Solena Chaniago is an Indonesian celebrity whose life and career effortlessly cross borders, disciplines, and expectations. Based between New York City and Jakarta, Solena is an actress, model, and highly respected hairstylist, currently working as a Master Barber at the renowned Paul Labrecque Salon on Manhattan’s Upper East Side while simultaneously building her film career in Indonesia. A self-described dreamer with an unwaveringly positive outlook, she draws strength from the support of her family and friends and approaches every chapter of her life with grace, determination, and curiosity. Her work rhythm reflects a truly global lifestyle, with frequent travel that allows her to stay deeply connected to both the American and Indonesian creative worlds. This constant movement has shaped her adaptability and discipline, teaching her how to balance artistic ambition with professional responsibility. Whether she is on a film set in Jakarta or behind the chair in New York, she brings the same level of focus, warmth, and professionalism.
Solena sees creativity not as a single path, but as a dialogue between different forms of expression. For her, success is rooted as much in personal fulfillment as it is in public recognition. Solena’s artistic journey began at a very young age, inspired by her grandmother, who introduced her to the stage when she was just five years old. Acting remains her first and greatest love, leading her from an unexpected discovery in a New York restaurant to roles in films such as Brooklyn’s Finest and The Extra Man, and more recently to a major supporting role in the Indonesian feature film Sahabat Langit. Alongside her work on screen, she has cultivated an international career as a gentlemen’s hairstylist, training at top beauty schools in New York, London, and Los Angeles, and forming lasting relationships with her clients. Open about her transition and thoughtful about the social realities faced by transgender women, especially in Indonesia, Solena speaks with honesty about identity, beauty, love, and responsibility. Her story is one of resilience, authenticity, and a deep belief in dignity, compassion, and the power of simply being oneself.
Monika: It is a great pleasure and honor for me to welcome Solena Chaniago today, an Indonesian celebrity, actress, model, and hairstylist based in New York City. Hello Solena, how are you doing today?
Solena: Hi Monika, I have been very busy lately, going back and forth every three weeks between New York City and Jakarta. I still have my job in the US as a Master Barber at the Paul Labrecque Salon on the Upper East Side of NYC. Currently, I am working on a movie that is being filmed in Jakarta.
Monika: For readers who may be discovering you for the first time, how would you describe yourself in your own words?
Solena: I am a dreamer. I always try to think positively. I am very fortunate to have been surrounded by such a great family and wonderful friends throughout my life.
Solena: I am a dreamer. I always try to think positively. I am very fortunate to have been surrounded by such a great family and wonderful friends throughout my life.
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| Modeling for Phillip Kwok. |
Monika: You are clearly a woman of many talents, excelling in both acting and modeling. Which creative field speaks to you the most, and why?
Solena: Acting. My grandmother was the first person who introduced me to the world of the stage. When I was five years old, she encouraged me to read poetry she had written especially for me in front of thousands of people at a huge celebration on Indonesian Independence Day.
Monika: Could you tell us more about your experience with modeling and how it fits into your overall artistic journey?
Solena: Actually, I have not done a lot of modeling. Although I do enjoy being photographed and I love fashion, my true passion is acting. It is my first love.
Monika: Beauty is often associated with power and empowerment. How do you personally understand and use beauty in your life?
Solena: To me, true beauty is not just what is on the outside. It is the way a person carries themselves. A good friend once said to me, “The true power of any person stems from their conviction, dignity, and integrity, and true beauty comes from living up to that with a smile on your face, with grace and love.”
I have encountered several women and men who were very attractive, until you get to know their personality. It is not all about looks. Inner beauty shines brighter than superficial beauty.
Monika: Your acting career began in a rather unexpected way. Could you share that story with us?
Solena: In 2008, I was a waitress at a Chinese restaurant in downtown Manhattan. A movie crew approached me while they were having dinner there. They asked me if I would like to audition for the movie “Brooklyn’s Finest,” which stars Wesley Snipes. I got a small part, and that was my introduction to the acting world in New York City.
A few months afterward, I also appeared in “The Extra Man,” starring Katie Holmes and Paul Dano. Now I go back and forth between New York City and Jakarta to do film work while maintaining my position as a hairstylist in NYC.
Monika: Alongside acting, hairstyling plays a major role in your life. What does this profession mean to you?
Solena: I am a gentlemen’s hairstylist, and my clientele consists exclusively of men. I really love this job. I make new friends all the time, the staff is excellent, and I have a lot of fun doing it. To me, being a hairstylist does not feel like real work because it is something I truly love to do.
I am grateful that I can say that. I genuinely enjoy what I do, and I have built strong relationships with my clients. I attended some of the top beauty schools in New York, London, and Los Angeles. I also feel lucky to have a boyfriend who is very supportive of my career and dreams.
Monika: If you feel comfortable sharing, at what point in your life did you transition, and how would you describe that experience?
Solena: I transitioned at the age of 28, in the year 2007. It was not as difficult as I had expected. I enjoyed every step of the journey of changing my body and personality. I completed my transition with gender reassignment surgery in 2012. I am happy, and it was the right thing for me to do.
Solena: Acting. My grandmother was the first person who introduced me to the world of the stage. When I was five years old, she encouraged me to read poetry she had written especially for me in front of thousands of people at a huge celebration on Indonesian Independence Day.
Monika: Could you tell us more about your experience with modeling and how it fits into your overall artistic journey?
Solena: Actually, I have not done a lot of modeling. Although I do enjoy being photographed and I love fashion, my true passion is acting. It is my first love.
Monika: Beauty is often associated with power and empowerment. How do you personally understand and use beauty in your life?
Solena: To me, true beauty is not just what is on the outside. It is the way a person carries themselves. A good friend once said to me, “The true power of any person stems from their conviction, dignity, and integrity, and true beauty comes from living up to that with a smile on your face, with grace and love.”
I have encountered several women and men who were very attractive, until you get to know their personality. It is not all about looks. Inner beauty shines brighter than superficial beauty.
Monika: Your acting career began in a rather unexpected way. Could you share that story with us?
Solena: In 2008, I was a waitress at a Chinese restaurant in downtown Manhattan. A movie crew approached me while they were having dinner there. They asked me if I would like to audition for the movie “Brooklyn’s Finest,” which stars Wesley Snipes. I got a small part, and that was my introduction to the acting world in New York City.
A few months afterward, I also appeared in “The Extra Man,” starring Katie Holmes and Paul Dano. Now I go back and forth between New York City and Jakarta to do film work while maintaining my position as a hairstylist in NYC.
Monika: Alongside acting, hairstyling plays a major role in your life. What does this profession mean to you?
Solena: I am a gentlemen’s hairstylist, and my clientele consists exclusively of men. I really love this job. I make new friends all the time, the staff is excellent, and I have a lot of fun doing it. To me, being a hairstylist does not feel like real work because it is something I truly love to do.
I am grateful that I can say that. I genuinely enjoy what I do, and I have built strong relationships with my clients. I attended some of the top beauty schools in New York, London, and Los Angeles. I also feel lucky to have a boyfriend who is very supportive of my career and dreams.
Monika: If you feel comfortable sharing, at what point in your life did you transition, and how would you describe that experience?
Solena: I transitioned at the age of 28, in the year 2007. It was not as difficult as I had expected. I enjoyed every step of the journey of changing my body and personality. I completed my transition with gender reassignment surgery in 2012. I am happy, and it was the right thing for me to do.
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| Modeling for Phillip Kwok. |
Monika: During the time of your transition, did you have any transgender role models who inspired or guided you?
Solena: Hmm, actually, no. On the other hand, I did have several female role models, for example Lady Diana, Madonna, and a few others.
Monika: Looking back, what was the most difficult or emotionally challenging aspect of your coming out?
Solena: Not knowing whether all of my family members would accept me, especially my mother. She has not fully accepted it to this day. My father was the one who understood me best. While he did not actively encourage me to walk my path, he did understand what I was about to do and listened to me.
Monika: How would you describe the current situation of transgender women in Indonesian society?
Solena: Hmm, actually, no. On the other hand, I did have several female role models, for example Lady Diana, Madonna, and a few others.
Monika: Looking back, what was the most difficult or emotionally challenging aspect of your coming out?
Solena: Not knowing whether all of my family members would accept me, especially my mother. She has not fully accepted it to this day. My father was the one who understood me best. While he did not actively encourage me to walk my path, he did understand what I was about to do and listened to me.
Monika: How would you describe the current situation of transgender women in Indonesian society?
Solena: Improvements to the healthcare system and counseling here in Indonesia are necessary. Transgender women in Indonesia often buy hormone pills on the black market without the supervision of a doctor. This can put them in health and life-threatening situations. I hope that one day there will be a special clinic for LGBT patients here in Indonesia. Indonesia is the country with the largest Muslim population in the world, and Indonesian society has not yet fully accepted or acknowledged the presence of transgender people. They see us, they meet us, they know we are there, but still find it difficult to accept us.
Monika: Despite these challenges, are there also reasons for hope or positive developments that you see?
Solena: I do feel grateful that being transgender is not illegal here in Indonesia, unlike in some other Muslim countries. Some people in Indonesia love their transgender brothers and sisters just like any other human being, and many support us in our fight for basic human rights and equality. It is a large country with almost 300 million people from many different backgrounds and with many different opinions.
Monika: Are there any well known Indonesian transgender women who have found success in culture, science, or other professional fields?
Solena: I do know of one influential Indonesian woman in the arts and culture. I will not share her name or anything that could reveal who she is. She is very private about her gender transformation and prefers to remain discreet, and I respect that.
Monika: What is your perspective on how transgender lives and stories have been portrayed so far in films, books, and the media?
Solena: I wish the media focused more on the many transgender people who are successful in fields outside the entertainment industry. Many of them are accomplished professionals, and some hold leadership positions. They often live quiet lives, but they are truly courageous and inspiring people.
Monika: The transgender cause is often discussed as part of the broader LGBT movement. Do you think the transgender community is able to effectively advocate for its own specific needs within that space?
Solena: Whether our cause finds support and acceptance in wider society does not depend only on activists or on what happens within the LGBT community, because within that community there is strong agreement about basic human rights.
Monika: Are there any well known Indonesian transgender women who have found success in culture, science, or other professional fields?
Solena: I do know of one influential Indonesian woman in the arts and culture. I will not share her name or anything that could reveal who she is. She is very private about her gender transformation and prefers to remain discreet, and I respect that.
Monika: What is your perspective on how transgender lives and stories have been portrayed so far in films, books, and the media?
Solena: I wish the media focused more on the many transgender people who are successful in fields outside the entertainment industry. Many of them are accomplished professionals, and some hold leadership positions. They often live quiet lives, but they are truly courageous and inspiring people.
Monika: The transgender cause is often discussed as part of the broader LGBT movement. Do you think the transgender community is able to effectively advocate for its own specific needs within that space?
Solena: Whether our cause finds support and acceptance in wider society does not depend only on activists or on what happens within the LGBT community, because within that community there is strong agreement about basic human rights.
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| Behind the scenes of "Sahabat Langit". |
Monika: So if activism alone is not enough, what do you believe is truly needed to create real and lasting progress for transgender people?
Solena: To make real progress, we need everyone in society. We need a society that is united around values of non-discrimination, zero hate, tolerance, love, and acceptance. It is not really about being transgender at all. It does not bother me when people find out about my gender transformation. The best way to promote equal rights for transgender people is simply to be good and decent human beings. We are part of the communities we live in, just like everyone else.
Monika: How can everyday visibility and personal connections help change how transgender people are seen and understood?
Solena: We can show those around us that transgender people have the same desires, wishes, and values as everyone else. We are not just people who appear in entertainment but not in real life. We are human beings with the same dreams and ambitions as anyone else. We are neither better nor worse than others. Transgender people want to be respected and loved like every human being.
Monika: Do you see yourself becoming involved in politics or public advocacy one day, and do you believe transgender women can influence political life?
Solena: I would love to be in charge of things and become a president. But seriously, I would like to be active in society and politics one day. We are probably talking about fifteen years from now.
Monika: What role does love play in your life, both personally and emotionally?
Solena: It is very important. I receive a lot of love from my family and friends. My boyfriend of six years is the perfect man. He is very supportive of all my endeavors. He sometimes jokes that I behave like a movie director. I would not be where I am without him.
Monika: How would you describe your relationship with fashion today, and how has it evolved over time?
Solena: A few years ago, I craved typical designer labels, but not anymore. Looking back, I think I needed them to feel accepted. I have matured and now have the confidence not to think about life that way. Today, I choose fashion based on whether it suits my sense of beauty and style. I rarely think about labels, and I love being myself.
Monika: Do you see yourself becoming involved in politics or public advocacy one day, and do you believe transgender women can influence political life?
Solena: I would love to be in charge of things and become a president. But seriously, I would like to be active in society and politics one day. We are probably talking about fifteen years from now.
Monika: What role does love play in your life, both personally and emotionally?
Solena: It is very important. I receive a lot of love from my family and friends. My boyfriend of six years is the perfect man. He is very supportive of all my endeavors. He sometimes jokes that I behave like a movie director. I would not be where I am without him.
Monika: How would you describe your relationship with fashion today, and how has it evolved over time?
Solena: A few years ago, I craved typical designer labels, but not anymore. Looking back, I think I needed them to feel accepted. I have matured and now have the confidence not to think about life that way. Today, I choose fashion based on whether it suits my sense of beauty and style. I rarely think about labels, and I love being myself.
Monika: What are your thoughts on transgender beauty pageants, and have you ever considered participating in one?
Solena: I have never taken part in a transgender beauty pageant, not because I think there is anything wrong with them. It is wonderful to see so many beautiful transgender people who make the world a more beautiful place. For me personally, however, a pure beauty contest is not the right fit.
Monika: Many transgender women choose to share their life stories through memoirs. Have you ever thought about doing the same?
Solena: I am currently writing a book about my life stories. Hopefully, it will be available in bookstores in Indonesia this year.
Solena: I have never taken part in a transgender beauty pageant, not because I think there is anything wrong with them. It is wonderful to see so many beautiful transgender people who make the world a more beautiful place. For me personally, however, a pure beauty contest is not the right fit.
Monika: Many transgender women choose to share their life stories through memoirs. Have you ever thought about doing the same?
Solena: I am currently writing a book about my life stories. Hopefully, it will be available in bookstores in Indonesia this year.
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| With Paul Dano in "The Extra Man". |
Monika: Are you currently working on any new or upcoming projects?
Solena: Yes, I am working on a big-screen movie in Indonesia. I love the fact that I play a regular woman, not a transgender character. I play the main supporting actress. The title is “Sahabat Langit,” which means “A Friend of the Sky.”
Monika: Finally, what advice would you give to transgender girls who dream of a career in acting or modeling?
Solena: When you go for it, you have to be confident. Be optimistic and maintain a positive attitude toward the field you want to enter. In my early twenties, I worked in PR and as a real estate developer. In a way, I was searching for a long time, but through that process I learned what I truly want and what is important to me in life. That mindset prepared me for my work in film and media.
My second passion is being a men’s hairstylist. It is a part of who I am, and I love it as a form of artistic expression. Eventually, I hope to inspire people and that one day I will be remembered as someone who helped transform society into a place with more dignity and love for all human beings.
Monika: Solena, thank you so much for this wonderful interview.
All the photos: courtesy of Solena Chaniago.
© 2015 - Monika Kowalska
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