Today we’d like to introduce you to Chinelo Aniekwu.
Chinelo, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
All my friends call me either “ChiChi” or “Cheech.” I am 23 years old, going on 24 on January 31st. My father is Nigerian, and my mother is American. My grandmother is Native American, but I forgot which tribe she and my great grandparents are from. I think it’s called the Blackfoot Tribe. I have one younger brother and one older sister, and we are all 11 years apart.
I was born at Crawford Long Hospital in Atlanta, Ga and later moved to Douglasville, Ga. I’ve been a suburban kid my whole life. When I was 10 years old, my parents separated. It was hard for me, because my sister, Isis, had already moved out of the house. Basically, I had become an only child. Even though I know my parents both loved me very much, I grew to have somewhat of a temper with both of them. They spoiled me, and eventually, I grew into a brat. As time passed by though, I grew to have a great relationship with both my mom and my dad. I love them both dearly.
I was bullied in elementary and middle school, because of my deep skin tone. I got called things like “Dark Vader” and “Burnt Biscuit.” I never really felt as pretty as the other girls in my classroom, and I could never understand why. It caused me to develop serious self-esteem issues and also a spirit of shyness. In order to get over that though, I joined the cheerleading team and played soccer. It helped a lot.
When I was a little girl, my mom always noticed that I was always singing to my karaoke machine. I would record myself and play it back to myself later. I just loved music, colors, and creativity. She finally convinced me to compete in my 4th and 5th-grade talent competitions. I came in third place both years. I liked being on stage and performing, so my mom and dad put me in gymnastics. After that, I started taking dance lessons and competing with the national division teams. I joined the chorus and got leading roles in the musicals. I even took pageantry, acting, and art classes. By then, I knew I was special and a bit different than the other kids.
I did not start modeling until college though, because I did not think I was pretty enough. I just never really considered it an option, until one of my friends thought it would be funny to audition for the ASA African Night. I had my first modeling coach during that time, and she tore me apart! I knew absolutely nothing about modeling. Thus, my modeling journey began.
I tried out for many shows and got denied. I couldn’t shake the feeling of wanting to be better, so I practiced. I practiced my strut for 30 minutes a day in the mirror until I got it right. I practiced my facial expressions too because I always look bored naturally. I had to work on my self-esteem because I get insecure a little too fast. I always got up in the morning and wrote down positive things about myself until one day I believed them.
After I got serious about my craft, I started landing auditions. I even recently got discovered by one of my local agencies here in Atlanta called “Premiere Models ATL.” It’s a blessing, really.
Balancing having a job, being a full-time student, and being a full-time model can be taxing, but I really wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s what makes me happy, so I’m determined to do whatever it takes.
Has it been a smooth road?
When I was 19 years old, I was diagnosed with GERD (Gastrointestinal Reflux Disease), or a severe case of heartburn. This is a condition where the sphincter in your stomach gets lazy and stops closing properly. This causes the acid from your stomach to burn your esophagus, and it is very painful.
I couldn’t figure out why I was always so horse after singing a full set of songs or why my chest was hurting so badly. My mom and I went to the emergency room twice before they told me what was going on. Initially, I thought I was going to die. All the Google posts I read all said that serious physical activity or heavy diaphragm pressure could make me reflux even more. It was basically saying that I could not ever perform like I wanted to ever again.
Even though doctors were telling me not to worry, I took matters into my own hands. I started studying my condition and how I could be cured of it. However, the twist was that there was no cure for GERD. It was a lifelong digestive complication that could not be fixed after the damage was done.
I spiraled. I slowly fell into a deep depression. I flunked out of school. I didn’t know how to function without my voice, dance, or anything else performance wise. It was pretty much the only thing that made me happy. It tore me apart, and I could not seem to see the point in doing anything in life anymore. Ultimately, I just wanted to be happy more than anything else in the world.
When I turned 23 years old, I decided that I was going to change my life. I was nothing without the gifts that God had given to me, and I was determined to BEAT my condition. I started going to the gym regularly and instead of running, I walked. I changed my diet completely. I cut out all fried foods, chocolate, peppermint, spicy and smothered foods. I started practicing my scales even though it hurt to do so. I started going back to dance classes even though I felt light headed and had to sit down about every 15 minutes.
From there, I grew stronger. I feel much healthier than when I started. My condition even started to get better. I still burn from time to time, but it’s bearable. I performed on stage for the first time recently and received a standing ovation from the audience. Bottom line is that I am titanium. No matter how much it hurts, I will succeed. I will be somebody. I will make something of myself. The only thing that can ever stand in my way, is me.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a singer, dancer, choreographer, model, and actress. I am my own brand. I got my first professional performance job at 17 years old when I tried out to be apart of Dead Mans Party at Six Flags Over Georgia. I worked with them for two seasons. I am currently writing and producing my own songs with the help of some of my friends. I sing 1st Alto Belt and I have a low C to a High B range. I have danced professionally since I was 16 years old participating in different dancer showcases with different Dance 411 and BlocSouth choreographers. I specialize in ballet, tap, liturgical, Hip Hop, Modern, Jazz, African, and Contemporary. I also danced in Superbowl 53 and also in the movie “Billy Lynns’ Halftime Walk.” I am not under an agency for dance, because I took a break from it all when I got sick. However, now that I am feeling better, I might look into it soon after I get settled in with my first agency. I also dance with my church and do the interpretive, spiritual dance too. Everybody there is family to me.
As far as modeling, I have been freelance for four years now. I always keep an eye out for local auditions. There are so many things going on in Atlanta. I’m blessed to live here. I like commercial, print, and lifestyle modeling jobs because I am only 5′ 6″ and 1/2. I only do runway for fun, and I am always looking to try new things! Now that I am with agency though, majority of my model bookings will come through my agent now.
I am also starting a beauty blog soon because I love to do makeup too. I do my sisters face all the time for a small fee. If someone needs their face done, I usually ask for you to bring your own foundation and concealer. I also provide lashes too (the strip kind). I’m always looking for new ways to expand my creativity.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I see myself on the silver screen in five years. I am a triple (or quadruple) threat, and I’d like to utilize all my talents during my time on this Earth. I’d like to act in movies. I’d like to be on magazine covers. I want to release albums. I’d like to act in regular tv sitcoms too. There’s so much I can do with what God has given me. I just have to act accordingly.
Pricing:
- For makeup, I charge $25 a face.
Contact Info:
- Email: caniekwu@gmail.com
- Instagram: @her_chizzness
- Twitter: @ceestarz101
Image Credit:
Photographer credits go to Cat Harper Photography, A.Kola Productions, Terrel Antoni
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
