We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Chana Torres. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Chana below.
Chana, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
Lots of time, accountability and even more self love. To be transparent, I’ve come to the conclusion that you only have yourself 100% of the time. For the last 4 years (since I’ve moved away from my small conservative home town to the big city of Austin), I’ve had plenty of space and time to figure out who I am and let my weirdness flow. I haven’t always been so “confident” but with the solidarity that comes with moving to a whole new city, you can find self acceptance more easily. Also eliminating any outside factors that could intervene in who you truly are.
I practice working on the relationship with myself to this day. Taking a deep dive into how I feel about myself and breaking that superficial barrier is part of the process of accepting who you are. I’ve learned that once you truly embody the real you, the possibilities are endless.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am the podcast host of Channeling Chana where I share the behind the scenes of my life and what I have learned along the way. I’m currently working on a new project where I’ve created a platform for everyday people to share their taboo or weird real life experiences on another podcast named UNHINGED ASF. I will be launching that podcast this summer. I’m also a content creator, I express myself in the variety of layers that is Chana – Fashionista, Mentor, Mom, Plus Size Influencer – creating content that is colorful, sexy, tasteful, and most importantly relatable. My audience knows me and I know them. I’m part of an internet community of people that support and understand what I am about.
I’ve had the opportunity to work with brands that I feel truly align with who I am and what I stand for. I look forward to partnering with more brands with the same core beliefs as me in the near future. *cue foreshadowing*
Right now what I’m looking forward to the most is getting to know more creators that I can relate to and not only network with them but create and share experiences together as well.
I love inspiring people. It’s heartwarming to see people adopt a part of my confidence and embody it themselves. Some of my friends even call it the “Chana Effect”. I truly believe everyone has room to grow, as I know so well myself, and elevate into becoming the best version of themselves. Whatever that may be. It’s a beautiful experience to be a part of – to see it develop and progress.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
It’s not about what you know, it’s who you know. It’s important to surround yourself around individuals that not only support your dreams but those who also show up for you. People are super important during the creative journey. This is why I know networking is so important. You never know where a conversation may take you. Learn how to talk to people and most importantly learn how to listen. So many great conversations happen but go unheard. Know how to contribute to the conversation but make sure you’re taking something from it as well.
Create the content!!
Post the damn picture, post the damn video! You never know what will take off until you practice getting through that fear of not being “good enough” or “post worthy”. It’s normally the one post you didn’t think anyone would pay attention to that takes off. It might be that one post you may feel is cringy but others will love and find relatable. Always remember that and keep creating! Your niche and community will find you.
Fight impostor syndrome.
Personally this is something that I am still working on and I find very difficult. Having the right systems in place and people in your corner helping and reassuring you is beneficial. Everyone needs a reminder from time to time and that’s okay.
But at the end of the day it’s up to us as creatives to put in the work. You can’t always count on the validation that comes with someone praising you everytime you succeed. You need to be your number one fan! Be confident in yourself. Learn how to change that negative inner dialogue and it will show. Nothing is a loss but everything is a lesson in itself. I find that celebrating little wins are just as important as celebrating the big wins.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Anyone finding this interview relatable or that is themselves without having to dilute their personality are the people I want to connect with. I’m intrigued by people who are genuinely authentic. People that are deemed as an underdog. People with all odds against them but still some how find themselves overcoming those odds. Over all other like minded creators who want to take a stand and help each other expand, create, and most importantly – have a safe space to be themselves with their online presence while creating an influential digital footprint. Future collaborators can find every way to connect with me on chanationnetwork.com. If any of this has resonated with anyone please reach out. I would love to chat.
Contact Info:
- Website: chanationnetwork.com
- Instagram: @chanationisthenation
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFJqbGivYi0c_xRPkhmUZ8w
Image Credits
Dawa Studios
