most financial literacy programs out there really only address the surface-level stuff, but achieving financial stability is about so much more.
What I found especially inspiring about Chantel's work is her focus on helping marginalized communities and the education she provides about oppressive colonial systems.
Helping those who need it most achieve financial safety and well-being is such important work and I am so grateful to be a part of the TOM community.
Find out more about her work and all the other things Chantel is a part of here-
@chantelchapman @traumaofmoney @whatthefinances @schoolbykp @wippwellness
Chantel is a settler of European descent who works and resides on the stolen traditional lands of the Kwantlen (kwaant·luhn), Musqueam (“mus-kwee-um”), and Tswassen (saa·wa·sn) peoples.
Here is our chat with her
1. Where did you grow up and where do you live now?
I was born on the unceded traditional territory of the Musqueam, Kwantlen, and Tsawwassen people which is known as Richmond BC. We moved quite a bit when I was a kid though. Coincidentally, after living most of my life in Vancouver, I recently moved back to my birthplace- Richmond.
2. What is your definition of strength?
To me, strength is being able to listen to your intuition, have discernment and act with integrity. Another big characteristic of strength in my experience is to see life as something that is always changing and to be able to be agile with that.
3. What is something that’s important to you now that never used to be?
To honour my lived experience as being valuable and worthy. On my journey, I've learned certain programming from the dominant culture that encourages us to seek outside of ourselves for something better, for the right answers, for the solutions. I've really come to learn that once we value our own lessons, we can tune into that inner compass that holds so much wisdom.
4. How would you describe your style?
Basic... LOL. I actually have so much appreciation for someone who can pull together an interesting and unique look but I end up getting lazy when it comes to myself and defaulting to anything comfortable. I love bright colours and anything that has 60's or 70's influence. My two favourite stylists are @nadialeelee and @vanessacesario_ Actually, Vanessa styled the photo with the yellow suit and pink
5. Favourite plant-based food to cook at home?
I'm obsessed with the plant-based products from Big Mountain Foods. I use the cauli crumble to make taco salad all the time.
6. What’re 3 books on your bookshelf?
Belonging - a culture of place by Bell Hooks, Decolonizing Trauma by Work by Renee Linklater and The Prophet by Khalil Gibran
7. What’s something you want to accomplish in the next year?
I want to write a book.
8. Tell us something people would find surprising about you.
I co-starred in a short film where I played a mafia wife. The film premiered at the Whistler Film Festival and apparently, the audience boo'd it. LOL.
9. Favourite movie?
Won't You Be My Neighbour- Mr Roger's Documentary
10. How do you want people to remember you?
As someone who was kind, who listened and mirrored people's innate worthiness back to them.