Right Here, Right Now with Chelcie May
Living her life with intention and with her own unapologetic grace, model, health coach and collective activist — Chelcie May — is using her platform to encourage fellow women to tap into their highest potential and live every day as their most radiant self. Here, we catch up with Chelcie to explore her top summer wellness tips, why “less is more” in fashion and the future for The Collective Ritual.
Photographer: Manny Roman | Agency: ZOMBIE Management | Makeup & Hair: Crystal Gossman
Self-proclaimed as organic, loyal and dynamic, original Canadian now New York transplant, Chelcie May is as beautiful and well rounded as she is goofy and outspoken. Thriving in an industry that is ever-evolving, “staying true to you” is a motto this model deems more relevant than ever. “This industry is changing and evolving everyday, and it's so easy to get lost and pursued into being someone you're not,” shares Chelcie. “You tend to compare yourself and think if you act a certain way you'll stay relevant. When at the end of the day, authenticity trumps all. When you are in your worth, know who you are, and what you bring to the table…you’re golden!” Believing in all things health, wellness and spirituality and valuing a life lived in your highest potential, Chelcie and her partner Hailey Outland co-founded lifestyle and wellness brand — The Collective Ritual — to fill the gap in an industry veiling the harsh realities left in the wake of fashion.
“The idea of The Collective Ritual started during the pandemic actually,” begins Chelcie. “The Collective Ritual is a community centered around women who want to live with intention and make their everyday life a ritual. We help women feel like their best self and understand the power in their morning routine. My partner Hailey and I wanted a name that was focused on women as a whole, and them seeing the magic in their everyday routines and lifestyle.” A certified health coach, we were eager to discover Chelcie’s “do’s” and “don’t’s” when it comes to wellness and self-care. “Be your own cheerleader and don’t give up,” heartens the model. “The journey of health and wellness as a whole is a long road that essentially has no end. We are continuously learning and growing, so it's important to understand we are not perfect, and to give yourself grace. I think ‘don’t’ compare yourself to others. Similar to the ‘do’s', but having patience is important and not everyone has the same progress and path as you do. You won't be distracted by comparison if you are focused on your own purpose.”
Forgiving of a missed workout or two, this wellness coach does advocate the importance of daily rituals. “I'd be lying if I said I never skip a workout,” laughed Chelcie with a roll of her comely green eyes. “I definitely have my days and sometimes my week. One of my biggest motivators to stay on track, is my higher self. I think back to times when I was feeling like the most badass, healthy and determined, and remember how good that felt. That usually gets my butt moving! Also, 5-second Rule by Mel Robbins is a great read and talks all about how motivation comes after action.” Speaking of her daily practice, “I always start with my morning routine,” begins the model. “I wake up around 7:30 a m, make a green juice, do my morning skincare routine, meditate, make my coffee and sit down and do my Collective Ritual journal practice. I will then head for a walk with the dogs and listen to a podcast. Sometimes it's way more condensed depending on my work schedule that day, but my morning routine is a must to start me off on the right foot. I will then either head to a workout or head to work / photoshoot. Later that day I will work on The Collective Ritual and have some Zoom meetings set up. I also love to cook, so I will usually make a healthy dinner and relax for the night. Unless, I'm feeling social,” smirks the outgoing activist. Building a whole platform and community driven by the notion of daily rituals and living in your potential, it is her community and her day-to-day routines — meditation, working out, journaling, etc. — that keeps this model firmly planted in her true self no matter the industry temptations. “It's important to figure out what you value in life and make sure your surroundings and your own actions are reflecting that,” encourages Chelcie.
“Disconnecting and taking a periodic social media detox is super important as well. When you come back from it, you’re usually more levelheaded and see things more clear.”
Letting us in on her top five well-lived summer must-do’s, alkalizing green juice, a good probiotic and ice cube facials, are first on the list — “for over all health and glow from within!” begins the model. "I make a juice or go get one, every morning and it's one of my favorite rituals and ways to wake up. I also think a really great probiotic is essential for gut health and clear skin, and ice cube facials have improved my texture, and glow immensely. Yoga and stretching would also be one for sure. Yoga is great for breaking up fascia, leaning out stubborn areas of cellulite and for those long lean muscles. Lastly, Infrared saunas for anti-aging and detoxing. There's nothing I love more then sweating out toxins for 40 minutes in 150 degrees F,” laughs Chelcie, “it feels like a total reset for the body. Not necessarily on her list, the practices adopted during the quarantine months of this past year, has become a lifestyle and permanent ritual the model will continue to keep with her. “I think that a lot of good came from this change,” she notes. “The motivation to go after your dreams and passions was brought to the forefront in a lot of peoples lives. I think we also realized that social media is so much more powerful than we thought. You can really have your voice be heard on the Internet, and using this tool to your advantage has definitely been a game changer. I also think that the importance of prioritizing our mental health has been a big realization to a lot of people. I love that we are all now in the age of practicing more self love.”
In the spirit of spreading her acquired knowledge and guidance, the model also spoke candidly of her “less is more” approach to her personal fashion choices. “I love incorporating timeless pieces,” reveals Chelcie. “I get a lot of my inspiration from the style from the 80s — Anine Bing, Princess Diana, and Rosey Huntington-Whitely. My everyday go-to style is classic jeans and a T-shirt. You really can't go wrong with good quality basics, and then amping it up with awesome accessories. My favorite fashion item would be a classic pair of sneakers. I love my Blu Scarpa sneakers for trekking around the city. They are super comfy and go with everything.” Reminiscing on her inner tomboy, fashion was never something the model was immersed in — “Not until I started modeling,” she laughs. “The hustle and bustle and the go-go-go lifestyle always appealed to me. Fashion is so powerful in a sense of expression and creativity. It allows you to transform! Your personal style is the first thing you see when meeting someone, it's your book cover. You can truly tell a lot about someones personality by the way they present themselves. My most memorable job would have to be shooting a perfume campaign in Peru. The shoot was amazing, but being able to explore, hike, and eat all the authentic food was my favorite. Also, I did an athletic wear campaign that was in Times Square. That feeling will always be surreal.”
Happily acclimating to her new home in New York, Chelcie will be sharing more of her life’s story in the big city while focusing on furthering her career as a model. “As well as, I have a few things cooking up with The Collective Ritual,” hints the wellness coach. “We are continuing to grow the community and working on a few products at the moment. Something I've been wanting to create for years, and cannot wait to share!” The anticipation is sure to deliver. Unapologetic for her outgoing and goofy personality, Chelcie is intentional to always spread her love, support and expertise in the journey to uncovering your highest potential — “Never let anybody dull your sparkle!” beams the model. “Truly and wholly, be grateful for all you have in your life at this very moment. Love and hug your loved ones tightly because life is short, and we tend to take for granted the simpler things in life.”
“When you are in your worth, know who you are, and what you bring to the table…you’re golden!”