You’ve probably seen her around, perhaps on America’s Next Top Model, in her Nick Knight shoot, closing Ashish’s glitzy spring/summer 15 show, or maybe even as the new face of Desigual. In London for her very own TED talk, Chantelle let her confidence shine through as she discussed her troubles growing up and the challenging nature of beauty. Here are ten things you should know about the future star.
1. She loves being 20.
The best thing about being 20 is being able to make mistakes and learn from them. People are usually like “Awww, you’re a baby!” But as the beautiful Aaliyah once said, “Age ain’t nothing but a number.”
2. As a child, she wanted to either be a ballerina or a journalist.
I took ballet and dance classes when I was really little, but as I got older I wanted to be an entertainment journalist. Due to my experiences socially, I felt very insecure and I dropped out of high school to learn how to appreciate myself again, but I’d still love to write a book one day.
3. She was handpicked by Tyra Banks to appear on America’s Next Top Model, despite being from Toronto.
I’m uber grateful to be that one girl from Canada who got to experience such an amazing thing. It was crazy to hear that she had actually seen me and said, “I want her!” I learned to cut reality TV stars a lot of slack; when editing down a week into a 45-minute show, a lot of stuff gets cut out and sometimes the person you seem to be really isn’t you at all.
4. She has no agency and manages herself.
So far I’ve been running things, but I should hopefully be signed to an agency sometime soon. I’m proud of myself for getting this far alone, but I’m a hundred percent sure an agency could do a better job of getting me even further.
5. She closed the spring/summer 15 Ashish show while injured!
The Ashish show was so fun to walk in! Unfortunately, after my first walk I stubbed my toe and cracked my nail in half. I’m pretty clumsy and super accident-prone. It was crazy painful and bleeding, but I had two more outfit changes, including closing the show, so I had to make it work – shooting pain and all!
6. Nick Knight emailed her and told her he’d love to shoot her.
That was crazy exciting. I love Nick! He’s an amazing photographer and gave me the freedom to do whatever I felt was right, but balanced it with the perfect amount of direction.
7. The Kardashians hold a special place in her heart.
It’s a guilty pleasure of mine to waste away hours watching Keeping Up With The Kardashians. I don’t get to keep up with them as much as I’d like to anymore as my life has gotten pretty busy, but my all time favourite moment was when Kim revealed she was pregnant.
8. Reggae is guaranteed to get her dancing.
I will always buss a wine to reggae. I’m Jamaican, so I have rum and sunshine running through my veins. I think wining is probably my signature move.
9. She has been praised for changing the face of beauty.
This makes me so proud. I’m just being myself, and I’m happy with myself. It’s like passing on a smile. It’s amazing.
10. She has mixed emojis about beauty on social media.
I think there are positive and negative sides to it, depending on how you look at it. On one hand it opens the stage for anyone to speak their mind and show what they feel is beautiful. On the other, I think sometimes people look to it to be told what beauty is. I feel the idea of beauty should come from your own head and heart.
Credits
Text Francesca Dunn
Photography Harry Carr
Styling Bojana Kozarevic
Hair Louis Ghewy at The Book Agency using Bumble and bumble.
Make-up Danielle Kahlani at The Book Agency using Laura Mercier.
Model Chantelle Winnie.