Chenai grounds herself in art and spreads positive interactions with those around her
Beside the jar of colorful crayons and in-progress drawing of a magenta flower sits Chenai Phillips, renowned for her contagious positivity.
Originally from Oregon, Chenai has been familiar with Street Roots for a while but officially became a vendor in 2023.
“... Everybody is so friendly. When I come in, I always hear giggles and it's busy,” Chenai said. “There's always a hot cup of coffee ready … they're here to help … it doesn't matter how you come in, they still accept you.”
While the idea of interacting with so many people had previously seemed daunting, Chenai has been able to push herself beyond the confines of her comfort zone through vending. Though insecurities are still naturally provoked when people “just walk by,” ignoring her, she is determined to stay positive.
“I have to have a good attitude … it's good to get out because you meet new people,” Chenai said.
She is heart-warmed to interact with the utter kindness of strangers. She recounts one particular time a customer paid $10 for a paper because, as the customer told her, she had such “positive energy” while selling. Though surprised by the unexpected tip, Chenai’s positive energy is something she believes in strongly and is a source of great pride. Chenai posits that even when (and especially when) one is going through pain and heartbreak, maintaining a positive outlook is crucial.
“If you still just smile, put that positive word out of your mouth, good things will just start being handed to you. And I see how the universe does work in mysterious ways.”
One of the ways she hones the craft of practicing positive energy is through complimenting others. Chenai regales with anecdotes highlighting how influential one genuine, nice comment can be.
The other day at her doctor’s office, she sensed one of the workers could use a confidence boost. So, in true Chenai fashion, she walked up to the desk and said, “you're very beautiful.” The newly complimented worker thanked her and “had a big old smile on her face.” The impact of that comment doesn’t end there, though. Chenai is a strong proponent of the contagiousness of random acts of kindness — how positivity from one person can have a ripple effect on countless others.
Chenai has been creating art since she was a little kid. Amid the disorienting distractions of life, she became distant from this outlet but recently reconnected with art alongside her journey to find peace of mind.
“I start (telling myself)… okay, ‘do something that you used to love.’ And so I randomly now just start pulling out my crayons and … coloring away. It does get my mind off a lot of things.”
Drawing isn’t her only creative medium. She’s also taken up collaging as a means of documenting and reflecting on the state of her life and who she is. In the future, she hopes to share her artwork with more people.
For others who are inspired to take control of their outlook, Chenai has wise encouragement:
“Pray, listen to some music, get your headphones in, take a deep breath before you go out your door, and then here you go. Here's your day. Your day is already getting started. Now how are you gonna make your day?”
You can support Chenai Phillips through @StreetRoots on Venmo by entering her name and badge number (989) in the notes.
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