Meet Armiel Chandler of West Hollywood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Armiel Chandler

Hi Armiel, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Since the age of 17, my goal has been to create content that diversifies the industry and inspires the youth. At a young age, I always gravitated towards creating because it was my outlet to feel seen and accepted. From interning at magazine companies and non-profit organizations I found my love for fashion and film. Fashion became a way I could express myself and my creativity through clothing. With film, I was allowed to create thought-provoking work that highlighted black culture. Fast forward little did I know I would mold fashion and film together as a Full-Time content creator. What I was posting as a journal entry and a way to vent for myself landed me in an Instagram “We Make Today” campaign and jumpstarted my content creator career. With personality-driven content and positive affirmations reels, I wanted to create a safe space for people to authentically live in their truth. My work and content have gotten me featured on Instagram, Ulta Beauty, Essence, NBC, Tribeca Film Festival, Seventeen Magazine, Savage X Fenty, SiriusXM Radio, and much more. I was recently part of a lucrative deal with Facebook and Meta We The Culture Program. My main goal is to create content that amplifies voices of color and create a new wave and standard when it comes to being plus-size and fashionable.

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 think when you’re the first of something it’s not easy but I know all the hardships in my career will make it a smoother road for others that look like me. Being a plus-size fashion creator trying to fit in a space you face challenges more than some of your other counterparts but that doesn’t stop me from showing up. Me showing up is allowing others that look like me to feel seen. I continue to create because I know I am creating an inclusive space for plus-size guys in fashion.

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’m a filmmaker, video editor, and content creator. Before becoming a full-time content creator I worked at a non-profit organization as a content producer.. I got discovered through Instagram Reels for my personality-driven content and sense of style. A lot of the short-form content I make is about creating an inclusive and safe space for plus-size guys to be included in fashion. One of my series “Clothing has no gender’ shows people how to not limit their style and step out of their comfort zone. I think what sets me apart from others is my willingness to go against societal norms and create a table for people who look like me. I want people growing up to see what I wasn’t able to see as a kid and get inspired to be whoever they want to be.

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I think risk-taking to me is like placing a bet on yourself. With risk comes rewards and it’s all about how consistent you are and how bad you want it. My whole career I’ve had to bet on myself first which allowed me to create a structure for myself as a creative and open doors for people who look like me. Everything I do is to create a table and open the door for more people to excel. Being sometimes the only Plus-size male creator in these fashion spaces is me taking a risk and trusting myself.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://armiel.komi.io/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/armielchandler/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiwsoME2Vji8UZ87Duu2Pfw