Today we’d like to introduce you to Chauncey A. McQueen.
Hi Chauncey, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was born and raised in Harlem, NY. I originally moved to Atlanta for makeup but realized there was more I wanted to do, such as starting my own business and diving more into the entertainment industry in front of the camera. So after a year of me being in Atlanta as a professional MUA, I retired and started my company Musk Labs, an all-natural bath and body company I started out of my love for skincare and science. I have sensitive skin so I don’t like using just any products pumped with harmful chemicals. I wanted to create something I felt confident in issuing That’s main focus was actually improving and helping with problem areas with actual results.
After a year of launching, I was able to land my company on shelves in a local black-owned beauty supply store in Mabelton, GA called Zoet Beauty Supply. Around this same time, I started getting my feet wet with acting. I did some background roles in the beginning. Shortly after, I landed my first speaking role in a short film called “Requiem For A Quote” playing a charter name Jack. Right before covid, I landed a role playing a gardener named Carlos in “The Secrets That Bind”. That role got me my first IMDB credit. Around this time I also started my podcast called How To Struggle As An Entrepreneur, which sort of started turning into a brand within itself. My drive behind that was I wanted a platform for entrepreneurs on all levels to come to talk about their journeys to inspire others. With all that going on, towards the end of covid, I got casted for a reality show, Set It Off: ATL. I always wanted to do a reality show, but with all I had going on while trying to manage everyday life, it definitely wasn’t easy.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s been some ups and down. I pretty much built everything have from the ground up and still building. I didn’t come blueprint, didn’t have any inheritance to rely on, I had to pretty much teach myself how to a lot of things. I don’t have one avenue or niche when it comes to my brand. I’m an entrepreneur but also an entertainer to some capacity so juggling all that can get very stressful. When it comes to Musk Labs, I had to teach myself about marketing, inventory, a certain level of chemistry because these are products people will be putting on their skin. With the podcast, I went through two different show styles before I landed on my current show. With acting it can get pretty tough, sometimes you have 24hrs to turn in your audition tape and sometimes it can be 1 or 3 pages of lines.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a business owner, and actor, and podcast host. I’m most known for being the host of my show, How To Struggle As An Entrepreneur. I am most proud of my company Musk Labs and my podcast. What sets me apart is my raw, unfiltered personality. My podcast is about business so you would think it would be your typical vanilla conversation, but we curse, laugh, and have a good time on there.
What makes you happy?
Inspiring others in any capacity. I don’t believe we were out in this earth to just work a dead-end job our whole life being unhappy. Life is short so I we should be taking more risks, having more fun. We’re here for a good time, not a long time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.howtostrugglepod.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chaunceyamcqueen/?hl=en
- Other: https://chaunceymcqueen.com/
Image Credits
Nathan Pearcy Reggie Daniels
