Everybody Has A Story | Featuring Chanel Ryan

Models - Interviews

Everyone has a story. There are hidden treasures in these stories which tell of human endeavor and worldly acclaim. When all these stores collide, we have history, and when you look to history you will see that some things never change. War, envy, and pain but also there is love, camaraderie, and pleasure.  My disposition gravitates towards the positive although I’m well aware of the negative. For me, there will always be some object of beauty inspiring me in one way or another. Stories accompanied by pictures of suspended beauty inspire this magazine; stories like that of Chanel Ryan. Her story is now part of HTM history. 

We’ve spoken on several occasions and each time I was pleasantly surprised that she spoke in concert with how she looks. Her voice has a delicate and sensual strength to it that is also evident throughout her photos. Never one to be particularly intimidated, I came dangerously close with Chanel. We are exact opposites in physicality, she: fair and statuesque, I: dark and short. Still I feel a connection to her, maybe it’s because of her East Coast roots or it could simply be attraction in disguise but whatever it is, I feel it. “Do you know what it is I may be feeling?” I ask just sure she has fans everywhere and not just men. “I have no idea!” she answers. “When you find out let me know [smiles.]”

So it would appear Chanel is not conceited and it shows when she tells me what separates her from other models. “Hmmm.  I always hate questions like this!  I don't want to come off sounding completely full of myself,” she says, “I guess the thing that separates me is I view the modeling and acting industry as a business.  I don't have an ego and am here to work.  Some days I do a big job and other days a small one. I don't feel like I'm above anything and realize I have a shelf life and it’s important to create my own opportunities!  I also produce my own swimsuit calendars, posters, photo shoots, etc.”

“I am a very creative person,” Chanel opens up, “… and love to work on different jobs which challenge me.  I never forget how lucky I am to get the opportunity to play dress up with amazing hair & make-up and become different people, and get paid for it!” Where does Chanel find motivation to achieve all she has set forth?  “I am motivated by different things depending on what’s going on in my life.  For example I might take a job in the Philippines simply because I have never been there and want the experience of traveling and visiting another country.  Or I might accept a shoot locally with a photographer I admire and a great creative team.”

Chanel did not chase dreams of being a model, “I was at the beach one day,” she informs, “where I used to spend most of my time and I was approached to model for a swimwear campaign.  I had always been interested in modeling but didn't really know how to get started so that pretty much pushed me in the right direction.” As an influence in the modeling world Chanel admits her favorite model is Amber Smith. “She is so beautiful and has such a great style. She is really sexy but is classy and has an edginess to her at the same time.”

Not only a gorgeous model that any man would love to have on his arm, but an actress as well. Name some companies you would like to work with?” I ask. “As far as modeling goes? - Roberto Cavalli!”   answers an enthusiastic Chanel, “wouldn't everyone?... Agent Provacateur , David Yurman. As far as acting goes I would love to work with Quentin Tarantino, Rob Zombie (really want to do an over the top scary horror film) and James Cameron.” Since I am a horror film fan I suddenly have the urge to hear her scream in terror while running down a dark hallway scantily clad in tank top and panties. Am I a sicko?

My story’s most important elements involve women. In a conversation with a pretty girl the other night, while out at one of our events, I mentioned that I have a lot of women in my life. She looked at me like I was crazy. I am hoping that in the chapters that pertain to HTM, Chanel will become one of the many women in my life. It’s not as bad as it sounds, however I do have a lot of girlfriends, but I’m no playboy. “If you and I became very close and I did something to make you upset, what gift could I give for you to forgive me?” I inquire. “I am addicted to Sprinkles cupcakes,” answers an excited Chanel, “…Red Velvet and Black and White are my favorites!  I also love, love, love David Yurman jewelry, especially his cocktail rings.” So… cupcakes and cocktail rings. I think I could manage.

Originally from the East Coast, now living in L.A. where she says she is spoiled because… “No matter what time of day or night there is always something to do.” She, as do I, loves to travel to different cities to shop, party and dine. I wanted to know her favorites, “I am actually a huge shopaholic so you have asked the right person! As far as shopping goes for Men’s and Women’s clothing, shoes, handbags etc. I love the Forum shops in Las Vegas.  When traveling internationally I always bring back something beautiful and indigenous to the country to display in my house. For example from Australia I bought hand woven baskets made by the Aboriginal people, Costa Rica; beautiful hand made clay bottles, Spain; hand thrown and painted pottery, Taiwan; hand carved masks and intricately detailed teapots.”

“I love to eat too!” she adds, “One of my favorite restaurants of all time is Jackomos in New Orleans. Also really love Dick & Jenny's which is also in New Orleans.  In Los Angeles Sushi Roku is bomb!” I’m beginning to believe Chanel is the perfect girl to seek hidden treasures with. “For partying and night life,” she continues, “nothing compares to the clubs in other countries. Most of them have open air rooftop dancing and the party goes on til the sun comes up or later.  I have danced on the rooftop listening to house music in Mexico and Spain til the sun came up.  In Italy the clubs on the beach open onto the sand where I had the amazing experience of swimming in the Baltic Sea at midnight and dancing all night on a Mediterranean beach til we fell asleep in lounge chairs.  The nightlife is crazy in Miami as well - we would go to dinner @ 11pm or so, head to the club at 1am or so, party all night, go to breakfast at 7am and then sleep on the beach and do it all over again!” Yea, with examples like this I elect Chanel as my personal sexy travel guide.

If cupid should deliver an arrow to her well shaped bottom and grant me a date, what’s the worse that could happen? “Funny I watched an episode of "Ghost Whisperer" last night and one of the characters had the worst date ever.  She had wine spilled all over her dress at dinner, and then they got a flat tire on the way home which resulted in grease on her jacket.  That sums it up!” I think I know what episode she is talking about. Speaking of her body she admits, “I live a pretty healthy lifestyle.  Hike regularly and try to work out as much as I can on my days off.  I am actually developing a workout routine for women on the go who only have 15 minutes here and there to work out.”

An Irish and German girl who was a self-described “tomboy” growing up confesses she can’t live without her “blackberry” and would love to “Stop cruelty and abuse to animals” by everyone “getting their pets spayed or neutered.”

There are seven types of stories in the world: The Quest, Voyage and Return, Rebirth, Comedy, Tragedy, Overcoming the Monster, Rags to Riches and Silly.”Which type is closest to yours and why?” is the question I posed to Chanel. “Hmmm... That's a hard one.  Bit of all of the seven types depending on the day and my mood!  Today is Voyage and Return since there are so many roadblocks in life along the way to accomplishing my goals and living out my dreams. I always struggle to find a way to surpass the obstacles and head towards the light and the path that is right for me.”

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