We’re looking forward to introducing you to Chanel Haughton. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Chanel , thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: Would YOU hire you? Why or why not?
Absolutely, I would hire myself without a doubt. I am a dedicated and hardworking individual who values excellence. When something isn’t right, I address it immediately, ensuring that the integrity of my work and business is never compromised. My commitment to integrity speaks for itself and is vital for anyone looking to grow and elevate a business.
In addition, my customer service is exceptional. I approach every interaction with positivity, treating others with kindness and respect. Everyone starts with a clean slate, and I reciprocate the energy I receive. If a situation arises, I’m firm but fair, always aiming to de-escalate and find a positive resolution. At the core, I am a person full of happiness and love, not driven by external validation, money, or approval, which allows me to lead with confidence and grace.
This is the kind of leadership and character that any successful entrepreneur should embody.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Chanel Haughton, 10+ years in the beauty industry as a published, professional makeup artist – founder and licensed esthetician of Elle Noir Beauty, where luxury meets holistic skincare and artistry. I began my journey as a makeup artist, and that passion for enhancing natural beauty is at the heart of everything I do. I specialize in makeup artistry, offering everything from flawless everyday looks to glam transformations, always emphasizing that healthy skin is the perfect canvas.
As a brow specialist, I offer lamination, tinting, waxing, and even permanent brow services like microshading, microblading, and nanobrows. Brows are a true passion of mine, and I love creating that perfect shape that frames the face and elevates confidence. At Elle Noir Beauty, every service is tailored to the individual, whether it’s achieving radiant skin, sculpting perfect brows, or creating a stunning makeup look.
What makes Elle Noir Beauty unique is this blend of skincare, artistry, and a personal touch. I’m all about empowering clients to feel their best, not just through treatments, but through education and community. It’s more than beauty—it’s a lifestyle.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
The part of me that has served its purpose and now must be released is the constant state of survival mode. Leaving home at 17, I had to navigate life through observation, vigilance, and learning, always pushing forward to find stability. That survival mindset served me well, but it’s time to let it go.
Meeting the love of my life, someone kind and supportive, helped me shift from surviving to thriving. Together, we combined our experiences and grew, allowing me to step into a softer era—an era where I can relax, embrace joy, and truly enjoy life. It’s about letting go of the need to constantly figure everything out and allowing myself to experience peace, love, and the beauty of the present moment.
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
I took a hard hit & pivot with a female empowerment group I curated called D.I.V.A.S. (Determined Individuals with a Vengeance to Achieve Success) and the possibility of what it could’ve grown into had I kept moving forward. I curated a space to encourage women to be “boss chicks” and thrive in their nsturally- born talent. D.I.V.A.S held brunches across NYC, and I would have guest speakers at some events who were already making strides and/or connected to celebrity circles, but the truth is, getting participation was a struggle for me. When you’re not already “popping,” it’s hard to get people to show up. Every month of it’s announced location felt more & more like a chore than a passion and I found myself giving too much non-reciprocated energy that I could have been pouring into myself.
That experience changed my perspective, entirely, but I sometimes wonder if I should have kept it going although it was taxing on my peace; because I shortly after seen female empowerment groups popping up everywhere. It started to trend and definitely was an era that motivated the entrepeurial mindset in women that is seen today. Instead, I shifted that focus inward and that decision was a game-changer for my mental health.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of me is not the real me, because I am a multifaceted individual, deeply influenced by energy—whether from people or the environment. The real me isn’t something everyone is entitled to, because there’s something sacred about the layers within us. Different circumstances bring out different sides, and even we can surprise ourselves with what we’re capable of.
In the beauty industry, the public sees what they need—a confident, polished, and professional figure who embodies integrity, self-care, and excellent service. Clients come to me looking for that ideal provider, but that’s just one facet. The truth is, nobody fully knows the real me, because we are all ever-evolving, and some moments are meant to be personal. Why should the public see every layer? They shouldn’t, and they don’t need to, because the essence of who we are is far deeper than what any single version can show.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What will you regret not doing?
What I will regret not doing are many things, but a few stand out. I wish I had become a homeowner much sooner, but not knowing enough about investments, credit, and financial planning delayed that for me. I also regret not investing earlier—whether in a 401k or other opportunities that could have set me up for more security.
Beyond that, I wish I had continued pursuing my love for modeling. I started at 15, attended modeling school, and even competed in Hilton Head, South Carolina, placing in a category and becoming second runner-up in a Got Milk commercial. I loved the runway, and to this day, I bring that same perfectionism to the pictures I take for social media. Even then, though I was thin, the industry labeled me as overweight, and I could have embraced being a plus-size model, had I continued. That could have been such a fulfilling outlet for me—a space where I could shine and express myself even more.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ElleNoirBeauty.com
- Instagram: @IAmElleNoirBeauty
- Other: Instagram: @ElleNoirBeauty
Instagram: @ElleNoirSkin
