Even though she’s only been living in Los Angeles for a year, this Northern California native has already starred in the Wayans Brothers’ movie Dance Flick and has her sights set on winning Oscars and working with Leonardo DiCaprio. Overly ambitious? No way. Chelsea Makela knows that if you want to work with the stars, you’ve got to reach for the stars and dream big. If her success so far is any indication, we think this vivacious teen could make those dreams come true. She came in for a photo shoot so, of course, we had to ask her what being a movie was like, but we also wanted to know how she manages to stay so upbeat even when it’s tough. If only you could hear her infectious laugh…
I saw that you were wearing all Torrid on your home page. Is it safe to say we’re your favorite fashion store?
Yes! You guys have been so good to me. My stylist always pulls from Torrid. It’s the first place we come to for events too. I’ve been shopping with you forever.
What are some of your favorite Torrid pieces?
I love my black vest. I wear it with everything. Your dresses. I wore a Torrid dress to my first premier. It’s this really pretty green and teal flowery summer dress.
How would you describe your personal style?
I’m very mismatched. I have my leather-looking leggings, boots and sweaters, then I have my very classic, girly stuff. I have my plaid shirt and leggings that I like to run around town in. I have a little bit of everything.
Have any fashion trends caught your eye?
I like fall trends. I love the cute skirts and sweaters and peacoats, stuff like that. I’m a little nervous about the [‘40s trend]. You have to do it right.
You know we think you’re totally adorable, but weight is often an issue in the entertainment business. Do you feel like you’ve been limited or unfairly judged by your size? How have you dealt with that?
I actually haven’t. My mom and I were just talking about that. I really feel [that] if you don’t let [people] define you as the skinny girl or the heavy girl or the ugly girl or the pretty girl, then you won’t be viewed as that. If you’re constantly changing up and being who you want to be, instead of trying to fit into what everyone is trying to put you in, then you’ll never get those kinds of labels, negative or positive.
In general, what do you think of all the media attention you’ve received?
It’s unbelievable. It’s been weird. I have friends say, “I totally googled you and you popped up.” It’s kinda odd, but it’s fun. I take it one day at a time.
What’s the funniest experience you’ve had with the media?
The first time we had to deal with the media, we were on set and we had to do a press packet. None of us thought the movie was actually going to be in theatres. We were fooling around on set, just dancing, and we didn’t realize MTV was filming us. So we go over to our director and we were like, is there any way they could erase that?
Any words of wisdom for dealing with the media?
Just be yourself. Never answer the way you think people want you to. Take your time and have fun with it. Don’t answer if you don’t want to.
Your bios say that acting and dancing are your passions and have been since you were little; seems like it’s easy for you to have fun with it.
I’ve been to different premiers and things and I’m not nervous, but it’s so weird to be walking alongside these greats that I’ve grown up watching. Sometimes I’m like, can I just watch? I want to see how they work it. It’s so different to see Jennifer Aniston step onto the carpet and the press swarms her. I’m glad I get to learn. I can’t imagine being thrown into that all at once.
What’s your favorite part of performing?
The creativity, being able to step out of my reality and into someone else’s reality. To play in that world.
Which project is your favorite so far?
Dance Flick was wonderful. Absolutely amazing. Theatre-wise, probably Guys and Dolls. I was Adelaide.
