“It’s time for me to take a leap,” says Chanel, 46-year-old mother of 3 adult boys, former government worker, and lady on the path of a new creative career. “I’ve always done creative things on the side but now I want to do it full time. It’s very scary not having a security net though.” Chanel and I talked about what taking a leap means, and of course, her personal style!
MANDY: Why make a leap now?
CHANEL: I’ve lived my life for my boys. Everything was about working to support them. I’ve been a widow for 20 years, and now that the boys are adults, it’s time to focus on me.
MANDY: What’s the scariest part of making a big a life change at 46?
CHANEL: Well, not having the security of a 9-5, and the thought of failing, and being homeless if things don’t work out.
MANDY: What path are you thinking of leaping to?
CHANEL: Well I’ve always wanted to do something creative. I make my own cushions and I’m currently doing some interior and event planning projects for my church. Now it’s a matter of putting it all together and charging for it.
MANDY: Do you think it’s hard for a woman to make it in America?
CHANEL: No. I think we’re so privileged, and have freedoms that women in other countries don’t have. I think we don’t take full advantage of the opportunities we have.
ABOUT STYLE
MANDY: What’s your style?
CHANEL: My style is youthful, very eclectic, and free-spirited.
MANDY: What’s your body type
CHANEL: Thick! Lol (laughs out loud)!!
MANDY: What’s a common misconception people have about your body type?
CHANEL: I think people think it’s body fat, but I’m solid with not a lot of jiggle. It’s my structure.
MANDY: Do you love your body?
CHANEL: No. I want to lose 40lbs. I feel too fluffy.
MANDY: Why?
CHANEL: Because I feel more like myself with less weight.
MANDY: Where do you shop?
CHANEL: TJ Maxx, Marshalls, H&M, Forever 21 for a few things.
MANDY: I love Forever 21 for accessories!
CHANEL: Me too!
BEAUTY
MANDY: What is beauty to you?
CHANEL: Beauty is kindness, a listening ear, and inner strength.
MANDY: Which women do you admire?
CHANEL: Michelle Obama. Because she’s strong and confident. Maya Angelou.
Any woman who has been through the grind and are still standing, I admire and think are beautiful.
THE ELECTIONS
MANDY: What did you think about the elections?
CHANEL: I think it was historically disastrous!
MANDY: ooooo!!
MANDY: What do you think about the state of things now, 2 weeks after?
CHANEL: I hope it will let them (the winning voters) see the error of their ways eventually and self-examine their choices.
And finally:
MANDY: It’s a few days before thanksgiving. What’s your hope for the day?
Chanel: Well I’ve had a difficult day today. I had a fight with my son, and I feel very sad about it, but my hope is that my sons and I will be together for the day. I hope I can explain myself to my son in an understanding and compassionate way, and that he’ll receive it. My hope is always that my sons and I stay close for a lifetime.
