Daily Inspiration: Meet Chanel Scales

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chanel Scales.

Chanel, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My passion for fashion was imprinted on my heart and soul at the impressionable age of 5. My grandmother placed fashion in my lap by way of vogue and bazaar magazines. I believe she knew that my tender mind had the capacity to understand that she was introducing me to a new world. A world where I’d have the power to get lost in my visions and create masterpieces. And that I did, launched my clothing brand, Shingo in 2014, designed prom dresses that went viral, worked with the NAACP, and styled commercials for the Bengals, VH1, Pepsi, and others. In 2016, I accepted an opportunity that would forever change how one viewed fashion in the city of Cincinnati. I was given the opportunity to produce a fashion event that would not only showcase my brand but create a platform for others in my community. My partnership with P&G and Cincinnati Music Festival gave me the ability to promote other small black-owned businesses and help them leverage during one of the busiest and most traveled weekends in Cincinnati history.

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?
No SMOOTH ROAD… I’ve bumped my head many times. Providing custom clothing is a fantastic service to provide, but it comes with headaches as well. I’ve had women not pay me after I’ve provided them the service. I’ve had days where I’ve made no money, ignored through emails and etc. But I never gave up and continued to believe in myself and my passion for fashion.

I want to honestly admit that there was a time when I allowed other people’s opinions and lack of passion to deter my success. We often seek validation from people who have yet to determine their worth and what makes them happy. I no longer do that and focus more on my vision and SUCCESS.

Another thing that I do is continue to be a student and learn from my failures and mistakes. So I can pivot and make better decisions in my fashion business.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I want to consider myself a Jane of fashion and retail trades. Besides being a Fashion Designer, I’m a Retail Consultant, Visual Merchandiser, and Wardrobe Stylist. I’ve had the opportunity to style commercials for PEPSI, Vh1 to Trina the Baddest B*tch. When it comes to designing, I’m known for being unique and using Ankara fabrics to create one-of-the-kind fashion pieces and prom gowns that have gone VIRAL.

I’m currently in the process of creating a fall + winter collection with SHEIN.COM. This collection is filled with greens, sexy prints, and silhouettes to highlight the curves of a woman’s body. This collection is for the woman that’s told she’s doing too MUCH!

We’d love to hear what you think about risk-taking?
Yes, I’ve taken many risks. I feel without taking risks you can’t learn or add value to your business. One of the many risks I’ve taken is following my gut and applying to be a designer for the SHEIN X DESIGN PROGRAM by SHEIN.COM. I was extremely nervous because I can’t sew and I always assumed that was going to be the tool that would hinder me from being a successful designer.

I got out of my way and applied, to only realize that if I got approved SHEIN would handle the production process. All I had to do was present my designs and be super creative. I reached out to an illustrator on Fiverr and had her bring my vision to life. And the rest is history.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.shingofashion.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chanelscales/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_2RP_TdGGupc6O9uTSZ6dA/videos

Image Credits
Kendall Mathis