Today we’d like to introduce you to Chanice Ball.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was born and raised in Boston, MA. Growing up, I always knew that I didn’t fit into the career confines in my city – following a career in law enforcement, education or medicine. I knew I was more creative and expressive than what was around me. Someone mentioned to my mom when I was young that I should be in commercials; I was probably around 6/7 years old. Nothing ever came about it then but that always stuck with me that it was an option. Fast forward to my junior year in college, one day I just woke up like “I want to act” and hit the ground running with taking the next steps to do that. I was with two agencies in Boston, taking acting classes in New Hampshire, attending actor’s showcases and just learning about the business on my own. I started booking projects a lot, especially commercials, and it really hit me that this was what I wanted to do. Eventually, I moved to LA to open myself up to more frequent opportunities and here we are.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I would say it has been a smooth road only because of my mindset. I’m very optimistic and I always find a solution to the problems or struggles that may arise. Most of the “struggles” were internal. There were many times I felt low, sad, depressed, or even just really alone but would keep it to myself. I would question my abilities and capabilities, especially during those slow periods wondering when the next job would come. I would sit alone trying to shuffle through and decider the actions of people whom I called friends and would wonder if they just wanted access to my space/energy. Or even being around people who were following more “professional” careers and here I am doing commercials. Like, is this the right thing I should be doing? Just a whole lot of questioning myself. But I just remember how important it is to retreat and recover to allow yourself time to just get back into the right, positive mindset again then to pick up where you left off.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I call myself a “Multi-Hyphenated Hustler” because I have a very multifaceted career both in front and behind the camera. I am most known for a lot of work I do as a commercial actress/model, but I also get to showcase my skills as a videographer, video editor and content creator on social media, depending on the day. Most recently, I’ve dabbled into the music industry working under a music manager to learn more about artist management. So really, I just do a lot.
What sets me apart is my thirst for knowledge, I am truly a student of life and my friends laugh at me because it’s like every quarter here I come with a new skill or job that I’m taking on! As well as the ultimate belief that I can do anything! I see no limits, I see no ceilings. If there’s a human out there that’s doing something I want to do, I have no doubt that I can do the same, I just have to learn how.
What I am most proud of is myself. I am proud to be as driven, hardworking, and inquisitive as I am. And then with all that, I am also proud to be someone who gives advice to anyone who asks and always helps when I can. This industry is hard enough so I don’t want to gatekeeper any information or knowledge that can help someone get to where they’re going 5x faster than when I was coming up. Which is why I started my own management company so I can be a guide or resource to people who are starting out in the commercial or social media industries. More on that to come!
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
In the next 5-10 years, I see my industry being way more inclusive and open to everyone, especially with more black women. I would love to see all kinds of different representations of black women in every single commercial, tv show, and movie out there! Not just one look. I’m talking about showcasing more skin tones, hair textures, authentic features! All of it! I also envision having more people who know how to do our hair and makeup on set to ensure we look and feel our best when doing a job. You wouldn’t believe how this can really make or break how you feel on set. But that’s a conversation for another day. In all, I see the industry being so much more open to black women where they wouldn’t even think twice if they needed one in their work!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.chaniceball.com
- Instagram: www.Instagram.com/chaniceball
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/chaniceball
- Other: www.TikTok.com/@chaniceball
Image Credits
Ed Cañas / Sephora Richard Monteiro Jordana Sheara Adam Simms Ryan Stokes Aneudy Rodriguez
