About Me
Welcome to the site!
My name is Courtney, and I am the founder and head writer here at Think & Grow Chick. By day, I am a graduating college senior/soon-to-be warrior of the corporate world. By night (and by “night” I mean whenever I’m connected to the internet) I am a self-improvement vigilante, helping 20-something, African-American women accomplish goals related to their hair, finances, career goals, health, and life. By no means am I an expert on any of the aforementioned topics; in fact, my favorite phrase is “I am a guinea pig, not a guru.” I’m just a girl with some big dreams toting a suitcase full of crazy experiences behind her on the way there.
The first major experience that shaped my passion for personal development was (you guessed it!) the day I decided to stop relaxing my hair and “go natural” at age 15. You can read more about the details of my natural journey here, but I mention “going natural” as an initial segue into self-improvement because going natural was the first time I used focus, determination, and consistency to achieve something that was important to me.
That same focus, determination, and consistency came in handy when I found myself drowning in debt, bad grades, and the possibility of not being able to finish my college education in December 2009. Though I’ve since paid off all my credit cards and gotten back on track with school (one year to graduation!), the experience just underscored for me how important it is to encourage other young women to work hard and push forward for whatever it is they want, no matter what.
In short, I have a deep-rooted passion for personal development; I enjoy using my life as a living experiment and sharing my insight with others. When I’m not writing, I’m out thrift shopping, reading, cooking exotic meals, working out, or just exploring my city. Thanks for checking out Think & Grow Chick, I hope you stay awhile 
Yours Truly,
Courtney P.
Chief Executive “Grow Chick”
{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi, I stumbled onto your blog from BGLH and I am so glad I did! I would love to get tips from you if you have the time to share. I have been natural my whole life but had a few ‘bad’ experiments and way too much contact with the flat iron/ blow dryer…It’s like I never really learned how to take of my hair and now that I am becoming more independent I am definitely trying to figure out how to take care of my hair.
Hope to hear from you soon, and your hair looks awesome!!
C.P.
That is a beautiful picture!! Oh I came across your page beause we follow some of the same people on twitter. I haven’t explored your site yet. But I look forward to learning more about you.
Hi Courtney, I found you on twitter and followed the link to your site. I applaud everything you stated about the magnificent ability of black women. I’m excited to look through your blog and catch up on your work and I look forward to future content.
Omg, I am so stoked that I have found your website. Our hair IS beautiful, we ARE capable and we can be finacially secure through hair work and a dream. I am looking forward to owning my own business soon, like my dad. I look forward to reading more!
Hair= Hard, Freudian slip haha!
They say things happen for a reason. And boy do they!! A friend shared your youtube video on facebook. The video totally inspired me to continue on my journey of going back natural. I had a baby and 6 jobs, so I texturized it so that wearing it curly took less time (8 mintues to be exact) But in April I decided to cut off the chemicals and go naturally curly. After 7 days I was thinking what have I done!?!? And have been on an interesting journey since. I was 2 months from deciding to go back to my lovely 8 mins til I saw your videos. If I can do that pineapple thing once a week and rock my hair the rest of the time, life would be AWESOME! So we’ll see how it works for my curls. But in searching your site I came across more than what I was looking for and exactly what I needed! Kudos to you for being an amazing example of week African American women can do! I use to be in the midst of writing a book and starting a program to help mothers, who salaries are less than $35k a year, help get the resources and knowledge they need to raise a well-rounded, diverse, intelligent, positive member of society child in New York City. At this point there’s no midst…just dying plants and dried cracked soil. But coming across your website and articles has put the water can back in my hand. Thank you for that. And I look forward to continue reading and following you along your journey. Congrats on your success thus far! You Rock!
I am a self help book addict and Napoleon Hill is one of my favorite authors. I graduate college May 14th at 3pm and I’m looking to start on a new journey and I think your blog will help me along my path. Thank you
Good Morning, Courtney!
As stated above, my name is Chanae (ChaCha for short), and I am truly grateful to have stumbled upon your website. I am not exaggerating when I say that we are IDENTICAL in our thought process/ambition and reasoning/logic. I, as yourself, was born and raised in Detroit, MI, where I currently reside. (I am young, as well; turning 21 in July) However, I desperately yearn to broaden my horizons and take the world by force. ^_^
I have dreams, goals and ambitions that are bigger than even I realize. My 3 main focal points remain to be education, finances and embracing my natural self. Ironic, huh? lol
I am absolutely astonished to find someone else who is “just like me” in regard to the drive and passion necessary for goals to be accomplished. I can also relate to your Quarter Life Crisis in more than one sense…I quite LITERALLY had one of my own, just 3 months ago. It has definitely shaped and changed my life in tremendous ways. God does not make mistakes; as crazy as we may think they are…
Thank you for sharing your life, and helping others in more ways than you could imagine. You are truly an inspiration to me, and I see so much of myself inside of you. You are not alone. There are 7 Billion people on this planet for a reason, hun. ; )
Blessings, Peace and Success
-ChaCha
I just want to say the slogan got me. “For chicks who want to do everything.” I can definitely relate. Of course as women we all want to be individual and unique, but to find a group of like minded women is powerful. I will be keeping up with you. I think that I can learn a thing or two while I try and take over the world. I have just decided to go natural, along with many other things I want to change in my life, and having a support system and being able to hold yourself accountable are things that I feel are important for reaching my goals. So keep up the good work sister. Your stories are an inspiration and motivation for me, and I’m sure, many other chicks who want to do everything.
Leila Capri-”The Next Big Thing”
Hi Courtney, I found your page through your youtube video. I’ve perused a few of your older post and find you to be a realist and on the point with your theories. I would like to let you know that am proud of what you’re doing and glad to be an added support on your journey because you will be my added inspiration and motivation as well. I am a natural, young entrepreneur, college grad working towards my masters (hopefully) and fun person! Keep up the great posting!!!!
Hi Courtney! I found your blog through Happy Black Woman. I love your topics. A woman after my own heart
I will be stopping by often and connecting on FB and Twitter.
Be Radiantly Beautiful,
Chanelle
PEACE QUEEN!!!! LOVE THE YOUTUBE CHANNEL, AND YOUR WEBSITE!!!!
It’s so nice to see another young woman trying to do something positive and inspire young women like myself. I am also a college student and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve wanted to just give up, especially when I didn’t stick with the goals I had set for myself. Reading your blogs serves as much encouragement. Keep it up!
I found your site while looking at one of your videos on YouTube. I was impressed with the way you put the video together on mini twists. You spoke so clear and concise with no rambling on and on, that I started looking around your page and found myself here. All I can say is, I’m so proud of you, young woman. You are an inspiration to many, myself included. I am definitely going to forward your information to my friend’s young daughter and to other young women. You are very level-headed and you have a lot to share. I pray much success for you!
Hello,
Let me just say, that I love your blog. The information that you are sharing is needed more than ever. Thanks for sharing your passion with us.
Keena