When people are passionate about where they work , that pulls you and makes you want to have that same fire and belief about your future and belief in the fact that your occupation will help people live better lives . It makes you feel like you are a better human being , and you ’ re doing what you were destined to do . That ’ s what I wake up with every day . It ’ s what drives me to wake up every day and go to work and help people .
Q : Tell us about the Atlanta community you both serve and why it ’ s special to you .
A : Winston : I grew up in southwest Atlanta , so I decided to open a practice in the community where I lived . I opened [ my first office ] down the street from my parents . So I know , like and trust the people , and they feel the same way about me . Being able to relate to the population you treat is important , and they had a need for chiropractors in that area . It has been 17 years now at the Cascade Road office . There were very few minorities in the area when I was in high school . There were maybe two to five percent , yet when I graduated , minorities made up 80 percent of the population . I saw an opportunity , and I knew the area . I encouraged my wife to open our second office there [ in Fayetteville ].
Showing up is everything . Showing up at school , showing up at class , showing up to the association and showing up to other practices . If you ’ re not there , no one can help you .
A : Chantaye : Fayetteville is where Winston grew up , and I have a southern personality . So , I went to Fayetteville to open the practice there . The population is really diverse , and the demographics have changed . I see individuals who are Asian Americans , white Americans , African Americans , Africans , Hispanics , etc . The household incomes in the area have a broad range . I also see mothers , many pregnant women and children at the practice because we are not too far from the high school . I like the diversity . I like the feel of Fayetteville . It kind of reminds me a little bit of where I grew up : very friendly , and a little country .
Q : Please provide some details on your practice philosophy , techniques , mission statement , etc .
A : Winston : We want to help as many people as possible learn to love living healthy and want them to share their experience with everyone they meet . The way I practice has a lot to do with my personal history . It changed my life . I wanted to help people be in a better situation because they sought treatment in my office . I do it well , and I do it to a high standard . I try to instill the need for them and their families to lead a healthy life , and I try to get them into nutrition .
A : Chantaye : Just to piggyback on that , I think that when you have us as a team , you get the best of both worlds . If you come in with an injury , you experience the care and the treatment , and many want to continue care . They come to me for clinical nutrition / wellness , which is another level of care .
Q : What does the University ’ s foundational value of Lasting Purpose mean to you ?
A : Winston : Lasting Purpose means everything to me . In January 2020 , I received a Lasting Purpose Award at Life University : “ To Love ”. I was very , very thankful for that . On Oct . 31 , 2019 , I gave a speech at Life University . I think I was the first African American to speak at that assembly , so it was very special . Then I had a chance to come back and speak , and I spoke about love and the love I have for Chiropractic . Love is the reason to do everything .
Q : Why do you feel it ’ s important for alumni to give back to LU ? And why do you do so ?
A : Winston : We support the University in other ways than just monetarily . We are in the community talking about Chiropractic . We share Chiropractic with students who come to our office to intern . We tell them they can make a good living and have a good life and a profession . We encourage them to visit Life University and take a tour . We share our story with them and allow them to experience Life University for themselves . In addition to giving money , speaking at Life University , going to other schools , representing the American Black Chiropractic Association and talking to other students at other schools about Life University are other ways we give back to Life U . I ’ m always representing Life University . Giving back is important , because the more you give back , the more you ’ ll receive in the long run .
A : Chantaye : I think everybody has a story and everybody has a journey . As an alumna , I can share my journey , but whatever your journey is , you must share it . It ’ s about encouraging students that they can do it . They can become a chiropractor in the real world . Sharing your story of transition from student to doctor may be the very thing someone needs to hear to get through . Being able to say , “ Hey , I ’ ve been through that journey ! Let me help .”
Q : What advice would you give to a student starting out at Life University ?
A : Winston : I tell students to go out and visit local chiropractors . Establish relationships and get real-world experience . Don ’ t be an island . Even when you ’ re in school , get active . Because showing up is everything . Showing up at school , showing up at class , showing up to the association and showing up to other practices . If you ’ re not there , no one can help you . Make yourself known , make yourself available and show up . You ’ ll get there . The way will be made clear .
A : Chantaye : Stay focused and be patient because nothing comes overnight quickly . The third thing is having a spiritual faith . Also , having a plan for after you graduate is important . Gain some familiarity of real-world Chiropractic while you ’ re in school and finish those boards ! I try to encourage students to get the [ national ] boards out of the way , then go and apply for the license . Do all the things you need to do well .
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