Good Morning Swirls! 

Happy Monday! We wanted to start this week off right with our special interview with Actress and Swirl Girl Icon, Vanessa Chester!

Now maybe the information I am about to tell you Swirls dates me a bit but for those of us who were born in the late 80’s will definitely remember the beloved movie, A Little Princess. And if you remember this magical movie, then you definitely remember Vanessa Chester’s significant Swirl Girl role as Becky! As a quick refresher (*spoiler alert*), you’ll remember that Becky and Sarah end up being the only two real princesses in the entire story and are happily whisked off to India. Anywho, I absolutely ADORED this movie as a child and so for me, this post is a nostalgic, spectacular moment!  So join us in our interview, from a little princess to beautiful charismatic queen with the lovely and talented Vanessa Chester!

My ethnicity is:

Both of my parents were born in Georgetown, Guyana in South America.  Most people associate Guyana with the Caribbean/West Indies (that’s if they have ever even heard of it), but it’s a small country on the tip of the continent. In regards to ethnicity, my brother and I are of African American, East Indian, West Indian/Caribbean, Amerindian, with a splash Caucasian and Chinese!

 My BFF’s would describe me as:

 I asked and here’s the verdict: Fun. Passionate. Weird. Sentimental. Wild. Stubborn. Colorful. Math enthusiast. Great sister and daughter. Outgoing. Vivacious. Warm. Caring. Witty. Empathetic. Risk-taker.  Hysterical.

Who are some Swirl Girls that you look up to and why?

Rosario Dawson, Rashida Jones, Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis. Zoe Saldana. I love their energy! Its so positive and strong. They’re funny, smart, and confident beautiful women.

Tell us a bit about growing up as a Swirl Girl?  

I don’t think people really knew I had a mixed heritage when I was younger because I wasn’t very aware of it. As I got older I started to realize my rich family history and people were receptive and positive. Luckily, I haven’t had many negative experiences with my background.

What initially drew you to being an actress? What do you enjoy most about your profession?

I was only 3 and it was my mom’s decision. However, I think I kept it up cause I liked the attention and it was fun. As I got older just fell in love with it. I love telling stories. Actors are storytellers and there is nothing more entertaining than participating in telling a story or witnessing someone telling a story so well that you believe the world they’re in is real. It’s so dope!

What did you major in while studying at USC and why?

I originally wanted to major in Business but I loved the idea of discovering the incentives that explain WHY people make the decisions and purchases they make so I went with Econ. Economics goes beyond business and politics - it applies to everyday life and to any situation . It’s funny, cause I couldn’t stand Economics in high school. I would fall asleep in class at least once a month (oops). But I decided to major in it and I’m so glad I did.

Did you ever feel as though you had to choose between your education and your acting career?

No, I have to thank my mom for that, education is really important to my parents. My mom never had me home-schooled as a child. I was always enrolled in a regular school with non-actor kids, even when I was on location shooting. I’m really glad she did that because I loved school  and having to choose between education and my other love -acting would have been tragic.

What are some of the biggest challenges you think Swirl Girls face today?

Classification! I believe that our society is waaaaay too obsessed with putting labels on people, experiences, and things. Sometimes it seems as if society wants individuals of mixed heritage to pick a side or “act” a certain way, which isn’t fair. Every aspect of a Swirl Girl’s heritage deserves to be acknowledged and encouraged. At the end of the day we’re human beings and all as unique as the cultures that we came from so let’s spread the love.

What is your daily beauty regimen for your skin?  

My routine is pretty low maintenance. I have discovered that when it comes to my face and hair- less is best. On my face I use Amore Pacific Treatment Cleansing Oil to cleanse and Boscia’s Intensifying Moisture Pack to hydrate. My skin is super dry so hydration without clogging my pores is my eternal quest. When I have a blemish I use tea tree oil and about once a week. I exfoliate with Bobbi Brown Buffing Grains for Face and use Boscia’s Clarifying Detox Mask. On my body I use KB’s Natural Creations scrub and lotion. The products are all natural and leave you smelling like a bouquet of flowers.  

…and how about your hair?

For my hair I am a huge fan of oils and hydrating products. Being of African American descent, moisture is key! I need products that will hydrate and define my curls without leaving my hair feeling heavy. Before I wash my hair I use Pure Virgin Coconut Oil from Trader Joe’s as a prewash/ hot oil treatment. Coconut oil is great for providing shine and repairing damage.

How do you prefer to style your hair and why?

Whatever is easiest! I have a lot of chemical free hair and sometimes it can be very overwhelming. If I wear my straight I prefer to have my hairstylist Rhonie press it, because she can get the style I want without damaging my tresses. Wearing my hair curly is more of a challenge because its big, curly, stubborn, and has an agenda of its own. Still figuring out the best products to get the styles I want through trial and error.  For Shampoo, I use Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Tingle and I’m down for any conditioner that’s hydrating and curl defining. To help style, I use Shea Moisture Soufflé and Carol’s Hair Elixir. Pure shea butter is also a miracle product for curly dry hair. Love it!

Describe and define your personal clothing style

I have been trying to figure out how to define my style for years! It really depends on the day you catch me. I let my mood guide my style for the day comfortable. I don’t care if I look like a diamond encrusted million dollar bill, if my feet hurt or something is too tight…its gotta go!

Overall, my style is a salad bowl comprised of a the sporty tomboy elements, a huge appreciation for the past and vintage pieces, part bombshell/attention grabbing ( I am an actress I mean c'mon!). Clothing is wearable art, so I enjoy creative and unique pieces that stand out.

Who are your biggest inspirations as an actress?

Meryl Streep, Johnny Depp, Natalie Portman, Giancarlo Esposito, Jessica Chastain, Viola Davis, Tina Fey, Jon Hamm, Stanley Tucci to a name a few…These individuals all represent something different to me. Not only do I believe they are incredible people, their ability to transforms themselves and be such genuine and amazing storytellers is something I really admire.

What music do you currently have in rotation that you enjoy listening to you?

I just got the Great Gatsby soundtrack and its the shhhhhhh*t. I love that its such a unique collection of artists. Also love that Daft Punk has a new album coming out can’t wait!

What is the last dream you remember?

I had a dream where I was packing and getting ready for a trip. I have no idea where I was going or why I was going…I would love to know what it means.

What is one of your vices?

Hello, my name is Vanessa Chester and I am addicted to dessert. Seriously, its a problem. I love sweet stuff a lot…Ben & Jerry are two of my best friends, I’m dying to be a judge on Cupcake Wars, and I want to have a Candyland themed party one day in my life. I’ve been working on healthier ways to get my sweet fix because I know how bad processed sugar is for your body and although I love chocolate chip cookies…my health is way more important. I just have to remember its all about balance!

What is the last book you read?

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, it was my second time reading the book and it still blows my mind. I HIGHLY recommend it.

What are some of your life goals and where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I would really like to start a charity/foundation that provides help rehabilitating the homeless and providing opportunities to children that are disadvantaged or in high risk areas. Career-wise I would like to pursue other elements of the entertainment industry such as writing/producing and even direct one day! And best of, I would hope to be a mother by then!

What is one possession you have that you will never throw out?

Two photos. One is of my mom and I in Guyana when I was 18 months old. Another is a photo of my younger Brother Kevin and I at his first birthday. Both are so amazing.

And finally, what advice do you have to give Swirl Girls everywhere?

To quote Oscar Wilde “Be Yourself. Everyone else is taken”