FWM recently caught up with Chanel Jaali who is a mental health professional, entrepreneur and artist. She is the creator of Glow Photo Series, a traveling photo project aimed to highlight the beauty of Black and Brown women. She asks women of all hair textures, body types, ages, abilities, and complexions to pose in a predetermined color in an attempt to shift the perspective of what the standard of beauty should be. Chanel wanted to create something she wasn’t seeing while scrolling through social media. She believes that everyone deserves to be represented and everyone deserves to know that they are beautiful.
FWM: Tell us about Glow.
Glow Photo Series is a traveling photo project aimed to highlight the beauty of Black and Brown women. I ask women of all hair textures, body types, ages, expressions, abilities, and complexions to pose in a predetermined color in an attempt to shift the perspective of what the standard of beauty should be.
FWM: What/Who inspires you?
I’m inspired by my ancestors who had to encounter so much and still found ways to experience joy. The resilience, resourcefulness, and creativity they have shows up in the women in my life and the women I meet each session. The women in this series also inspire me… more than they know! I’ve been able to interview some women and hear their stories and wow! They have dealt with and overcome so much throughout their lives. They bring so much joy and great energy to each session; you would never know someone’s story just by looking at her!
FWM: Tell us about the women you serve and how they have been impacted by your movement?
She’s the woman you sat next to on the train. Your little sister. Your college roommate turned friend. The woman you always speak to in the hallway at work. Your sorority sister. The woman who is trying something new.
Essentially, if you identify as a woman or femme of color, you are welcome!
Chanel Jaali
It is not necessary to have any modeling experience to participate, and there are no restrictions on how you can express yourself. In this age of social media and perceived perfection, it can be easy to get caught up in comparison. It is my hope that the people that participate and spectate see themselves as perfect and deserving of all good things!
FWM: We see that you are traveling the continent. What advice would you offer women looking to be an inspiration in the diversity arena?
My advice would be to be flexible and open! I travel a lot, and every experience is different. Being flexible lessens the stress of sudden changes that can happen with travel, and being open exposes you to fun new people and places. I’ve been introduced to new neighborhoods and made amazing connections.
I think it’s also important to be authentic, especially if you are looking to create content or become a personality/influencer. Share things you’ve learned, unexpected discoveries, cool new businesses. You’d be surprised how you could be encouraging other women to explore just by seeing you!
FWM: You celebrate women of all hair textures, body types, ages, abilities, and complexions. Why is this so important in this day and age?
I’ve seen this phrase a lot lately but it’s true- representation matters! It’s 2019, and we’re still experiencing “firsts” as it relates to achievements for people of color and seeing diversity is size and ability when it comes to media. I want this series to shout “all bodies are good bodies!” and “all hair is good hair!” and “there is more than one way to be a woman or to be femme!”
The world is tough, and has been for marginalized communities. In a small way, I offer the joy and power expressed in Glow Photo Series as resistance to a world that does not always accept how we show up.
FWM: What is the premise behind the “Sister Circle”?
The Sister Circle is a way to set the mood for the session. It gives an opportunity for each participant to introduce and promote themselves. We talk about what brings us joy. I try to allow space for people to connect and if even for a short while, have the freedom to be themselves in a safe space surrounded by loving and supportive individuals.
FWM: In light of the wave of nationalism going on in various nations around the world, how may your plight bring diversity attention, awareness and understanding?
I think it’s important to show up- for your family, community, but most importantly, yourself. More than ever, it’s important for us to be visible and loud especially since there are direct attacks on our beings and livelihoods. It is a reminder to oppressors that we will always be visible and will create spaces if necessary.
FWM: What’s next for Glow Photo Series?
A 2020 calendar featuring photos from past sessions will be released soon! A big push for Glow Photo Series will be developing relationships with businesses and tourism boards to reach more people and spread the word to build a larger community. I’m also curating the cities the series will visit next year- suggestions are always welcome!
FWM: How can our readers get involved? How may our readers stay connected with you?
Folks can visit www.glowphotoseries.com, on IG, Facebook, and Twitter at glowphotoseries. These platforms will keep everyone updated on where the series will travel to next, how to collaborate with me, how to participate in a session, and more!
So far, the project has been to DC, MD, Atlanta, Harlem, Los Angeles, Brooklyn, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Raleigh/Durham, and more. Each session starts out with a “sister circle” where they connect and talk about what brings us joy. Women are able to relate and network, often resulting in new business opportunities and friendships. The positive feedback that Chanel has received from participants and viewers has kept the motivation going!
