Meet Mooka Chanel | Media Personality & Creative Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mooka Chanel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mooka, how do you think about risk?
Personally, I believe risk taking is imperative for growth. I’m a firm believer that nothing grows from a comfort zone. Some of my biggest lessons in life came from me taking a risk on myself and believing in my vision. Especially with my creativity, every time I share my work with the world I look at it as risk taking. I’m chasing my dreams every day, no matter if I win or lose I’m showing up. There’s validity in that experience, everyone doesn’t have the courage to take risks to go after what they desire in life.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Growing up, I would watch talk shows like Oprah or even listen to Podcast like “The Read” by Kid Fury and Crissle and think to myself, “I could do that!” The Shine Season podcast is a platform I started in 2017. I started the show at the time, simply because I wanted a creative safe space for myself. My very first episode was about my experience auditioning for a Media Hosting opportunity for a well-known award show. I didn’t land the job from that particular audition but the risk-taking from that experience is what propelled me to start my own platform. I knew it was necessary for me to start my own podcast of my own while I waited for the world to catch up to this gift of expression that I have. I feel so blessed to be apart of a generation where we can take ownership of our dreams. From doing the work, my passion for media grew even more. As I navigated, I attended Clark Atlanta University where I studied Mass Media Arts with a concentration in Radio, TV, and Film. My studies and mentorship there taught me about the business and grit it requires to maintain longevity in the media industry. My passion for storytelling coupled with my commitment to my education landed me opportunities that have been instrumental in my journey as a Creative Entrepreneur. The journey to becoming hasn’t been easy but I’m committed to the process. I’m pursuing my dreams in front of everyone, my purpose doesn’t allow me to hide. At times, it can feel overwhelming but I always tell myself these are good problems to have. I’m still striving for the top but I also love where I am right now with my brand. I’m still very accessible and networking across; that’s a special experience to me because it grants me space to learn as I go. I enjoy having a platform that allows me to share the stories of my community. I truly believe I was born to create, one of my life mantras is to “Create your way out” and I hope that resonates with my Shine Tribe.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
When I have friends visiting, I’m usually there go-to person for the real LA experience which I love because this beautiful city is home to me! Let’s start with the food! One of my favorite restaurants in LA is Yang Chow in Koreatown. The slippery shrimp has a special place in my heart. My 2 Cents LA in Mid-City is another favorite of mine, the shrimp and grits is my favorite dish. Baja California located in the South Bay has amazing fish tacos!! For drinks and fun, we’ll start the night off at a Hood Fantasy hosted night at Broadway Bar and end the night at ACE Hotel Rooftop party where one of my favorite LA DJ’s will probably be spinning in Downtown LA. For community, I love the Black Market Flea it’s an opportunity to meet new people and engage with local businesses. To hang out, I just like to drive around the city with my friends. I think the true beauty of LA is embracing what the city has to offer. There’s so much here to do. Wherever you go, you’ll enjoy yourself if you have an open mind. As a native, I’m still learning new spots.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My Shine Tribe deserves their flowers for keeping me inspired. These are the people in my community who keep my going on this creative journey. They are my supporters, my village, my friends, and family. I wouldn’t be who I am today without the people in my life who show up for me.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mookachanel/?igshid=NDk5N2NlZjQ%3D

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mookachanel_?lang=en

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5MT92AAUHkl_X-pJZEJ1fA

Image Credits
Photo Credits: ShineSZN Productions, Sunlit Media