Life and Work with Chanel Peek

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chanel Peek.

Chanel, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
As a kid, I had big hopes and dreams of being a chef; that didn’t work out so well considering all I wanted to do was eat and not cook. So, I continued on not knowing exactly what I wanted to do in hopes that I’d find my passion. A few years later, I happened upon a movie called “Everybody’s Fine” starring Robert De Niro. I can’t tell you what it was about or if it was even a good movie, but I can tell you that it sparked my interest in advertising.

Seven seasons of Mad Men and a few college essays later, I found myself at the Savannah College of Art and Design studying Advertising and more specifically, copywriting. There, I met some of the most creative and inspiring people in the world, this is fact and not opinion. I was pushed harder than ever and let my crazy imagination run wild.

Somehow, all of that led me here. To Los Angeles. To my ad partner (we’re a match made in heaven). To being a copywriter at a dope agency.

Great, 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 wasn’t always easy. I’ve always been a super logical person, so sometimes creative blocks can be harder for me to get through than with most people. It’s tough, sometimes, believing in yourself when you’re constantly seeing amazing work. To other women, especially young women and women of color, know that sometimes it’s hard trying to find your voice in your field, but there are networks full of people like you who’ve gone through the same stuff. My advice would be to be your true self and go with your gut even though it seems hard at times.

Please tell us about your work.
I’m a copywriter in advertising. It’s not about legal stuff, it’s about finding the truths about the brands we interact with every day. I’m known for writing sick copy and bringing the fun to every job I do. I believe that if you’re not having a good time, then what’s the point of doing what you do?

Often it feels as if the media, by and large, is only focused on the obstacles faced by women, but we feel it’s important to also look for the opportunities. In your view, are there opportunities that you see that women are particularly well positioned for?
The great thing about being a woman right now is that all the men in charge are so confused. After years of nobody telling them no, they’re finally realizing there are better ways of thinking. I’ve learned that people will often look too young women for advice on how to navigate today’s society. We have the opportunity to open doors and change the world.

Contact Info:

• Website: peekchanel.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chanelnumberpi/

Image Credit:
Fayethe Vongsouvahn, Morgan Sullivan, Morgan Sullivan, Ryan Williams, Chanel Peek

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