Today we’d like to introduce you to Carmen Mi’chelle.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Ever since I was a young girl, I was always into theatre and music. I would also use writing as a way to express myself. I would write storybooks and draw the pictures just to show to my mom. My mom was my first inspiration. When I was young, she wrote a book about me that she never finished called, There’s a Mouse in Carmen’s House. I always wanted to finish her story. I grew up in a musically inclined family where we all played instruments. I played the trumpet and also learned to sing from my mother. As I got older, I always knew I wanted to be on TV. My favorite shows to watch were All That, In Living Color, Moesha, Taina, and Degrassi, and it inspired me to go for my dreams! I would perform dancing and singing at numerous community events and concerts such as Mack Alive and the state fair just to name a few., and traveling with my mom to her many performances where she sometimes had me perform as well. I first began acting and singing on stage since elementary school up into my adulthood, and in 2014 I began acting in independent films all around Detroit. In 2016 I was involved in a very bad car accident involving a semi-truck…it was a near-death experience for me, but I’m still here. That experience pushed me to live my life and put my happiness first no matter what. I became more determined to live a fulfilled life because my life is my own and it is not determined by others. So let’s ride this wave! I have written short films and participated in behind-the-scenes works to become more hands-on in front and behind the camera, and I haven’t stopped since. Now I have written and executive produced my first written feature film called Captured! I aspire to reach the levels of Issa Rae, Tyler Perry, and Ava DuVernay just to name a few. I’m working on my second feature film as we speak! The arts give me so much joy that words cannot explain. I love what I do and the wonderfully talented people I get to meet throughout the process. Art is life!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely was not smooth for me when it came to following my dreams and balancing life’s obstacles and responsibilities. I became a mother at age 21, and in the beginning, I didn’t receive a lot of understanding or support when it came to me following my dreams of acting and music. I was a young mother and was told I need to work a job, and acting wouldn’t get me anywhere. I joined the workforce and felt so unhappy and unfulfilled, and raised my son in Mississippi for 2 years. Moved back to Michigan when I was 23 and began to balance working, acting, and motherhood. I would often bring my son on sets with me and my play rehearsals because I wouldn’t have anyone to watch him for me. I struggled through depression for a few years, and after much research, I learned to practice mindfulness, yoga, and many other skills to take my power back and strengthen my mind, body, and soul. I was determined to never give up because my dreams were not a hobby to me. They are visions that I knew I could make into realities. So even when I was ridiculed for working for free for different projects in the past, I knew my humble beginnings would pay off for me in the long run. Now I get paid for my acting, and I’m also a full-time entrepreneur.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
Carmen Mi’chelle is an actress, singer, writer, model, dancer, and all-around creative! I love to express myself through the arts! At age 11, I was trained to be a youth leader in dance and drama. I would teach other children in this field up into my mid-twenties. I grew up in a life of service and community work through my mother’s non-profit organization. I feel I was born to be in the entertainment field and in the spotlight! I am so proud of myself for being consistent and growing so much in my craft. My most popular films I’m known for are The Bag Girls 1 & 2. I believe what sets me apart is that I dare to use all of my gifts and talents to shape myself and my brand. Some people believe you should focus only on one thing, and although that may be helpful in many ways, I can’t find myself to let those other parts of me go. I will always find ways to integrate them all when needed. Whether it’s creating my own content and editing videos, skits, short films. Or recording music in a studio or in the comfort of my own home. Painting or practicing/teaching health and fitness/yoga to myself and others. I learned the ins and outs of filmmaking, sound boom operating, camera operating, and photography hands-on. I believe all things work in perfect timing. Being true to myself has allowed me to be seen by people that ended up being a great asset to my life and purpose. Which ultimately led to the production of my first written feature film called Captured! I wrote myself as the lead because I believe in creating my own opportunities versus waiting on others, plus I wanted to tell part of my story to the world! To be not only an actress but also part owner of my own film as an Executive Producer was mind-blowing to me, and I can thank Urbancineplex Entertainment and Blu Clover Studios for seeing my potential and helping make my dream come true! I can be found on IMDB as Carmen Mi’chelle and my music can be found on all streaming platforms. I am determined to go harder and achieve more…pushing my limits and breaking the glass ceiling that the mind can create.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Some people don’t know that I parent a child on the autism spectrum. Or that I am very tech handy. And let’s just say I am…Magical!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7732622/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_1_nm_7_q_Carmen%2520Mi%27chelle
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/carmen.michelle_?igshid=MjEwN2IyYWYwYw==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carmenbeautybrainsbiz?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@CarmenMiChelle
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7yQ8Vqw0pgwEMChap16ysa?si=28WzkdfaQuGt5NaK8uFf4g
Image Credits
Ghanivision
