Today we’d like to introduce you to Karla Chapman.
Hi Karla, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My first memories are of pain. I have survived child abuse, sexual assault and domestic violence, and health issues. I believe that is what led me towards supporting others through trauma and adversity. I was the “mom” of the friend group and the counselor on the playground. I never wanted anyone to feel unloved or unheard while in my presence. I found my own peace in creativity, reading, writing, and serving early on. and I’ve always shared that in some way.
After high school, I went on to join the military. For 20 years, I walked in that purpose, not even understanding God’s assignment before me. I’ve had the opportunity to lead, teach, and mentor hundreds of people. Those moments were more significant than I knew, and through it all, I gained access to a bigger vision.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It definitely WAS NOT smooth sailing getting to where I am now. I’ve experienced some pretty rocky moments on this journey. Majority of those times were me being in my own head. On my trauma alone, there were many times I didn’t feel worthy enough or as if my voice would be received. I based decisions on what I could see. What I mean is, I thought I had to have a bank full of money to start. I thought I had to have the support of family and friends to start. I thought I had to have a certain following or a certain look. These ideas usually caused me to stand still. What I’ve realized in this life is that what I didn’t see had to be my motivator. Faith has played a big part in doing the work. My pastor has a saying that I remind myself of at least once a day; ALL I HAVE IS ALL I NEED. When God gives you a vision, big or small, we have to trust and believe that the resources will come. Do the work and continue to believe that what you have will be provided. This isn’t to say that the struggles won’t happen because they will, especially in creating something new. You’ll struggle with feeling alone, maybe even lose some relationships. You may lack resources or not know HOW or WHAT to do, but you have to get anchored, so you won’t be moved to quit. During these challenges, my main focus has been on my faith, self-care, and having balance in my life.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Radiate H.E.R.?
Two years before I retired from the Air Force in 2018, I started taking baby steps into life after retirement. That’s when Radiate H.E.R., LLC began. All I’ve ever wanted to do is help people, and I wanted to do it through resilient practices. The only way I knew how to do that was by sharing what I have learned on my journey of thriving. I never knew if what I would do would be enough, but I wanted to stay true to who I was. I used what was God-given to me: my voice and creativity. I started a blog, and that was an easier way for me to share my testimony without being in a room full of faces. That step opened a door for me to speak at an event, which opened the door to becoming an author of 2 books.
Those moments of growth led to HER Talks Radio, a podcast I created from my kitchen table to inspire and offer support in faith, relationship, mental health, and overall wellness by sharing my truth. What started as a solo act has become a platform for others who have a voice to share, like A Pleasant Connection, a podcast hosted by William and Cierra Pleasant of A Pleasant Love on Youtube and Instagram.
In 2019 I took another important step and held my first Radiate H.E.R. retreat, to honor and celebrate Queens of all walks of life, but then months later, the pandemic happened. Like many entrepreneurs, I had to mind-shift and use what I had at that moment. Through prayer and vision, The RH Affirmation collection, apparel that encourages and affirms all Queens and Kings, was launched in 2021.
We’ve had a few obstacles in getting started but what I want you to know about our brand is this: WE ARE TRUE TO OUR STORIES, WE ARE BRAVE IN OUR SPIRIT, AND WE RADIATE RESILIENCE. We are a community that supports one another and we believe that even through our hardest moments in life, we have purpose. We honor and celebrate all women through our clothing line, podcast, books, retreats and meetups.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
I don’t have many memories to account for, but a favorite memory that sticks out to me would be in my early teen years. I believe I was in 8th grade, so I had to be about 13 years old. At this time, I was living with my grandparents and life with them allowed me to be a kid freely. I went to one of many sleepovers one night, and I remember making Kool-Aid and sliding around on the wood floor with socks on, pretending to skate throughout the house. It doesn’t sound like anything significant, but it is. Due to ongoing trauma, there are things from my past and present that I don’t recall but this memory has been with me ever since and it makes me smile. I remember the song that was playing; Free Fallin’ by Tom Petty. “She’s a good girl, loves her mama. Loves Jesus and America too…” I don’t know all the lyrics to the song and I can’t relate to all the words but that first line and the chorus will forever live with me. “I’m freeeeeee, free fallin.”
There’s something nostalgic about it. I remember being happy and free. So many possibilities.
Pricing:
- Affirmation Apparel starting at $25.99
- Homeware starting at $20.99
- Acessories starting at $7.99
- Drinkware $14.99
- Books $12.99
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.radiateher.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radiate_her
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/healedembracedrestored
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/show/6YZ5ZwTvTQM9h5NLgFop0c
Image Credits
Tally Mark Media (Headshot)
