Today we’d like to introduce you to Henry Chappell.
Hi Henry, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
As a little boy growing up in foster care, to only end up with my grandma with my 3 other siblings. Life was hard but at the same time, I always had hope, faith and a creative imagination. I always knew I was going to very outgoing and want to entertain people when I grew older. At the age of 10, my grandmother passed away right after we moved to NC with my aunt who I now call mother. Being the youngest of the children, that really affected me growing up. I then discovered that I love music, acting and even taking pictures. With that being said I started to put my pain, my feelings and emotions in my crafts. I started to discover that I would be someone special one day. Not only for myself but for my family and most definitely my grandmother. She has been my drive throughout the years. Growing up through my teenage years was a bit of a struggle mentally. My mother was the best mother anyone could have. She made sure I had anything and everything I could ever ask for. She put me in a school for the arts and made sure I was headed in the right direction.
However, being gay and trying to manage that stigma was very difficult. One day I decided that I’m not going to hide who I am and I took a step on faith and told people I was gay including my mother. Throughout high school, I changed every day in the bathroom after my mother dropped me off. Mascara, lashes and nails. Before she would pick me up I’d take it all off and put clothes over top of my feminine clothes. For four years that was my life but I was willing to make that sacrifice. I took dance, drama and chorus throughout my high school years and even did talent shows. I knew for a fact that my passion was to entertain. I’m now 22 about to be 23 in January. I’ve graduated from John Casablancas which is an acting and modeling school. I have a portfolio full of amazing pictures. I have an acting resume with some great credentials. I’m now starting to make my own music.
Even though my mom and I had our differences, she always ensured that I stayed following my dreams. For that, I will always love and cherish her. With this all being said I’m driven off of my past, my pain and my experiences. I know that everything I’ve went through and everything that has happened throughout my life is preparing me for the greatness that’s coming. I’ve always been true to myself and for that alone, I believe I can do anything I put my mind too. I have a heavy relationship with god and I pray a lot. When the time comes, I want people to feel inspired by my story and my journey. I want people to know that you can make your dreams your reality, no matter what circumstances you’re in. Stay strong and focus on what it is you truly want in life, but do it with a loving heart. Forgive those who may have done you wrong. Forgive yourself and prosper! CHASE YOUR DREAMS!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Losing someone you truly loved and that loved you was very hard. Always feeling alone and abandoned at times was not easy. Having to hold a part of yourself in for so long was very hard and I want people to know that. That was the hardest struggle in my life. Knowing exactly who I am and how I want to be but having to submerge that version of myself was very draining. Fast forward to being grown. Just recently getting out of a bad relationship was a struggle. It was like as soon as I felt I was a butterfly and started spreading my wings. I was put in another cage. It was like deja vu. It made me question myself at times. Who am I? Do I know my worth? Why is this my life?
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am now a music artist. I go by the stage name Henni Dreamz. I haven’t started my debut yet. However, I have previewed my music around and I’m ready to get my music career going. However, I’m also an actor and a model. I’m most proud of my drive to stick to my vision and to be able to put my pain and feelings into what I love. Especially music! Getting up on the stage and performing was so surreal for me. It was like I was living in the future! What sets me apart from others is that I KNOW WHO I AM NOW. I know exactly who I am and what I aspire to do in my lifetime. I do things out of love, out of passion, out of hurt. I’m able to forgive and that alone is why I will continue to prosper. When I come into a room or around people, it’s like the clouds go away and the sun which would be myself just shines so bright. I have the ability to brighten up a room and the people in it.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
My ability to be so outgoing. I’m an extrovert, so I love entertaining people! My smile, my happiness, my drive to be successful in my arts. Knowing that I’m doing what I do out of LOVE and genuine passion. Tough skin as well. Being able to hear the naysayers and that makes me go 110% harder to prove not only them wrong but myself right.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: HenniDreamz HenrysModelDreamz
- Facebook: Henry Minaj
- Twitter: CallMeHennessi
- Youtube: HenrysDreamz
Image Credits
Grey Imagery (John Casablanca) Justin Hall (focusxhl IG) Thayane Guedes Singh (ithayguedes IG)
