Welcome to Seven Minutes in Heaven, GO Magazine’s interview series that profiles a different queer babe each day, by asking them seven unique (and sometimes random) questions. Get to know the thoughts, feelings, and opinions of the groundbreaking, fierce forces-of-nature in the queer community.
Chainelle Molina is an insanely gorgeous and talented makeup artist. Just as beautiful as her face and makeup skills, is her heart. In 2015, Chainelle founded Makeup4aChange, dedicated to providing free beauty services, workshops, and classes to under-represented and marginalized communities, in the spirit of discovering beauty in a diverse and inclusive world.
Daughter of shoe designer and Ecuadorian immigrant, Carlos Molina, Chainelle grew up surrounded by beauty and fashion, and was inspired to walk a creative path herself. Chainelle has a large Instagram following, thanks to her unique and striking makeup looks. I am *so* excited to spend Seven Minutes In Heaven with a fellow makeup-obsessed femme.
GO Magazine: Who are you and what do you do?
Chainelle Molina: My name is Chainelle Molina and I am a New York City based Makeup Artist and Hairstylist specializing in Bridal, TV/Film, Commercial, Print, Fashion and Special Effects.
GO: What is the most exciting part of being a makeup artist?
CM: The constant growth, change and evolution definitely keeps me on my toes. Makeup is now a medium where an artist can create living, breathing, transformative masterpieces.
GO: Who are your queer lady role models?
CM: The late Edith Windsor is an icon and a hero to all of us in the LGBTQ community! I admire and respect her advocacy in an era when being queer meant assimilation was the only way to live. I am so glad that unlike most pioneers, she was able to live to see the fruits of her activism.
Ellen DeGeneres for breaking down the entertainment industry closet and her powerful efforts to create a change in this world for ALL.
And of course, the extraordinary Stefani Germanotta, who effortlessly embodies fashion, beauty, creativity and art.
GO: Where do you go for inspiration when you’re feeling discouraged or depleted?
CM: The best thing about social media is that I can follow all of my favorite creators and be instantly motivated, but my absolute favorite is a humble shoe designer named Carlos Molina, who also happens to be my father! He grew up poor in a small village in Ecuador, made his way to New York City and became world-renowned in the fashion industry. It is because of him I’m always reminded that with faith and hard work, anything is possible, even and especially when things are looking a bit dismal.
GO: Describe your style in three words.
CM: Dark, Original, & Glamorous.
GO: What do you love most about makeup?
CM: I love to create an idea in my mind and watch it come to life on the best canvas in the world, the human face. The absolute best thing about it though, is that mistakes can ALWAYS be corrected.
GO: How can people find you?
CM: You can visit my website at www.chainellemolina.com check me out on Instagram at @chainellemolina or email me any questions at info@chainellemolina.com
