Beyond Sneakers: Chasity Hopkins
Images by Channel Purple Photography
WELCOME BACK TO ‘BEYOND SNEAKERS’.
On any given day, you can hear us affectionately repeating a special CNK guiding principle that’s rooted in purposeful connections. “Sneakers brings you to us, but COMMUNITY is why you stay”. Through our years of building community with a variety of trailblazers, we have determined a unique theme. Many of the greatest journeys we have witnessed through sneakers focuses on a pillar of service - which is also a CNK core value. Aside from sneakers being a universal language tethered to creative expression, they are forming bridges to accessibility and resources outside of just the shoe industry.
This time around we are tapping in with a leader that is not only advocating for a space that is near and dear to our hearts, but she has lived it. Her mission is built from her experiences and founder of Single Mommies Can, Chasity Hopkins, is changing lives through her own lane of disruptive compassion. Single Mommies Can serves as a conduit for courage through an outreach that drives support to resources AND representation. As a teen mother, it can be hard to find hope when adversity is telling you that you can’t do something because of your circumstances. Check out how Chasity is going ‘Beyond Sneakers’ in her own words below.
AGAINST ALL ODDS…
Single Mommies Can originated from me overcoming being a "teen mom" and a single mom of 3 and wanting young moms to know with the right support and a lot of determination, "teen moms can be successful." I feel like this is my purpose and I know it is my passion. It is what God has ordained for my life. It was given to me in my prayer time in 2004, I was afraid to act on it, but the desire never left me to want to help teen moms. In 2019, I felt like it was time.
I am the product of a teen mom, my mom had me when she was 17. I had my first child at 19. I am a first generation college graduate. I have 3 degrees now, I have raised three amazing children. All of them are in college and work full time jobs. I was the last of the generational curse that was passed on to me. I did it as a single mom with little to no support most of the time. My story began with being a teen mom. My adult life has been spent being someone's mommy and striving to be the example of determination and motivation pays off.
BUILDING EQUITY… AND OUR OWN TABLE.
Many of the mommies we serve are of color. I think it is important when they see someone who looks like them, and have overcome many of the same obstacles they face, pouring into them and leaving nothing on the table. It builds equity, character, integrity, and it gives them hope. To hear someone say "you can do it" and it not be what they heard but what they know, adds value. It becomes more than words, it becomes tangible, something they can see and touch.
HOW DOES THE MISSION OF YOUR BRAND/BUSINESS TIE INTO YOUR CORE VALUES?
Faith without works is dead, while Single Mommies Can isn't faith-based, it is definitely built on my faith. It was built on my determination and my will to be more than what society deems as a teen mom. It was built on the motivation to be an example for my children and other teen moms that being a single mom may not be easy but it can be done. I believe prayer and having faith is the key to everything.
Our mission is "to empower each teenage mother with determination and the will to be more than a teenage mother and to be the example that Single Mommie Can do anything they set out to do... Single Mommies Can BE successful." Success isn't always measured by things, status, or money. It looks different for everyone, being able to feed your kids without depending on someone else is an example of being a success story. I am my mission, I am Single Mommies Can. I am who I tell young moms they are, who they are becoming, who they will be.
FOR THAT AMAZING YOUNG MOMMA ON THE COME UP…
When you look back in a few years you will see all of what you went through was designed to make you who you are. If you had to do it again, do it the same way. If you change it, you'll miss your blessing. Don't have regrets, life happens the way it is supposed to.
WHAT DOES “BEYOND SNEAKERS” MEAN TO YOU?
Beyond Sneakers to me means, going past the likeness and the commonality of sneakers and forming bonds that empower and build stronger relationships in our community.
Whether it’s through mentoring, development skills, or additional support services, Chasity has created a non-profit that is helping young women feel seen regardless of their situation. The guidance of Single Mommies Can reflects the mantra that anything is possible. At times, we need a true ally to remind us of our gifts. We salute Chasity and her team for the important work they are doing in community.
What’s Next for SMC? Keep up with SMC’s Instagram and website to volunteer and participate in upcoming events listed below (or simply donate to an amazing non-profit.
Back to School Drive - July
Holiday Food Drive - November
Holiday Gift Drive - December
5th Year Anniversary Gala - January