Paris S. Chanel: “I See Myself as a Bridge Between the Brands I Love and the Audience that Follows Me”
Paris S. Chanel is an entrepreneur model and a luxury, fashion, and travel influencer who has loudly declared herself and demarcated her landmark in the fashion industry.
What does it mean to be an influencer to you?
When I think about what it means to be an influencer, it goes beyond just a job for me. To me, being an influencer is about having the ability to make a positive impact on the lives of others through my passions and interests. It’s about using my platform to inspire and motivate others to pursue their own dreams and embrace their unique sense of style.
As an influencer, I see myself as a bridge between the brands I love and the audience that follows me. It’s an incredible feeling to be able to share my genuine love for fashion, luxury, and travel with people who support and trust my recommendations. I believe that authenticity is key in this role, and I strive to maintain transparency and honesty in my content. I want my supporters to take the journey with me like they are there with me when I go to events and travel.
What are your responsibilities and goals as an African American professional?
As an African American professional, I believe my responsibilities extend beyond my individual career aspirations. One of my primary responsibilities is to serve as an inspiration and a source of hope for individuals who share a similar background and face similar challenges. It is essential for me to be a positive representation of what is possible and to demonstrate that with hard work, determination, and resilience, anyone can achieve their goals and dreams. Being an African American professional means being aware of the historical and systemic barriers that have existed and continue to exist for marginalized communities. It is my responsibility to actively contribute to breaking down those barriers and creating opportunities for others. This can be achieved through mentorship, advocating for diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and actively seeking out opportunities to uplift and amplify the voices of underrepresented individuals. In addition to my responsibilities, I have personal goals that drive me as an African American professional. These goals include continually reaching new heights and pushing myself to my highest potential. By setting ambitious goals and working hard to achieve them, I aim to inspire others and show that success knows no bounds when it comes to race or background. Furthermore, it is crucial for me to stay true to myself and my morals along this journey. I believe in leading with integrity, authenticity, and humility. I strive to use my platform and influence to foster positive change and contribute to the advancement of diversity, equity, and inclusion in every aspect of my professional life.
What’s your typical wardrobe? How do you like to dress?
When it comes to my wardrobe, I embrace a versatile approach to dressing that reflects my mood and the specific occasion. I don’t limit myself to a specific style or fashion archetype but rather enjoy experimenting with different looks. This flexibility allows me to express my personality and adapt to various settings and events. On any given day, my style can range from preppy and upscale to street style. I appreciate the timeless and polished aesthetic of preppy fashion, which often incorporates classic silhouettes, clean lines, and a hint of sophistication. It reflects my appreciation for tailored pieces and attention to detail. At the same time, I also have an affinity for street style, which allows me to tap into more urban, edgy, and contemporary fashion elements. This style embraces a mix of casual and statement pieces, often incorporating bold colors, unique patterns, and unexpected combinations. It allows me to showcase my creativity and showcase a more laid-back side. Some of my fashion friends have labeled me a “glam tomboy” or a “fashion chameleon” because I enjoy experimenting with different looks and don’t stick to a particular style formula. I find joy in keeping my outfits fresh and exciting, never quite looking the same whenever they see me. This element of surprise and mystery adds an element of fun and excitement to my personal style. Overall, my approach to dressing is all about embracing variety, expressing my mood and personality, and adapting to different occasions. It allows me to be versatile and keep my fashion choices intriguing and ever-evolving.
As for undressing, instead, you posed for Playboy. What is sensuality in the 21st century?
In the 21st century, sensuality has taken on a broader and more empowering definition. It goes beyond mere sexuality and has become synonymous with self-confidence, self-love, and self-care. Sensuality is about embracing and appreciating oneself, including all the natural “flaws” and unique qualities that make us who we are. Contrary to common misconceptions, sensuality is not solely focused on being sexual. It encompasses a deeper connection with one’s body, mind, and spirit. It involves feeling comfortable in one’s own skin and celebrating the beauty and uniqueness that each individual possesses. When I had the opportunity to pose for Playboy, it was a personal decision driven by my own journey of self-acceptance and self-love. It wasn’t about conforming to societal expectations or seeking external validation. Instead, it was a celebration of my own level of comfort and confidence in loving and embracing myself.
Back in 2015, I wasn’t ready for such an experience. It took time and personal growth for me to reach a place where I felt completely comfortable and confident in my own skin. When the opportunity arose again, it became a beautiful moment for me to tap into my full-grown womanhood and celebrate the journey I had taken to love and accept myself. The experience of posing for Playboy allowed me to express my sensuality in a way that was authentic to me. It was an opportunity to showcase my newfound self-love and to share that celebration with the world. Through this experience, I have developed an even deeper appreciation and love for myself, and I hope to inspire others to embrace their own sensuality and find joy in their unique journey of self-discovery.
You talk about fashion, life, travel, and luxury on your blog. Since the pandemic, how have these topics changed?
The pandemic has undoubtedly brought significant changes to the topics of fashion, life, travel, and luxury. The impact of COVID-19 on the travel industry has been particularly profound. With travel restrictions and lockdown measures in place, people’s ability to explore new destinations and indulge in their love for travel was severely limited. It was a challenging time for everyone, as we were confined to our homes and only allowed to go out for essential purposes. In terms of fashion, the pandemic led to a shift in people’s clothing choices. With the majority of individuals working from home and socializing less, the focus shifted towards comfort and loungewear. Fashion became more relaxed and casual, with people opting for cozy and comfortable outfits that suited their newfound home-centric lifestyle. Silk pajamas and athleisure wear became popular choices as people sought comfort while adapting to the new normal.
However, as the situation improves and restrictions gradually ease, there is a noticeable change in people’s attitudes toward travel and fashion. With the reopening of borders, individuals are eagerly embracing the opportunity to explore new destinations and regain a sense of freedom. There is a renewed enthusiasm for travel, and people are now more appreciative than ever of the ability to venture out and experience new cultures, cuisines, and adventures. Alongside the excitement for travel, there is also a resurgence in the joy of dressing up and getting ready for special occasions. After spending a significant amount of time at home in loungewear, many individuals are now eager to showcase their personal style and put effort into their outfits. The desire to dress up, attend events, and socialize has brought a sense of joy and celebration back into people’s lives.
Personally, I resonate with this sentiment. While I enjoy the comfort of lounging in silk pajamas at home, there is a unique happiness that comes from getting dressed up and immersing myself in the social scene. The return to normalcy in travel and the opportunity to embrace fashion once again brings a sense of fulfillment and joy to my life.
What is the recipe for a successful blog?
The recipe for a successful blog encompasses several key elements, and authenticity is at the core. Being authentic means staying true to yourself and your unique voice, which resonates with readers. People visit blogs not only for information but also because they connect with the writer behind the content. When you genuinely share your thoughts, experiences, and expertise, it creates a sense of trust and connection with your audience.
Additionally, providing valuable and informative content is crucial. Blog readers seek new insights, knowledge, or a deeper understanding of a particular topic. By offering well-researched and engaging content, you position yourself as a reliable source of information in your niche. Creating evergreen content that remains relevant over time can also contribute to the long-term success of your blog. Even posts written years ago can continue to attract and engage readers if they offer timeless value.
Consistency is another key ingredient for a successful blog. Regularly posting fresh content keeps your audience engaged and encourages them to return for more. It’s essential to establish a consistent posting schedule that works for you and allows you to consistently deliver high-quality content. Consistency builds trust, reliability, and loyalty among your readers. Building relationships and engaging with your audience is also vital. Responding to comments, encouraging discussions, and actively participating in the blogging community can help foster a sense of community and keep readers coming back for more. Building an email list and utilizing social media platforms can further expand your reach and help you connect with a wider audience.
It’s worth noting that the blogging landscape is constantly evolving, and it’s essential to stay up-to-date with trends and adapt your strategies accordingly. Embracing new technologies, exploring different content formats (such as videos or podcasts), and keeping an eye on emerging topics can help you stay relevant and continue to grow your blog. While I haven’t been active on my blog during the pandemic, I firmly believe that it’s never too late to jump back in. I recognize the importance of reflecting on the key elements mentioned above, such as authenticity, valuable content, consistency, and engagement. These serve as a starting point for me to revitalize my blog and reignite my connection with my audience. With dedication and a renewed focus, I am confident that I can re-engage with my readers and strive towards achieving success in my blogging endeavors.
Sustainability, diversity, happiness… which values should we focus on for a better world?
In my opinion, focusing on sustainability, diversity, and happiness are all essential values for creating a better world.
Diversity plays a crucial role in fostering inclusivity in all aspects of life. It is unfortunate that we have to emphasize the importance of diversity, as it should be a given in an ideal world. Embracing diversity leads to a richer and more inclusive society where everyone feels valued and respected. It is a key component of creating equal opportunities and dismantling systemic barriers. Additionally, diversity contributes to happiness as it allows individuals to express their authentic selves, encourages different perspectives, and promotes understanding and empathy among people.
Happiness, on the other hand, is both a value and a choice. It is something we can cultivate within ourselves and spread to others. I learned this valuable lesson from a homeless man I encountered who, despite having lost everything, still found joy in the simple act of waking up every day and choosing to lead with love and dance his days away. This experience taught me that happiness is not dependent on external circumstances but rather on our mindset and the choices we make.
Sustainability is an important value that I am actively working on understanding and incorporating into my life. While I don’t want to speak ahead of myself on this topic, I recognize its significance for the well-being of our planet. Sustainability involves making choices that consider the long-term impact on the environment, society, and future generations. By practicing sustainability, we contribute to preserving natural resources, reducing waste, and mitigating climate change.
Besides gender and color, diversity also encompasses age and size. How do you feel about this?
I wholeheartedly agree with the idea that diversity extends beyond gender and color to encompass age and size as well. In fact, when I had my modeling agency, I placed a strong emphasis on this belief. I took pride in being the first agency in my city to incorporate people of all ages and establish a Curve model division. It was important to me to showcase that people of all shapes, heights, and sizes are equally significant and deserving of representation.
In the modeling industry, there has historically been a limited perception of beauty and limited opportunities for individuals who don’t fit into specific standards. However, seeing companies like SI Swim embracing Classic women and featuring models of all sizes gives me hope for the future. It is essential that everyone sees themselves represented and feels valued in the industry and beyond. This inclusivity fosters a sense of empowerment and acceptance, inspiring individuals to embrace their unique beauty and worth. As someone who has experienced the industry firsthand, albeit not considered “old” by traditional modeling standards, I am encouraged by the progress being made. It gives me optimism and reassurance that there is room for diverse representations and that the industry is evolving to become more inclusive.
What makes you happy personally?
Personally, there are several things that bring me happiness. One of the most important aspects is loving myself. Cultivating self-love and acceptance allows me to appreciate who I am and embrace all my strengths and imperfections. It forms the foundation for a positive mindset and a sense of contentment in life.
Engaging in activities that align with my passions also brings me great joy. Modeling, acting, and influencing are all endeavors that I deeply enjoy. Being able to pursue these creative outlets and express myself through them allows me to tap into my talents and bring fulfillment to my life. It’s a privilege to be able to do what I love daily.
Family is another significant source of happiness for me. The love, support, and connection I share with my family members bring immense joy and a sense of belonging. Spending quality time with them, creating lasting memories, and being there for each other during both happy and challenging times is invaluable.
Next project on your list?
I am not one to tell my next moves (smiles). Stay tuned, it’s a movie. Follow my socials to stay up to date: Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and TikTok.
