Meet Chenay McConnell | Musical Artist and Social Entrepreneur

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

Hi Chenay, what do you think makes you most happy? Why?

Creating, performing, and bringing people together is what ignites my happiness! Since the age of 5, I have been a performer. I started off as a dancer and emerged into the world of singing, acting, and modeling. I attended Stephens College and received a BFA in acting, and then transitioned into an independent singer and freelance model. I believe that art is a way to let people escape into another world and be able to relate to it or experience something new! Creating an emotional representation of my life experiences and allowing others to interpret my art in their own way is magic to me!

Another passion of mine is racial and social equity. As an artist, I am passionate about stories, and I want to tell not only my experiences but other people’s as well. In retelling the stories of others, I want to create powerful representations of racial and cultural concepts, leading and contributing to social equity. I am a Black and White female who has struggled with my identity and belonging in society. My struggle stems from the environments I was raised in and the systemic inequities impacting Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. I know that art is a powerful tool to use when trying to provoke empathy and awareness in others, and I want nothing more than to apply it to my art and business as a social entrepreneur.

I have a great desire to learn and share BIPOC experiences while educating others simultaneously. In order to accomplish some of this, I am currently building my company Urbanity Live. My mission is to increase justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) in the creative industry. I want to represent and advocate for BIPOC creative professionals. My education and work results will produce a more equitable creative industry that authentically respects and celebrates diversity.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have learned that life is a continuous journey of learning and growth…if you choose it! I have learned a lot along the way, but I also feel like I have so much to learn still. Being an entrepreneur and artist puts you in some tricky situations. You have to take risks and dedicate a lot of time to your passions. I am excited that I still have so much growth to experience, and yet I am really proud of where I came from.

Building my voice and brand as a woman of color has been one of my favorite parts of this journey. I feel more confident in business meetings, advocating for myself, and coaching other creatives. I am discovering how to embrace the weird and unique parts of who I am while still celebrating my smooth, sultry side. Although there have been challenges with being taken seriously, stereotyped, and tokenized for being a woman of color in the industry. I am thankful that I was able to experience acting school and perform around Denver for the last ten years because it has allowed me to stay up on my skills and share my gifts with everyone. Now I am looking forward to gaining more knowledge as a businesswoman! To aid me in this growth, I will be attending grad school through Kings College of London for Global Cultures. I will ultimately gain more knowledge in how to conversate and train others in racial and social equity!

I have been able to connect with other amazing creatives over the years, but I have found it challenging to keep consistency in collaborating with some of them, and this has led me to realize that I must not limit myself to just Denver. I want to expand to other cities and grow my network and opportunities all over the country and the world. I want to always remain true to authenticity, equity, and love when it comes to what my brand represents as an artist and entrepreneur, and I am looking forward to more adventures ahead!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Crema Coffee House: My favorite coffee shop. It has delicious food and friendly staff

Infinite Moneky Therom: I love wine! Chill vibes, art, and outdoor patio space

Beacon: The whole bar is a work of art, like a mini Meowolf

Fort Greene: Another Art bar with chill vibes and craft cocktails

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have to shout out my dad (Craig McConnell), sister (Cayla McConnell), and partner (James Roy II). I have had continuous support in pursuing my passions, and I know that many artists don’t get the kind of love and support that I have received. When the rollercoaster of emotions gets intense, they have been there to build me up!

My skills in the arts have always been strong, but when it came to the business side of the industry, I needed to learn more. James Roy II has been a tremendous help in setting me up with the tools and knowledge of how to advocate for myself! As a creative himself, he has inspired me to try new things and own my weirdness. James has never judged me and takes my passions as seriously as I do! He has also reminded me that I am a smart, powerful woman and not to let people put me in a box. I couldn’t be more thankful for him as a partner and best friend!

Website: itschenay.com

Instagram: @itschenay

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chenay-mcconnell-595347252/

Youtube: https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCmgDA4lB7OMoj-WccBudbeA?feature=share

Image Credits
I included extra pics just in case some of them don’t work. Pic 1: Lair Media Pic 2: JBell Visuals (Mofvir Magazine) Pic 3: Dane Ohlrogge (Headlining @ Milehigh Spirits) Pic 4: Dane Ohlrogge (Headlining @ Milehigh Spirits) Pic 5: Lair Media (VanJak Vodka) Pic 6: Studio Time Pic 7: JBell Visuals (Vertiqle Magazine) Pic 8: Roy B Lee Pic 9: Dane Ohlrogge Pic 10: ColorCO Photography Pic 11: JBell Visuals (with my partner James Roy II Pic 12: James Roy II