Chaenel Downey was born in Newark New Jersey to Anita Wells, an Artist and Health Care Professional, and Michael Downey, a Photographer. As a single mother Anita stressed the importance of creativity and education to her children. Downey began performing at the age of two with The Maria Priadka School of Arts and The Maria Wildey School of Dance. Downey was educated at the Whitney E. Houston Academy of Creative and Preforming Arts, where she developed a true love of acting. She furthered her education at Newark's Arts High where she also studied with American Ballet Theater (ABT). After receiving a B.A. in Dance with Concentrations in Arts Administration from Richard Stockton College she began producing, acting, and dancing professionally.Downey is Co-Owner of StandOut OutStand, LLC and works out of Los Angeles California.