Love Letters: Chelsea Clark

Meet Chelsea Clark holistic nutritionist, plant-based foodie, and radiant guide for all things rooted in wellness.

Through her platform @thatschelsea, Chelsea shares more than recipes — she offers nourishment for the body, mind, and spirit. With a deep commitment to healing and joy, she inspires a gentler, more intuitive way of living. Whether she’s whipping up vibrant, whole-food meals or opening up about her wellness journey, Chelsea moves with intention and care. Her presence reminds us that well-being is not a destination, but a daily practice — one that starts within.

What are your roots, and where do you currently call home?

I’m originally from Maryland, where I was raised and built a strong foundation. I also spent some time living in Los Angeles, which gave me a broader perspective and exposed me to many new ideas and cultures. Now, I call Tampa, Florida, home. Each place has shaped me in different ways. Maryland grounded me, L.A. expanded my outlook, and Tampa has brought a new sense of balance and energy to my life.

What is your zodiac sign?

Libra Sun (main), Moon is Scorpio, Rising is Gemini.

How did societal perceptions shape your views on beauty and self-image? In addition, when did you start to feel at home in your body?  

Growing up playing sports in high school and college played a significant role in helping me develop confidence in my body. Being physically active taught me to appreciate what my body could do, not just how it looked. Strength, endurance, mental fortitude. All of that gave me a sense of pride and connection to myself that wasn’t about appearances, but about ability and presence. That foundation helped me push back against more rigid or unrealistic societal beauty standards later on.

At the same time, I was deeply influenced by magazines like Suede and TRACE. They showcased a range of beauty, bold, experimental, and global. The images were different from what mainstream media was offering. They made space for cultural expression, individuality, and a kind of elegance that felt more like me.

Living on my own, especially during the years I spent in D.C. and Maryland, added more layers to that self-understanding. Being in spaces where I could observe different ways of being, without the constant presence of people I grew up around, allowed me room to explore who I was, how I wanted to present myself, what felt beautiful to me, and what kind of energy I wanted to embody.

I started to truly feel at home in my body in my early to mid-twenties. That period of self-exploration, away from family and familiar expectations, provided me with the time and space to reconnect with myself. I could dress how I wanted, rest when I needed, move how I felt called to, without trying to fit into someone else's narrative.

How do you show yourself love?

For me, showing myself love starts with giving myself grace. Grace when I'm not productive, grace when I'm not feeling my best, and grace when life doesn’t go as planned. I’ve learned that I don’t have to earn rest or joy. 

Lately, nurturing myself looks like slowing down. Saying no to opportunities that don’t align when I need to or taking walks without my phone. I try to be intentional about eating foods that make me feel grounded and nourished.

Skincare has also become a ritual more than a routine. It’s one of the few times I’m fully present with myself. Massaging in a moisturizer or doing a mask feels like a small, tangible way to say I care about myself.

What is your superpower? What’s something you were once insecure about but now fully embrace?

For a long time, I felt insecure about being so private and reserved. I worried that my need for solitude might be seen as distant or cold. But now, I fully embrace that side of myself. I value meaningful connections with a few trusted people over superficial interactions, and I’ve learned that protecting my energy and recharging alone is essential for my well-being. This self-awareness lets me show up authentically and bring my best self to the people and causes I care about.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to your younger self?

If I could give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be to stop worrying so much about what other people think. So often, we let others project their fears, doubts, and expectations onto us, and it can be easy to take that on as our own. I’d tell myself to stay true to who I am, trust my path, and not get caught up in trying to meet everyone else’s standards. Learning to set those boundaries and protect my sense of self would have saved me a lot of unnecessary stress and helped me grow more confidently earlier on.

I feel most beautiful when... (Finish the sentence)

I feel most beautiful when I can open up and be 100% myself around people who truly know and love me, my close family and friends. Being authentic in that kind of safe, supportive space makes me feel radiant inside and out. I also feel this glow when I’m traveling and learning more about myself through new experiences. 

What are two things you absolutely love about yourself?

Two things I love about myself are my imagination and my strong sense of purpose. I have a rich inner world where I’m always exploring new ideas and creative ways to approach challenges. I also try to be very thoughtful and intentional in everything I do, making sure my actions align with my values.

What’s your favorite morning ritual?

I like to begin my day with a workout to get my body moving and energy flowing, followed by a shower to reset and feel refreshed. Then I make a nourishing meal, after only after that do I check my phone. Giving myself that space helps me start the day with intention, positivity, and a sense of control.

And your favorite night time wind-down ritual?

My nighttime wind-down routine is one of my favorite parts of the day, especially because I genuinely love being at home. I start with my skincare and body care routine, it helps me switch gears and wash off emotions after a long day. Then I light a candle or some incense, and settle into bed to watch a show. I also drink magnesium at night, which helps me relax and sleep better. It’s a simple routine, but it helps me wind down, clear my head, and get ready for a good night’s rest.

How do you navigate moments of self-doubt?

I tend to retreat inward and take time to reflect deeply. I find that journaling or quietly processing my thoughts helps me understand where those insecurities are coming from, whether they’re rooted in external pressures or my high expectations. When my confidence is low, I also question if I’m in the right environment or around the right people, because sometimes doubt arises from feeling out of place, unsupported, or somewhere my skillset doesn’t belong. I remind myself of my core values and the things I’ve already accomplished. Connecting with a trusted friend or loved one who knows me can be a huge support; they help me see my strengths when I struggle to see them myself.