We were lucky to catch up with Chauntal Lewis recently and have shared our conversation below.

Chauntal, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I don’t think being an “Artist” was ever a question. Or option;)). I believe you’re either born with it, born into it or unintentionally fall into it. For me, I don’t remember life not performing or creating. Whether it was the stage, TV, film, dance, Yoga, makeup or just story telling, it’s always been a part of me to share my experiences and interpretation of life; to express my story with others for a human experience for us all.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I have been a performing artist since the age of 5. From dancing, singing to theater, I broke into Television and Film at a very young age. In March of 2009, I lost my left hand in a traumatic car accident that could have ended my life. I truly thought my creative life and future was shattered and would result behind the scenes or not at all. Since that horrific day, I believe I’ve gone against all odds and bounced back into my career with more passion, drive and perseverance. However, no one can ever truly prepare you for the emotional and mental suffering I now know as PTSD. For me, particularly associated with sudden loss, which I’ve endured plenty over the years. I have aspired to use any platform I have to inspire and use my trauma(s) to reach, help and heal others.

While acting is and always will be my first love, I don’t remember life without makeup. That is, stage and performance makeup, but I naturally found a passion for the beauty industry and created a “side career” as a professional/celebrity makeup artist about 13 years ago that has flourished into a full time business and creative expression. Simultaneously working as an actor, I landed a recurring role on ABC’s “General Hospital” as Nurse Chanel since 2015.

Although I am so grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given as well as created for myself, I am so much more than my career(s). I am constantly educating and reinventing myself. I’m fully invested in my craft but more importantly, I’m invested in the quality of life and for others.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Aside from the physical pain I live with every day, I have now found the tools to navigate the depression and anxiety that was once completely debilitating. I ran 7 marathons in about 3 years as well as extreme long distance running on a daily for about 10 years straight. I was going through such excruciating, unbearable emotional and physical pain, and I found running as an escape. Literally, running from the pain, yet I now appreciate it as part of my healing journey. While my physical athletic endurance was celebrated and praised, including great recognition from Nike Running, I was dying inside and neglected my mental health. I now no longer feel I have to overcompensate for the physical loss that was completely out of my control and yes, it feels good to say I am proud of what I accomplished under such unfathomable circumstances. I now have a healthy, daily Yoga practice and have done over 500 hours in yoga training that has transformed my life. It’s entirely symbolic for our daily experience with our inevitable trials and triumphs! It’s a practice and I hope by sharing my journey and battle with mental illness may others know they are not alone. May I lead by example and lead others to rise in their greatness!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

It’s interesting, when one meets me or finds me on the Insta, their first question may be “So what exactly do you do?” Or “What don’t you do..” Lol

I love to inspire and make one feel by having an authentic human experience through my story telling as an Actress.
I love making others look a feel beautiful and/or their best selves, elevating their confidence through my makeup artistry.
I love evolving; connecting physically, mentally and spiritually with self and my fellow Yogis.
And while it’s not all rainbows and unicorns quite yet, I LOVE loving life again.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @ChauntalLewis
• Facebook: Chauntal Lewis
• TikTok: @chauntallewis

Image Credits
Russel Baer Robert Sturman James Mae