She’s Got Moxie! 20 Things You Didn’t Know

{ SHE’ S GOT } 20 Things You Didn’ t Know About Lalita Chemello

Take some time to really get to know our new Editor at Moxie! Even though I’m very Italian, Lalita is actually an Indian name. Italian family tradition would have made me an Anita, after my father’s mother. My mother wasn’t a fan of my grandmother, or the name, so she sought out an Italian-sounding name. A little adjustment, and well, here we are. 2 I have three tattoos. A large Salvador Dali-inspired tree of life, a Lisa 1 5 Heights and I do not get along. I once cried my way out of going to the top of the Sears Tower in my teens. And the St. Louis Archway... It took me nine years, many life hurtles and a few schools to finish my bachelor’s degree. I graduated in 2015 from Oakland University with a 6 8 9 In my time at OU, I wrote a film that was produced and won five awards at two different film festivals including Best Drama/Film Noir, Best Screenplay and Best Actress (which was me). I’ve since been involved in two other films. I stay active by working out every weekday with spinning, yoga and kettlebells.

Frank-styled pink Yoshi, and “Jude”— B.A. in Creative my mother’s actual signature on her paintings. Writing: Screen and Television. 10 I’m a HUGE motorsports fan. Formula E and IndyCar are on 3 At 21, I was diagnosed with serious food allergies. My peanut allergy is airborne. My body also will not do soy, wheat or gluten. Or cantaloupe. Or honeydew melon. Or caffeine... 7 If I could spend more time in nature, I would. I feel so centered and at peace when I walk trails or ride my bike. 11 the top of the list. I love the feeling I get when I’m at the track. There’s nothing like it. I drove an IndyCar around Michigan International Speedway at 137 mph. I also drove the electric Taycan Turbo S Porsche (below), at near the same speed. 4 I am an excellent cook and baker. I typically make gluten-, soy- and dairy-free items. Ask me about the canolli cupcakes. Those do have dairy, but are worth the sacrifice.

12 I do podcasts! My boyfriend and I produce the “MiMoto Podcast,” talking about cars, motorsports and motorcycles in a variety of capacities. I was also the co-host of a live motorsports radio show for three seasons, where I still make guest appearances.

14

13

I love to travel, and have quite the list of places to go. The furthest I’ve been is Montreal. New York City is my second home for how much time I’ve spent there.

My boyfriend and I have known each other since we were 16. Granted we figured “us” out quite later, but we’re okay with that as we have been together near three years. He’s my literal best friend, inspiration and other half. I have a particular passion and ear for music. I performed in the Macy’s Parade, auditioned for “ The Glee Project,” performed in a bar once and worked hundreds of live concerts. I still sing and play guitar. 16 We have two dogs, a Pug-Pekingese small dog mix we call Luna, and our newest adopted addition, a terrier and Catahoula Leopard dog mix, Matty, short for Matisse. He’s slowly destroying everything like a true puppy.

17

I LOVE fashion. I even studied it in college. Over the pandemic, I challenged myself to put together items that I had not worn together before. I

18

I have had a very small freelance business for the last eight years creating portfolio websites, photography, writing & logo designs.

15

have created some awesome outfits.

19

I cannot stop watching B-list Christmas films. They are terribly awful, especially having been a film major in college, but I still suffer my way through them nonetheless.

20 My dad and I are really close, and race buddies. Instead of Christmas gifts, I get us tickets for our yearly pilgrimage to the Indy 500, and he gets us tickets for another race we haven’t done yet.

Lalita Chemello is a Detroit-born writer now living in west Michigan. She’s written/edited for New Roads lifestyle magazine and Panorama. Her other passions are photography, motorsports & screenwriting. You can also occasionally find her around town on her vintage two wheels.