CHIC, FIERCE & FEARLESS
THE RISE OF LEAH CHANTELE CAMPBELL
Photo by Marcus Johnson @MJay_viz
There’s fashion—and then there’s It’s Chic by Chantele, the boutique rewriting the rules with a signature blend of edge, elegance, and empowerment. Behind it all? Leah Chantele Campbell, a visionary force reshaping what it means to be stylish, bold, and beautifully inclusive.
With over a decade of experience in the fashion industry, Leah has built a brand that’s not just on-trend—it sets the trend. Her boutique, It’s Chic by Chantele, delivers curated fashion with an urban-chic sophistication that speaks to women who walk with confidence and demand to be seen.
Leah’s love affair with fashion began in her childhood—flipping through fashion magazines and styling herself from her mother’s wardrobe. Her eye for style matured through internships and a role as a Fashion PR Assistant at New York’s prestigious Fashion Institute. But the real spark came from her grandfather, a successful boutique owner in South Carolina, whose entrepreneurial spirit inspired her to carve her own path.
That path led to the launch of It’s Chic by Chantele in 2019—in the middle of a global pandemic. While working full-time and raising three children, Leah built her brand from scratch through digital drops and pop-up events. With grit, grace, and unshakable faith, she turned a dream into a thriving business.
In June 2023, she opened her first storefront at Clarksburg Premium Outlets in Maryland. Just months later, due to overwhelming demand, she expanded into a new space twice the size—now standing strong among luxury giants like Ferragamo, Tory Burch, and Michael Kors.
But Leah’s mission isn’t just about sales. It’s about shifting the narrative—proving that fashion doesn’t come with a size tag and that style is a form of self-love. It’s Chic by Chantele is a celebration of all women, everywhere.
The latest collaboration with Queen Size Magazine brings that mission to life in a way that’s nothing short of cinematic. The Edgy, Bold & Sophisticated editorial shoot was a powerful full-circle moment that started with a chance encounter.
Haben (aka Zeben) Zerhamenet @zeben100
One day, creative director and fashion powerhouse Jovanna Reyes was shopping across the hall from the boutique when she noticed the stunning storefront. Curiosity led her inside, where she met Leah. The two talked for hours, instantly connecting over fashion, business, and their shared love of empowering women. That meeting sparked a creative partnership that continues to thrive.
In fact, the last issue of Queen Size Magazine featured Sherita Ivory on the cover, styled in pieces from It’s Chic by Chantele. Sherita, a longtime friend and collaborator of the brand, was also part of the casting process for this shoot. She teamed up with Jovanna to help orchestrate an open call held at the boutique—an event that brought in fierce, fabulous talent from all walks of life.
Out of dozens of models, three standout stars were chosen: Haben Zerhamenet aka Zeben (who stuns on this issue’s cover), Aisha Aw, and Chrystal Vaughan. Their presence, power, and individuality brought the theme to life—serving looks that were polished, provocative, and 100% unapologetic. And every shot? Captured by Jovanna Reyes herself, whose lens has a gift for catching confidence in motion.
Of course, behind all this magic is Leah—a woman who wears her titles of entrepreneur and mother with equal pride. Her three children are her daily motivation and the driving force behind her work ethic and fearless ambition.
Her mantra?
“Become the woman you are. Wear our clothing with confidence. And never be afraid to set the trend instead of following it.”
Leah Chantele Campbell isn’t just creating clothing—she’s creating a culture. One that’s edgy, bold, sophisticated, and fully inclusive. One where every woman sees herself in the story. And that story is only just beginning.
QSM: Let’s start at the beginning—what was the moment you knew fashion was your calling? Was there a specific memory or experience that sparked your love for style?
Chantele: I think fashion has always been in me literally since I was a little girl. God showed me early on that this was my thing. I still remember crawling into my mother’s closet around ten months old and coming out walking in her high heels and a matching nightgown set like I was walking a runway. To say I was born with it would be an understatement. Over time, that playful curiosity turned into a passion. I especially loved helping my family and friends feel confident in clothes they never thought they could pull off. Seeing them light up, that shift in energy and confidence made it clear that this was more than just a love for clothes. This was purpose.
QSM: You launched It’s Chic by Chantele during the height of the pandemic. What gave you the confidence to take that leap of faith during such an uncertain time?
Chantele: If I’m going to be honest, launching It’s Chic by Chantele during the pandemic wasn’t just about starting a business—it was a way to keep myself alive. I have three beautiful children and at the time, I had just had my youngest daughter, who was only 11 months old, and I was deep in postpartum depression. I had silently battled it for years, always hiding it well behind smiles and strength. My marriage was in complete shambles, and I was enduring mental and verbal abuse. For me to even share that now is a reflection of the strength I’ve found, because for so long, I was embarrassed and ashamed.
The boutique became my escape. It was a space where I didn’t have to fake anything. I knew fashion was my calling just as much as I knew I had a purpose as a mother, a wife, a daughter, and a friend. And while I was silently struggling, It’s Chic by Chantele became a place where other women came for love, support, and confidence. They shared their stories, their pain, their joy—and somehow, God used my healing process to help others heal too. He knew exactly what He was doing, giving me the strength to be me and to pour into the lives of women who needed that same reminder of their beauty, power, and worth.
QSM: Your grandfather owned a boutique in South Carolina—how has his influence shaped the way you run your business today?
Chantele: My grandfather owning a boutique in South Carolina was both inspiring and intimidating. Sourcing clothes? That part comes naturally to me. But running a business—managing the day-to-day, the finances, the challenges—that's a whole different story. What I learned from watching my grandfather, though, is that you only truly fail in business when you stop trying.
I never saw him quit. I’m sure he had tough days and made mistakes, but what stood out the most was his consistency and determination. Being a Wiley—that’s my maiden name—means something to me. It means we don’t give up. That legacy lives in me and shows up in how I run It’s Chic by Chantele. Even on the hard days, I remind myself that quitting isn’t an option. I’m continuing what he started, just in my own way, and that motivates me to keep showing up.
QSM: What inspired the name It’s Chic by Chantele, and what does “chic” mean to you in today’s fashion world?
Chantele: When I was trying to come up with a name for the boutique, nothing really stood out at first. I had a notebook full of ideas, but none of them felt like me—they didn’t reflect my personality or my sense of style. I’ve always gravitated toward pieces that not everyone might love at first glance, and that’s exactly what “chic” is to me. It’s about having a stylish, sophisticated look that’s rooted in simplicity, elegance, and effortless poise.
As I dove deeper, the name It’s Chic started to resonate with me. It felt bold, confident, and true to the type of style I bring. And Chantele—that’s my middle name. When I’m in my fashion element, I’m not Leah. Chantele is like my alter ego—she’s confident, driven, limitless. She doesn’t play small, and she walks in her purpose. I wanted my business to represent that side of me—separate from my everyday life, but still very much a part of who I am. That’s how It’s Chic by Chantele was born.
Now in today’s fashion world, chic isn’t just about what you wear—it’s about how you wear it. To me, being chic means being your true self, confidently and unapologetically. It’s not about following trends—it’s about setting them. It’s about finding pieces that speak to you, that elevate how you feel on the inside and expressing that through your style.
Chic is timeless. It’s that effortless balance of simplicity and elegance, but with your own personal twist. Whether it’s a bold statement piece or a minimalist look, what makes it chic is the confidence behind it. That’s what I encourage through It’s Chic by Chantele—don’t dress to fit in, dress to stand out. Own who you are, and let your style reflect that.
QSM: Your boutique proudly offers plus-size apparel, even though you don’t identify as plus-size yourself. Why was it important for you to create space for this often-overlooked demographic?
Chantele: Well, I’m glad you asked—because for me, it’s actually quite simple. I may not identify as plus-size, but I’m also not the average-size woman. I’ve always struggled with finding clothes that truly fit my body and my age. I’m in my 40s, and while I can still fit into juniors, I hate looking like a teenager. It used to annoy me that I couldn’t find age-appropriate, stylish, and flattering pieces—so I could only imagine how frustrating it must be for women who wear extended sizes and are constantly overlooked by mainstream fashion.
When I launched It’s Chic by Chantele, a lot of people encouraged me to just cater to a specific clientele—basically, those who could fit what I wore. But that’s not who I am. I believe in being inclusive, not exclusive. Every woman deserves to feel confident and beautiful, whether she wears a size 0 or a 3X. I always say—if I look good, then we all look good. My boutique is about creating space for every woman to show up as her best self, no matter her size.
QSM: You recently opened your first storefront at Clarksburg Premium Outlets—and quickly expanded to a bigger space! What has that experience been like, and how did you know it was time to grow?
Chantele: I knew it was time to grow when I brought it to God in prayer. I had been feeling that pull for something bigger, and then a larger space became available at Clarksburg Premium Outlets. I immediately reached out to a close friend who worked in commercial real estate and asked for her advice. Before we did anything else, we prayed together—and in that moment, she boldly declared, “This space is yours.”
When I first spoke to management, they told me it wasn’t possible—the space was only for permanent tenants, and I was still considered a temporary one. But I didn’t let that discourage me. I went straight to the door of that vacant unit, laid my hands on it, and said, “God, if this is where you want me to be, you’ll make it happen.” And just like that, a week later, I got the call—they had reconsidered and were offering me the space.
That experience reminded me of the power of faith and obedience. I always encourage anyone—if you’re unsure, if you’re doubting, just give it to God. He’ll handle the rest, often in ways you never imagined.
QSM: Tell us about the inspiration behind the theme of this shoot, and how did it reflect your brand’s vision?
Chantele: The inspiration behind this theme is simple—women of any size should feel empowered to be authentically themselves and wear clothes that show it. For this shoot, the vision was EDGY, BOLD & SOPHISTICATED with a touch of street flavor. I wanted to capture the essence of a woman who owns her style and her presence, no matter where she is.
It’s the kind of vibe that says, “When you see me in the streets—I’ll be chic.” That’s what It’s Chic by Chantele stands for. It’s not about fitting into a certain mold, it’s about standing out with confidence, power, and style. Every detail—from the outfits to the attitude—was crafted to reflect that energy and to let women know they can look fly, feel good, and walk boldly in who they are.
QSM: The casting for the shoot was held right in your boutique. What was it like seeing so many incredible models come out?
Chantele: I was absolutely blown away. To see so many incredible women show up—excited, confident, and ready to advocate for the plus-size community—it was such a powerful moment. The fact that they trusted me to lead that vision and be part of something bigger than just a photo shoot meant everything.
These are the kinds of things I used to dream about, and to witness it unfold in real time, right inside my boutique, still feels surreal. It wasn’t just about casting models—it was about creating space, celebrating beauty in all forms, and letting women know they deserve to be seen, celebrated, and styled boldly. I’m still in disbelief, but so full of gratitude for every woman who showed up and made it so special.
QSM: You wear many hats—entrepreneur, mother, creative director. How do you manage it all, and what keeps you motivated on the toughest days?
Chantele: If you know me, you know I’ll always keep it real—I cry. A lot. In the shower, in my car, even at my 9-5 desk. Managing all the hats I wear—entrepreneur, mother, creative director—it’s hard. There are days I feel completely overwhelmed. But after I cry it out, I lean into my support system—my tight circle of family and friends who know me, see me, and hold space for me.
They let me vent, they listen, and then they gently say, “Okay Leah, now that you’ve let it out, what can I do to help?” or “Here’s how you can navigate this.” That’s truly how I manage it. I wish I had a more glamorous answer, but that’s my truth. Wearing multiple hats isn’t easy, even if I make it look that way.
I wouldn’t be where I am today without my people. They’ve been riding this journey with me for a long time, and words can’t express how grateful I am. They remind me of my “why” on the toughest days—and that’s what keeps me going.
Chrystal Vaughan @itschrysv
QSM: Your mantra, “Become the woman you are,” is such a powerful statement. How has that philosophy evolved for you personally over the years?
Chantele: Wow… honestly, I didn’t fully take that mantra to heart until I completed therapy in 2023. “Become the woman you are” sounded good, but for a long time, I was wearing a mask. On the outside, I looked put together—but behind closed doors, I was broken down, lonely, battling anxiety, and silently suffering. I was in an unhealthy marriage, raising kids while struggling to display the best version of myself.
At one point, I had to ask myself, “How can I preach becoming the woman you are, if I’m not even the woman I want to be?” That was my wake-up call. I made a decision to take healing seriously. I committed to loving myself more, leaning into my setbacks instead of running from them, holding myself accountable so I could do the same with others, and setting healthy boundaries—even if it meant facing hard truths.
I stepped out of that toxic marriage and into my purpose. And now? I am that woman I used to only see glimpses of in the mirror. She’s recognizable now—she’s stronger, wiser, real, and walking in truth.
I didn’t create this mantra just because it sounds good—I lived it. There’s nothing fake about It’s Chic by Chantele. Everything I offer—from the fashion to the message—comes from a place of honesty, healing, and authenticity. That’s what being a true woman is all about.
QSM: Inclusivity is clearly a core value of your brand. How do you continue to challenge fashion norms and promote body diversity in your work? And what do you say to people who say “what do you know about plus”?
Chantele: Fashion has always catered to smaller women—like, who are we fooling? That’s the norm the industry continues to push. But even knowing that, I’ve always been willing to go against the grain and do what’s right. And every time I’ve done that, it’s worked in my favor.
Staying true to who I am—no matter what size I wear—has been the key. I know that if I remain focused, keep praying, and let God lead, everything I need—whether it’s audience, vendors, or opportunities—will align. What once seemed impossible is very possible now. I asked God for exposure this year—I said I wanted to be on TV, in a magazine, and now look... Queen Size Magazine is interviewing me! That’s God, not coincidence.
So, when people ask, “What do you know about plus?” my response is, “What do you know about being you?” I know exactly who I am, and I walk with my head high and shoulders back every single day—confident in my size 3, sometimes 5, body. Not everyone can say that without obsessing over how to lose or gain weight even alternating their bodies.
To me, body diversity isn’t a trend—it’s a necessity. And It’s Chic by Chantele is committed to making sure every woman, regardless of size, feels seen, stylish, and worthy of showing up boldly in this world.
Aiysha Aw @lifeeofaiysha
QSM: I have a feeling that you are just getting started. So I have to ask what’s next for It’s Chic by Chantele? Any upcoming projects, collaborations, or dreams you’re ready to share with us?
Chantele: Whew—a lot! My mind is always turning! And now that I’m officially divorced, I can truly focus on the goals and vision God placed in me without any distractions. My 2025 vision board is titled “God Did It Year”—because I already know He’s going to show out!
This year, I’m planning to collaborate with local designers to give them a space to showcase their collections while also bringing exclusive, one-of-a-kind pieces into the boutique. I want It’s Chic by Chantele to be a platform—not just a store.
I’m also manifesting and praying for opportunities to be featured on DMV local news stations so I can advocate for the everyday woman and shine a light on the exclusion that still exists in the plus-size community. This brand has always been about more than fashion—it’s about visibility, empowerment, and truth.
I also want to curate a space that goes beyond retail—somewhere women can really let their hair down, sip something, vibe to music, and enjoy a new kind of retail therapy that feels like self-care.
And yes... I’m speaking it now: a bigger space. That has been my prayer, and God is definitely brewing something major. I won’t pull the plug on the announcement just yet—but just know... stay tuned. It’s Chic by Chantele is just getting started.
Photo Credits:
Photographer & Creative Director | Jovanna Reyes @jovannareyesphotography
Boutique Owner & Stylist | Leah Campbell @itschicbychantele
Models | Haben (aka Zeben) Zerhamenet @zeben100
Chrystal Vaughan @itschrysv
Aiysha Aw @lifeeofaiysha
MUA and Hair | done by models
Wardrobe and Accessories | @itschicbychantele
Photographer Assistant | Norae Woodard @raeness_xoxo
Photoshoot Assistant & Model Coordinator | Sherita Ivory @sherita_ivory
