Check out our interview with Recording Artist, TV Star and Entrepreneur Chanel West Coast. She is best known for her MTV appearances with Rob Dyrdek in world-wide popular show “Ridiculousness.”
Chanel is also well known for her music career recording many hit songs like “Melting Like Ice Cream,” “PHAMOUS” and “I Love Money.” Chanel has worked with top level artists like Snoop Dogg, French Montana, Ty Dolla $ign, Robin Thicke and pretty much with who is who in the music industry.
In 2022, she founded Coasty Swim. Her brand and designs brings the vibes from every coast on the planet together as one. From the beach to the pool, to the lake, Coasty is here to make women feel and look confident while they have fun in the sun, in the water and on the shore!
Follow Chanel West Coast @chanelwestcoast & Coasty Swim @coastyswim
Who has made the biggest impact on your life so far, and why?
My mom. She’s the hardest working, most loyal, kind hearted person I know. Plus she raised me all on her own. I think she did a pretty good job too 😉
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
Several people and artists, from family, to Tupac, to Gwen Stefani etc have influenced me. I was singing and dancing since I could walk and talk. My father was a DJ in NYC and my Mother was a music fanatic and they both always encouraged me to do music because they realized I had musical talent at a young age.
What is fun and rewarding about music and performing? And what is not?
Making the fans happy with your music and seeing their faces when you perform is such a joy for me. The online hate comments are pretty much the only annoying part of being a recording artist lol.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Fun. Unique. Heart-felt
Do you play any instrument?
I play violin but it’s been a while since my obsession with acrylic nails began lol.
Do you ever get nervous?
Never. I have loved performing since I can remember. It’s such a natural high for me.
Tell us about your new music “VERSACE DIARIES?”
Versace Diaries is a 2 song project of songs paying homage to the brand Versace.
What’s the story behind the songs?
Myself and a group of artists, who are also my good friends, came together to collaborate on some really fun songs that give all the Versace vibes.
What did you learn from your biggest failure?
Nothing is a failure. Every mistake or setback is a learning experience to take from and move forward in a better direction.
Now tell us about being part of the super successful MTV’s show with Rob Dyrdek’s “Ridiculousness?” And how did you ended up there, how was the casting, etc?
It’s been an unreal and amazing journey being part of such a successful show. It’s a really long story how I ended up there lol. I should probably write a book soon and include that story in it.
Any other TV projects in the future?
Yes. A very big TV project of my own is in the works. Can’t give away too much about that at the moment but stay tuned 😉
What mindsets helped making you so successful and popular?
A positive and fun loving mindset is what keeps me focused and I’m pretty sure that’s one of the things that people like about me.
As a popular artist, designer and influencer you are followed by so many people. How do you feel about that pressure of doing always the right thing, and encourage people to follow their dreams?
I used to feel a lot more pressure being the perfectionist that I am, but I learned doing what you love and doing it for yourself and not to please others makes you happiest.
Now tell us about your swimwear brand “Coasty Swim?”
Coasty Swim is one of my favorite projects I’ve worked in yet. I love the beach, pool & lake life, and traveling to tropical places so making the perfect swimwear for those occasions was something I felt very passionate about. I wanted to make a swimwear brand that was colorful, fun, & sexy at the same time.
What are the challenges you face as a designer and entrepreneur?
The biggest challenge is making designs to appease a very diverse audience. I am really focused on promoting body positivity though and I want to make bikinis that all women can feel beautiful in. Part of making the right bikinis is just promoting the message that it doesn’t matter what body you have, any bikini will look good on you if you just wear it with confidence.
What inspired your latest collection?
Bright colors and fun body styles is the overall vibe I was going for when creating this collection.
Favorite look from your collection and why?
I love the “Ocean Breeze” bikini and matching skirt set. The colors and fit are my fave in our collection.
What would you say a color that resonates with you the most and why?
Teal colors are my favorite. They just remind me of tropical paradise.
What is different from Coasty Swim to other swimwear brands in a very competitive market?
All of our bikinis are made from recycled materials making our brand 100% eco friendly.
Where we can buy them?
Online at coastyswim.com
What book should every entrepreneur read?
“Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
To not worry about anyone’s opinions. I spent a lot of time stressing about negative comments and now I laugh at the people who waste time on being negative.
Which project is still on your bucket list?
Starring in a movie. I would love to do that one day.
What’s next for Chanel West Coast and Coasty Swim in 2023?
So much is next it’s a lot to list out lol New TV projects, new music, and planning to do a Coasty Swim party for Coachella as well as some upcoming fashion shows is a little bit of what’s coming up for me
Please describe a typical day for you. What is your daily routine like?
Everyday is different especially now that I have a baby lol.
If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
It would be titled “Complex” because that’s the best word to describe my life lol.
Now talking about Instagram, can you share some tips for keeping your account interesting?
Mixing up the content always keeps the fans more engaged. People get bored of the same old stuff all the time.
When you started your Social Media accounts, did you expected such a success?
I’ve always believed in myself, so I’ve always manifested success.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Living in the moment is one way to be happy, but being a mother is truly the definition of happiness to me now.
What is you favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
RESPECT by Aretha Franklin.
Name one your strengths?
Keeping a positive mindset despite many hardships in my life.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Tupac or David Bowie. 2 musical geniuses I really admire and would love to ask them both so many questions.
Do you support any charity?
I’ve supported a ton of different charities but one of my favorites is Baby 2 Baby.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
Just hanging with my boyfriend and my baby is the perfect Sunday for me.
What do you think of Social Media?
I think it’s an amazing tool for aspiring artists and entrepreneurs but it’s also an easy way to get distracted. I think kids should lay off the social media a bit and enjoy life in the real world more.
Where we can follow you?
All of my social media accounts are @chanelwestcoast
Quote: wearing a smile everyday is how you stay on trend
Song: Tupac “How Do You Want It” & The Beatles “Something” are 2 of my all time favorite songs
Movie: True Romance, Pearl Harbor, & Bohemian Rhapsody
Travel Destination: Hawaii is one of my fave places. I’ve been to all the islands many times
Food: Mexican food and Asian food are my favorites
Sports Team: Whoever my boyfriend is rooting for lol
