Today we’d like to introduce you to Chanel Barnes.
Hi Chanel, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My name is Chanel – a Maryland native but a true nomad at heart.
At a very young age, my parents & I relocated from New York City to the mountains of Maryland where I would spend most of my youth. Though this small town was safe and inexpensive, it lacked diversity and opportunity. I always knew I wanted more and would do whatever it took to gain such. I watched my parents work tirelessly to provide for our family and despite their financial situation, they always made an effort to travel. I was so inspired by my parents’ work ethic and value for education that I didn’t realize it was actually our travels that would ignite such a fire within my life.
At the age of 20, I made the decision to “up and leave.” I relocated to Greenville, SC – a beautiful city filled with Southern charm and comfort. I had never been or heard of the city prior to my decision but I clung to the idea of new beginnings. I went from eating Oatmeal to Shrimp & Grits (and haven’t been the same since). I truly fell in love with the South.
In 2018, I relocated to Charlotte, NC to finish my Bachelor’s degree at UNC Charlotte. I had visited the area many times and loved the city feel and livelihood in contrast to Greenville. It was much more diverse than anywhere else I had lived and it didn’t take long to feel like home.
In 2020, I obtained a B.A. in Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations / Media. This was a major milestone in my life as I faced many setbacks along the way. I was a fresh graduate ready to conquer the “real world” when unexpectedly hit by a pandemic.
For some better and for some worse, I don’t think any of us could have prepared for these times however, a lot of beauty came out of it (literally).
Throughout my college journey, I worked 3 different jobs, one of them being a beauty craft. I took an eyelash extension training course in hopes of a lucrative “side hustle.” I didn’t know anything about business. I just knew I was a fast learner and loved people — especially women. I loved everything about women empowerment. I enjoyed the conversation but more than anything the instant boost of self-esteem they gained afterwards.
When the pandemic hit, I was one of the millions who became unemployed with no real savings account or plan of action. I knew I had all these skills to fall back on but I also wanted to maintain a certain lifestyle. I had worked so hard the last couple of years to get through college just to become a “pandemic graduate.” Internship canceled. No proper ceremony. No job lined up. What was next?
I jokingly tell people, “it happened overnight,” but in all actuality, that’s how fast it happened. My “small” business started booming. Throughout the pandemic, I sold supplies and virtual training courses and as normalcy slowly returned, I was back to using my hands. I became so booked that I had to stop taking new clients. I was working from home, I wasn’t using my new (and expensive) college degree and I wasn’t exactly ready for the responsibility but God sure does work in mysterious ways.
Today, in 2022, I shine a light on all of my skills and passions as they have brought me to where I am today.
I am a Media specialist with a love for music, entertainment, and content creation.
I am a Licensed Esthetician with a successful beauty brand that focuses on luxury services such as eyelash extensions and skin care.
I am a World Traveler and foodie who has traveled to 16 different countries and counting!
I am Chanel Monae.
To all my Houston readers — let’s connect! I am brand-spanking-new to the city and I am so thrilled for once again, new beginnings and opportunities. I have a few new media projects up my sleeve and will be continuing beauty services as well! I heard everything’s bigger in Texas so I came to find out. 😉
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I think one of the biggest challenges was moving from state to state and transferring to different colleges. With each move, some of my credits weren’t transferrable ultimately keeping me in school much longer than expected. It also wasn’t easy on the pockets but hey – you win some and you lose some.
In my Sophomore year of college, my parents decided to divorce. Another challenge I have never seen coming. Life is always much harder dealing with emotional trauma on top of the weight of the world.
I worked many jobs to upkeep the lifestyle I envisioned but more importantly to fund my travels. It took many late, late nights slinging drinks as a bartender and dealing with chaos just to walk down that airplane runway. At times it was extremely draining (especially with class bright and early) but it built character (and strong calves) as it allowed me to hike the Great Buddha in Phuket, sandboard in the Dubai Desert and run off cliffs in Medellin, Colombia.
Lastly, the pandemic without a doubt was a great challenge. It broke my heart not being able to walk across the stage in my cap and gown. I also blamed it for the stumbling start of my professional career. If I would’ve had things my way, I would have been working for a media or television company and climbing the corporate ladder. I didn’t know God would have other plans.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Media Specialist – My educational background has helped strengthen my media and marketing skills. I have always been an advanced writer and public speaker but college sparked other interests (EX: Public Relations) that I didn’t know much about it stepping into it. Since college, I have worked in marketing & put together many events in which I’ve truly enjoyed. I’ve been known for hosting and providing amazing turnouts!
My passion for media has also connected me with like-minded individuals that are also doing great things. Recently, I was featured on a podcast (Paid in Exposure curated by Gavin Boulware) at Be Social in Charlotte, NC where we discussed media, photography and entrepreneurship. It excites me that HTX also is home to a Be Social space. I hope to contribute creativity and conversation to this location. I think it is so essential to the community (especially for artists and creatives) that we keep these spaces alive.
Licensed Esthetician and Owner of Chanel Monae Esthetics – I am a beauty enthusiast and master eyelash extension artist with 5+ years of experience. I offer Classic, Hybrid, Volume and Freestyle sets which can all be found via Instagram (@Minkmonaelashes). As I am transitioning to the Houston area, I will soon be offering these services and can’t wait to expand! Skincare is also a major focus within my business. As I once battled my own troubled skin and constant letdown from dermatologists whose only remedy was topical steroids, I knew I had to take matters into my own hands. After extensively studying skin and finally seeing the necessary changes within mine, I vowed to help others who may be experiencing the same problems. I love the results of facials, chemical peels and an effective daily routine — I am here to help with all three! I also offer waxing and brow lamination. My services are not only limited to women. Men’s skin needs lovin’ too! Razor bumps from shaving? Can’t find the right products? Let me help you. I am also LGBTQ-friendly. This is a safe space! We all matter.
World Traveler and Story Teller – There’s so much beauty in this world. When I travel, my problems become so much smaller. The culture you experience is life-changing. It is so serene. I was recently nominated as the #TravelCrushTuesday on Black Travel Box via Instagram. I also will be participating in a live session with curators in August to further discuss travel stories and tips. The last couple of years I have had a great amount of people seek travel advice and inquire about itineraries. I am currently in the process of making that happen! I want people to confidently travel and love the world just as much as I have. I want to be of service and direction. There’s so much to see and little to be afraid of. Most of my travels can be found via my personal Instagram highlights – I am happy to answer any & all questions. (@Chanelgucciprada_)
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Media – Whether you want to write, host a podcast, manage entertainment, market on social media or become an influencer, you are not limited to one specific role. Do it all! Do it one at a time or merge them together. Work independently or work for a company. Either way, you will gradually acquire key skills that will lead you to your destination.
Beauty – There is so much money in this industry that there is enough for everyone. I used to think that I couldn’t stand out in such a saturated market but truth is, there could be a billion and one people who do what you do, but nobody will do it like YOU. Don’t ever forget how unique you are.
Travel – Just go. Whenever. However. Don’t overthink it. You don’t need thousands of dollars and you don’t need a big group to enjoy the experience. Who says you can’t live your most abundant, luxurious life? Traveling brings so much healing. It reminds us to slow down. To embrace peace. To be authentic. To appreciate the diverse and beautifully blended people in this world. Including the ones, we don’t always see showcased on social media.
Pricing:
- Media Services – Varies upon request
- Travel – Varies upon request
- Classic + Hybrid Eyelash Extensions – $100-$125
- Volume + Mega Volume Eyelash Extensions – $140-$170
- Facials – $85-$120
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @chanelgucciprada (Personal Page)| @minkmonaelashes (Business Page)
Image Credits
Gavin Boulware | @iam_gavinb (personal photo)
Chanel Barnes
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