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

Hi Chelsea, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I originally was born and raised in Louisiana. I grew up in a very close knit family. We show up, we support, and we love hard. I think having a family and extended family that was “all in” for each other has greatly impacted my life and who I have morphed into as an adult. My upbringing is rare and I am forever grateful for the people who helped raise me.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
In August of 2017, I was almost 400 lbs and caught in the continuous cycle of trying to lose weight, feeling frustrated that the scale was not moving, and eventually I was diagnosed with PolyCystic Ovarian Syndrome. I knew for me to learn about my diagnosis I had to make systemic changes to the way that I lived my life. Shortly after I got a trainer, and started monitoring what I ate, and still saw no changes in the scale. On December 29, 2017 I hit the reset button on my life and had the vertical sleeve gastrectomy. Since 2017 I have lost 185 lbs in total. If this journey has taught me anything it’s that this journey is so much more than physical. It’s mental, spiritual, emotional and physical. I also have learned that this journey is best conquered with a community of people rallying behind you. One of my main focuses now is to be a positive light for those who are considering changing their life course because losing the weight has given me so much more than a new body to get used to, it has caused me to completely up-root my life and start working on all aspects that needed some nourishment. In Sept of 2018 I quit my full time sales job to pursue my masters degree and work with individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Not only am I happy and thriving in my personal life, but am now thriving in my professional life by giving back to a community that I care about so much.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite spots in the city: Drinks/ happy hour: Happiest Hour Dinner- Dock Local Brunch/ sunday funday hangout- The Rustic Desert- Joy Macrons Coffee: La La Land Kind Cafe

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would not have been successful in my journey to overall health and wellness without the love and support of my amazing, patient, caring husband- Andrew. I also am lucky enough to have an amazing family that supports me in any endeavor. My amazing girls lift and empower me in a way that I cannot describe, but they know who they are so to each of you- thank you for always believing in me and encouraging me to keep climbing. Finally the biggest and most impactful part of my success is the entire weight loss community. I have developed so many friendships and sisterhoods through social media that it truly is something to be amazed by. Everyone I have encountered constantly takes my breath away. To everyone that has followed me on Instagram, or knows me in real life (or BOTH) thank you for believing in me, and showing up for me- especially when I could barely show up for myself.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealslimschumie/

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