We had the good fortune of connecting with Chantelle Arnett and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Chantelle, how do you think about risk?
Risk taking. When I think about risk, I really don’t think about them as a risk. I think of them as opportunities being presented to you a reason, and you have the decision to take this opportunity and grow or take the opportunity and learn from it. My whole I’ve been taking risk to get where I want to be and I just say without taking these risks I would not be where I am.
I say when it comes to taking risk. Just go for it. Think about it later. See what happens.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a Fashion Designer. Particularly menswear, and socially costume designer.
What sets me apart from other designers is that not only am I a fashion designer, I am also an aspiring choreographer in many different styles of dance, and I do behind the scenes styling for many people.
How many Fashion Designer/Choreographers do you know? I’m trying to break a record.
I am excited for the outcome of my vision. The feeling of knowing that I can really create something legendary with what I do.
I must say. This journey is not and has not been easy. Being an artist in two different creative fields where you need to put your blood, sweat, and tears in to both arts at the same time is not easy at all, believe me. I do not get any sleep. There were people that told me that I couldn’t do both, that I would have to pick one, but with the dedication that I have I didn’t stop. There are times I have a lot of custom garments to finish so I don’t have time to dance, or there are times that I am on a time schedule with dance where I don’t have time to make clothes but I am learning how to balance my time and effort within the two which is also not easy.
I’ve learned not to mentally overwhelm myself. When I overwhelm myself, I do not put my best effort into my work because I rush to finish and that is something I struggle with because with my career I don’t know how to not be busy, this is how I make a living, so I tend to overbook myself in order to make ends meet but sometimes you have to make a sacrifice in order to get back into the right state of mind.
I want the world to know that I AM NEVER GOING TO STOP. I am not stopping until until I am directing tours for artists like Chris Brown and The Weeknd, and even then I AM NEVER GOING TO STOP. I am and will be The First Dancing, Directing, Fashion Designer with an Italian menswear brand to make it out of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
My brand is called LEGENDCCXXVII ITALIA. Italian based menswear and unisex garments and apparel. And if guys wanna know more about my story, to stay tuned!
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am from the Northside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. If my friends were to visit my hometown, I would start off by showing them where I grew up, how it all started. And Then take my friends to the illustrious North Shore, take a walk around the rivers.
I love to go to Broadway shows in the city of Pittsburgh. So that’s something I would definitely invite my friends to do.
I love food, so we‘’ll probably eat at many various restaurants. One of my favorites is Emilianos Mexican Restaurant so that would probably be our first stop!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would not be able to do any of this of this if it wasn’t for my grandparents & my mother investing into my vision, my education, and my dream and supporting everything that I do.
My grandfather who recently passed away last year told me I was going to be a star when I was a little girl, I’ve been chasing my star life ever since.
Instagram: @Therealcocohantas
Facebook: Chantelle L. Arnett
Youtube: Cocohantas The Dancer
Other: Triller: @cocohantasthedancer
Image Credits
Photography by: Antonio Livingston