Meet Chima Nwamba | Doctor of Pharmacy & Mental Wellness Advocate

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

Hi Chima, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
There wasn’t a single defining moment that pushed me to start my own business—it was more of a realization that what I wanted to create for the world couldn’t be achieved by just being a pharmacist. As a healthcare professional, I see firsthand how the lack of mental wellness impacts the human experience. This issue is even more prevalent in first-generation families, where high expectations often create immense pressure without proper outlets or coping mechanisms.

My business evolved over time. The first step was figuring out how to get my voice out there, and my father suggested writing a book. That book became the foundation of my business and the first product I released. Being a pharmacist gave me the credentials and clinical knowledge to discuss mental wellness, but it was my personal experiences and nearly six years of songwriting that allowed me to articulate those truths in a way that resonated with others.

Mental wellness is often overlooked, yet it directly influences overall human wellness. It felt like a calling to advocate for it and create resources that help people navigate their mental health journeys. One of the biggest mental hurdles I had to overcome was patience. For a long time, I wanted to start a business in fashion, but as any seasoned entrepreneur would advise, you don’t just follow your passion—you follow what brings value and impact. That’s what led me to build a business centered on mental wellness, and it has been one of the most fulfilling decisions I’ve made.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am art. From my earliest memories as a child, my imagination has shaped the way I create. Over the years, my artistic expression has evolved across different mediums. I started by crafting original stories for my toys, building LEGO structures without following instructions, and co-creating comics with my older brother. I drew original anime characters with intricate backstories inspired by the shows I admired. In high school and college, I turned to visual art, offering free hand-drawn portraits of my peers on Instagram, experimenting with photography, and serving as the historian for Kappa Psi Mu Omicron Pi Chapter.

Creativity has always been my way of connecting with the world. Whether it was writing love letters and poetry, using my iPhone to record and edit content, coordinating events to bring people together, or now, songwriting, recording, and directing music videos—I always strive to bring something fresh and meaningful to the space for people to experience and enjoy.

One of the projects I’m most proud of is my song “Omali’ by enlightenchi (feat. doc.toria & NANA)” which I wrote alongside some incredibly talented artists. The music video is currently gaining traction on YouTube, with over 38,000 views and counting. Seeing my art resonate with others at this level has been incredibly rewarding.

Getting an education was a key part of my journey. Becoming a Doctor of Pharmacy opened doors to rooms I wouldn’t have remotely had access to otherwise. Along the way, I met intelligent and ambitious individuals who challenged me and helped shape my perspective. The experiences and connections I built during that time also sharpened my ability to empathize with others, which naturally extended into my work in mental wellness and music.

A pivotal moment that reassured me I was on the right path professionally was the success of my first-ever Book Launch & Milestones Gala. Over 100 guests attended, and I sold 100 copies of my book that night. More importantly, I had the opportunity to speak directly to my audience about mental wellness. It was a powerful moment—realizing I could impact people far beyond what I ever could as just a working pharmacist.

The biggest challenge in my creative journey was self-doubt. My early songwriting wasn’t great, and my close friends didn’t hesitate to tell me that. But something about catching the music bug makes it impossible to let go. I kept going, refining my writing and delivery, and surrounding myself with talented minds to help me craft the best possible songs. It was a process, but like any new skill, growth requires discipline, time, and a willingness to embrace constructive criticism.

Finances were another obstacle. Studio time, production, and music video shoots aren’t cheap. I had to make sacrifices—cutting back on going out to eat, limiting travel, and redirecting those funds toward my music.

Lessons I have learned along the way? Great ideas aren’t meant to be kept secret. The best work happens when you share ideas, iterate, and refine them to create something impactful. Sacrifice is necessary. Delayed gratification is the real luxury—it gives you more time to spend with the people you love. That’s why I push myself to improve. The sooner I succeed, the sooner I can enjoy life on my terms. Do it scared, but do it strategically. You’ll never have all the answers in the beginning, but learning as you go is part of the journey. Timing and relevance matter just as much as courage.

I want people to become more self-aware. In today’s world, distractions are everywhere. But when you develop self-awareness, you regain control over your life, and that’s where the magic happens. From there, you can elevate your quality of life in ways you never imagined.

If people could remember one thing about me and my brand, I’d want it to be fun and happiness. At the end of the day, that’s what I aim to bring into the world through my art.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting Metro Detroit, I’d make sure they had an unforgettable experience filled with nostalgia, good food, creativity, and great vibes. First, we’d start with a visit to the frat house, where I’d show them the rooms I slept in, the places I hung out with the boys, and all the photo composites of me with my fellow brothers from my student days. There’s a lot of history there, and it would be a great way to kick off the trip with some storytelling and reminiscing. After that, we’d grab some food depending on what they’re craving. Since I’m a foodie at heart, I know some great hidden gems, but if they wanted to keep it simple, I’d take them to HopCat—the turkey burger there is fire. If I’m working on a song at the time, we’d head to the studio so they could witness my creative process firsthand, seeing how a song comes to life.

Of course, no trip would be complete without linking up with some close friends. We’d either go for a visit or host a party at the house to welcome my best friend properly. One spot we’d definitely hit is Evening Bar or Sugar House, where we’d enjoy good vibes and some expertly crafted cocktails. For the most part, though, we’d keep it chill at home. Going out can get expensive, so I’d prioritize meaningful moments over flashy outings. If the weather is great, I’d take them to the streets downtown for some fresh air and city views, maybe check out the Detroit Institute of Arts if they appreciate culture. And to keep things flexible, I’d leave one day open for whatever felt right in the moment—whether it’s checking out Corktown, catching a Pistons game, or just spending time reflecting on life.

The week would wrap up with brunch at Cliff Bells, one of the best jazz and supper clubs in Detroit, followed by some time to recap and reflect on the trip before I drop them off. The goal wouldn’t just be to show them places, but to make sure they leave with memories, laughs, and a real sense of what my life is like here. If they came to Detroit, they’d leave feeling like they truly experienced it.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my father, who has been the most influential person in my journey. He is the definition of self-made. Coming from Nigeria, he pursued the highest level of education, earning his PhD, and along with my mother, raised four boys. His journey—navigating a new country, building a life from scratch, and succeeding against all odds—showcased more than just courage; it was a masterclass in fearlessness, tenacity, and resilience. His presence in my life has given me access to wisdom—both from our Igbo culture and from society at large—shaping me into a smarter decision-maker. Thanks to him, I’ve matured into an excellent public speaker and writer, as he has always carried himself with diplomacy and grace.

Beyond my father, the Igbo community in Metro Detroit and abroad has also played a significant role in my growth. Growing up surrounded by friends and family who shared similar values gave me a strong sense of belonging and pride in my heritage.

I also have to acknowledge Think and Grow Rich, a book that had a profound impact on my mindset and approach to business. It provided the blueprint I follow today. Every morning, I practice auto-suggestion—affirming my goals in the mirror, programming my mind for success, and moving one step closer to achieving everything I’ve set out to accomplish.

Lastly, I want to highlight my coworkers. As a pharmacist, I’ve worked in multiple settings, and in every single one, I felt comfortable sharing my aspirations. What stands out the most is how much my coworkers—both pharmacists and technicians—believed in me. They saw something in me before I fully saw it in myself, constantly encouraging me to pursue my dreams. Their unwavering support has meant the world to me, and for that, I am incredibly grateful.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enlightenchi/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chimanwamba/

Twitter: https://x.com/enlightenchi

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/enlightenchi

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@enlightenchi

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@enlightenchi

Doctorate (Mental Wellness Company)
https://www.instagram.com/doctorat.e/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066809363784
https://x.com/doctorat_e

@doctorat.e

Book
https://a.co/d/crgd2vp

Image Credits
Photographed by Chiemela Peter