Meet Cheylene Dollar | Author of Choosing the Sun

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cheylene Dollar and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cheylene, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I am from Marquette, Michigan. A small town in the upper peninsula. If it wasn’t for the struggles I faced when I was growing up, there’s no way I would be the person that I am today. I didn’t grow up in a stable home and didn’t have the most stable parents. When you grow older, you realize who you want to be and who you don’t want to be and usually those decisions are because of what happened to you in life. It’s up to you if you want to be a reflection of the bad things that happened or choose to see the positive in those things.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve always had a passion for writing and always thought that I was going to publish a book one day but never knew when that day was going to come. After some time of reflection and time to disengage from life’s busiest moments, I did what I was passionate about. Which was writing. I thought it was a great way to let others know that they aren’t alone in whatever they may be going through. It was a time to heal from the wounds that I didn’t get to heal from when I was younger but mostly about people feeling less alone. I was so scared to put my story out to the world and be judged for what had happened to me but what I realize is that those things aren’t talked about enough. There were so many people who had reached out letting me know that they had gone through something similar or that they related and I just hope that my words made them feel less alone because I know for the longest time, I felt that way. The biggest thing I want people to know if they don’t have the time to read my book is to be kind. As cliche as it sounds, we never know what someone is going through.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Everything is outdoor, nature from where I am from. My best friend and I would have to get coffee at Babycakes Muffin and Co. and go hiking at SugarLoaf Mountain to see the view of the city. Summer days are hot so we would cool down with a jump into Lake Superior off of black rocks and some ice cream at frosty treats. After, a pit stop for dinner at some of our favorite locals restaurants like Iron Bay, Casa Calabria or the Delft and ending the night with a beer at Black Rocks Brewery or a glass of Wine at Zephyr bar. I am a huge brunch person so after Church at NorthIron we would have to do brunch at cafe bodega. The thing about my hometown is that everyone is so friendly. No matter where you go, you will run into a friendly hello and maybe even a good conversation with a stranger.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Ashleigh Underwood has put a lot of time and dedication in editing my book. Paige Risku and Caroline Harvitt photographed and designed the cover. Without their help, it wouldn’t be here today. I couldn’t thank them enough!

Instagram: Instagram/choosingthesun_original

Linkedin: LinkedIn/cheylenedollar

Image Credits
Paige Risku