Chanda Tresvant: From Social Media Personality to Music and Fashion
Let’s meet LA native Chanda Tresvant, aka Trapanese , who grew up in a creative household alongside her twin sister, younger brother, and older sister. From an early age, she pursued the performing arts, attending a specialized school where she participated in plays and talent shows. During high school, she trained with acting coach Betty Bridges, refining her skills every Saturday.
Following graduation, Tresvant established a social media presence under “Trapanesechik,” a handle that quickly gained recognition. As her online following grew, a director contacted her to appear in a music video, which later aired on MTV. This, of course, brought more opportunities, with multiple directors reaching out for collaborations.
As she rose through the ranks in the music video industry, Tresvant shifted her focus to music. Teaming up with producer Mecca, she recorded her debut single, Why They Actin’, kicking off a transition from video appearances to a career as a recording artist. The release grabbed media attention, allowing her to share her journey and goals.
In 2021, Tresvant expanded into fashion, making her runway debut at The Global Film Festival, a televised event in China that led to bookings for fashion shows, adding a new layer to her career.
Tresvant continues developing her music while preparing for upcoming projects and tour dates. Her most recent single, “Pop That,” is now available for download or streaming!
Chanda Tresvant weighed in on a few things for us!
Growing Up in LA: How did your experiences in a performing arts school in Los Angeles shape your passion for the entertainment industry?
Growing up, going to performing arts school helped sharpen my skills because I played the trumpet in the orchestra in elementary school, and the trumpet helps singers strengthen their vocals! Also, I was in acting classes in elementary, middle, and high school! So it helped me get practice in acting and helped me perform in large crowds!!
The Stage and Screen: What was it like learning from acting coach Betty Bridges during high school, and how did it influence your career?
Being in Betty Bridges’ class helped me work on my skills for the big screen. She taught me that it’s not about your talent in this Business; it’s about who you know!
Social Media Persona: Can you tell us how the name “Trapanesechik” came about and how it helped you build your brand?
Who I am on social media is who I am in real life. It was no persona, and someone stole my name, Trapanese, so I had to go by “Trapanesechik,” but that’s been my second name my whole life outside of my real name, Chanda! Trapanese came about. My family called me that, but some girl at work told me to go by that seriously!! Because I was hustling
Breakthrough Moment: How did appearing in the music video for “Everybody in the Club Getting Shot” by Father change your career trajectory?
When I appeared in the Father Music video, it inspired me to believe that I could really live this Hollywood life! I was born and raised in California. I didn’t want to miss these opportunities when they were presented, so I kept going!
Transitioning Roles for Chanda Tresvant: What motivated your shift from being a “video girl” to pursuing a music career, and how did the collaboration with your first producer, Mecca, come about?
Being a video girl was just my way of trying to get into the door, but I was doing music ever since I could talk, so it was always going to happen
Fashion Forward: You were part of “The Global Film Festival” fashion show aired in China. How did walking the runway influence your career and creativity?
Walking the runway was a very fun experience, and it boosted my confidence to know how to pose and work the cameras, which is very important as an artist
The Chanda Tresvant Musical Journey: What challenges have you faced in the music industry while transitioning from video appearances to being a recognized artist?
Me being a model /video girl was a challenge because the music industry would treat you like you’re promiscuous!!! And there will be men in competition with you ! Because you’re a rapper !
New Releases: Please tell us more about your recent single, “Pop That,” and your vision for making it a summer anthem.
Pop that came out in the summertime, and everything was styled by me, and idk I just wanted a fun, exciting song, so it was just how I was feeling at the moment
Future Endeavors: What can fans expect from your upcoming tour and any new projects you’re excited to share?
Stay tuned and watch my social media for any upcoming shows! I have plenty of new features that have yet to be released, so stay tuned!
Inspiration and Influence: Who are some of your biggest influences in music and fashion, and how do they inspire your work today?
My biggest influences were Lil Wayne, Trina, Lauryn Hill, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Rihanna, Toni Braxton, TLC, Selena, Tupac, Biggie, Jay Z, and Kanye West! In modeling, it was Kimora Lee Simmons because she had her own clothing line and was a model!! And I liked Janice Dickinson!! They all inspire me for different reasons!
You can follow the journey on Instagram @trapanesechik
TweetAbout the Author
Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.
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