Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dionne Character. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Dionne , appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
I was 13 years old when I realized I wanted and needed to choose a creative path to make it out of my rough neighborhood in New Orleans. Growing up in church, I started singing at an early age, which resulted to my traveling as a professional background singer. I knew immediately who I wanted to become. My imagination was vast, as I could envision myself like Joan of Arc on a beautiful white horse, ready for battle.
I have always been a lover of music growing up in a city full of musicians. I joined the elementary school band. I was the only girl to show up with a trumpet. Everyone tried to convince me that only boys played horns. I didn’t listen as I would later master the french horn.
I marvel over the fact that even as a young girl, I was empowering myself to do exactly what I wanted. Today, I encourage women to live in their divine power through my books, weekly column, blog and social media.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
I am Diva Dionne Character, Essence Bestselling Author, Creative Guru, and Columnist. I also counsel women with reaching Divine Enlightenment, My squad is called “Featherwood,”we’re all Alkaline Vegan Artists from the South who encourage a supreme way of living..
I wrote my first book, 7 Pairs of Black Shoes and things skyrocketed in my career. I went from books to singing, hosting my own television show, musical theatre, red carpets, radio, teaching creative writing and hosting celebrity events.
My brand is all about my God given talents. It is who I am while living a creative lifestyle, using my experiences to allow little girls and woman to see that dreams are made possible because I used my imagination to create all that I do.
The most amazing thing is being able to encourage people with my words. I would love for my fans to always remember that I was real with the raw truth, offering options to realign and enjoy life. I want them to remember that I shared all the tools to living an Alkaline Vegan Lifestyle in hopes that women will love themselves enough to make healthy eating choices, which will then help them to become more creative and focused.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
People seldom associate being creative with being broke and insecure. They categorize creativity as if its something that does not dwell in every human being on the universe. Some of us find it early and some may never tap into the bliss of creating something valuable for the community, solely depending on self.
I have experience working a full time job while creating. I have also spent time just solely depending on my art to survive.
It may seem like a slow death but in the end, its worth a try to follow your dreams.
Non-creatives have no idea how it feels to be driven by a force greater than self. Perhaps they are not willing to lose it all to live in freedom long enough to sacrifice fear over a dream.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Over the past 10 years I’d been writing about Entertainment, hosting events and interviewing artists. When Covid 19 happened, everything closed which meant there were no more events going on at the time..
I reinvented myself by writing a Female Empowerment Column called Queens on Thrones, printed in my hometown of New Orleans. My mission was to help women move through a time of disparity and loss with joyful worlds of encourage and hope. I felt the duty to use my talent and creativity to change mindsets.
I displayed resilience as I refused to let the world stop me from doing what I loved. I have to find a way to continue my state of happiness. I wrote my latest book, You Better Got Your Dream for women who would like to tap into their creative power. The book is a journal full of affirmations and prompts to encourage one to write in a safe place without judgment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.characterhollywood.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dionnecharacter/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/divacharacter
Image Credits
complx photography