We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Delano Sweeting. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Delano below.
Delano, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
At 13 years old, my cousin and best friend both decided to compete in a pageant. I was a part of their process, helping them make decisions and critiquing along the way. The both won, and the excitement of that time stuck with me. Just a few weeks later I watched Meka Knowles (now McWeeney) compete and win the Miss Bahamas title. I had never seen a more awe inspiring performance, and from someone that I knew and already admired. She took over the entire room and with it, my thoughts. I knew then and there the power of transformation and what it can do for you and those around you.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Even though fashion has been such a major part of my entire life growing up, I never thought that it would be something I could do at this level. As it is with most Bahamians, I was told that an academically driven career was the way to go, so that’s what I did. I have a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology that I have never truly properly used. My life took me on a series of events that lead me to this very moment. Honestly, it reads like a film script that my spirituality has since revealed is purpose filled destiny. I became a model in high school, years later (still modeling), I met and was hired to work for Iconic Bahamian designer and creative Harl Taylor, Still modeling and working for Taylor, I was asked by my cousin (same cousin that I helped in a pageant when we were kids) to work with and prepare a young lady she wanted to sponsor to compete in Miss Teen Bahamas. I did … she won. A friends from university asked me to help her and her business partner with styling them for a shoot they needed for their new business branding and development. I showed Harl what I did and he then asked me to take a shot at creating a new handbag design. I did, it was a hit and then he and I worked on the shoot for the ad which became the talk of the town. All these things came together and I now know why. My passions and purpose are working together in harmony and I have found success in it.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
I offer multiple services, so my goals are multilayered and multi purposed. I want a brand that is synonymous with beauty, fashion, luxury and prestige. A brand that caters to each and every level of request. From styling individuals for a special occasion, to creating an image brand strategy and campaigns for companies. But more than that, I want to ensure that people understand the importance and power of transformation through style and clothing, hair and makeup, the full image. In addition to this, my goal in the pageant space is to own all of the major pageant franchises and create a level of success for The Bahamas that encourages more participation and can create a paradigm shift for all that are apart of the experience.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
I’ve come to realize that art of all kind is life. It s birthed by us and we exist and live in it. From nature, our homes, food we eat and clothes we wear, everything is art and creativity realized. If everyone would think of it this way, appreciating this fact, I am certain we would see more support, respect and acceptance at every level.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delanosweeting?igsh=ZHM2ZGxzNGJwbmVh&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/delanosweeting?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Twitter: @DSLifestyle
