How Independent Work Helped Chantay Reach Her Dream of Becoming an Author and Publisher
This is part of a series of stories we’re sharing about independent workers. Since February is Black History Month, we’re recognizing the unique stories of Black independent workers. We spoke with Chantay Hadley, a publisher, author, and delivery driver to learn more about her experience as a Black independent worker.
Hi, Chantay! Tell us about yourself and what kind of self-employed work you do.
I’m a publisher and author through Midwest Creations Publishing & Media, LLC and a delivery driver in St. Louis, Missouri. I started publishing full-time in 2018. I also volunteer my time coaching middle school basketball with a mental toughness/life skills focus geared toward helping underserved youth overcome societal and educational challenges.
What are some of the unique challenges you’ve faced while working for yourself?
My unique challenges began with health issues that prohibited me from working a full time job. Gig jobs made it possible to work a schedule conducive to earning something sustainable as I pursued my dream to begin a faith-based publishing company.
I have tried several times to return to the secular workplace in an attempt to gain more security and benefits that include insurance and sick days. But the reality is, the gig jobs allow me the freedom to keep myself well as I write and publish.
What are some of the unique advantages of working for yourself?
The advantage is that I am underestimated and dismissed when I walk into a room. This often increases my chances to succeed under the radar of those that would normally be in a position to assassinate my character or cause issues due to competition. I am not the threat. Nor do I seek to be, I am merely doing what I feel every citizen has a right to do in their pursuit of happiness. Often, being dismissed works to my advantage.
What advice would you give to fellow Black Americans who want to work for themselves?
Get out of the boat and just do it. Life is short. This pandemic has taught us that tomorrow is not promised to anyone. The time for seizing your opportunity to live your dream is now. There will always be barriers—some racial or gender focused, others economically or educationally focused.
Facing these challenges is something our people have done historically, many going on to achieve great things. It’s your turn to write history. Do so proudly knowing you represent so many that look to you to be the next inspiration from the pages of their history books.
What are you most proud of when it comes to your heritage?
What I am most proud of when it comes to my heritage is our ability to soldier on. Our desire and determination, despite the systemic challenges we face, to not be counted out. We are not people looking for someone to “let” us be great, rather, we are Americans who strive to be who we always were—gifted contributors to a great nation and people. A country that, despite its different cultures, races, and ethnicities, reaches its greatest potential when we work together in unity and charity for our fellow man.
Martin Luther King should not be the only person of color with that dream. We have another generation of children to inspire, a legacy of standing strong in the midst of some of the greatest challenges humankind has ever faced. I am proud to be one of many who strive to improve upon that legacy in partnership with all races—all Americans.
Thanks for sharing your story with the Stride community, Chantay! You can learn more about Chantay’s work through her website, Facebook, and SoundCloud.
