My life has been a “wild” one as people say and many people have done kind things for me. However, this one person has believed in me so much that she took a major chance on me, spent her own money on me, put in time and effort to help me achieve many goals that in turn helped us both prosper, inspire and help others.

My business partner and dear friend Cashmere “Cash” Harper. We met in 2014 (I think), She hired me for my photography services to do her promo pictures for her newly published book after she had just launched her own publishing company “Hope After 20 Publications”. During our shoot we talked, exchanged ideas and she actually listened to the things I was saying. Fast forward 2-3 years later (2017) I become a signed, published author with the company. I had no money when I signed my contract, I just had talent, passion and goals bigger than the eye could see. Cashmere took a chance on those things, she believed in me and helped me publish not 1 but 4 books. Those books aided in my willpower, confidence, talent, mental (and overall) health. Those books allowed me to motivate & inspire others, to be nominated, to win an award, to become an author/photographer who’s work is used in a university’s curriculum. I have Cashmere “Cash” to thank for that. That’s kindness!

Shout out to Cashmere for Women’s History Month also, Love you Cash!

Let’s see… I am Armani Dae,  Founder/Creative Director of ArmaniDae LLC, Actor, Author and “Artivist” (activist through art).

Born & raised in Philadelphia, PA (currently in Los Angeles). From photography to pouring positive energy into others I pride myself on creating art & events that spark conversation and speak volume. My work including but not limited to photography, paintings, written materials, apparel and more always shed light and bring awareness to many important life aspects such as Self Love, Equality, Body Positivity, Trans Rights, Wellness, Community, the importance of Art and the expression of life through it.

Traveling through (and living in) many US states and Canada, I have performed, volunteered & partnered with many LGBTQ+ people, businesses and organizations utilizing my expertise & experiences to make a difference, create visibility, motivating and educating all within reach; one place, one beautiful art creation, one helping hand, one smile at a time. I am a recipient of the “New York State Senate Proclamation” and awarded “Juneteenth Jubilee Honors” Honoring Black, Queer and Trans Leaders. Photographs from my first published book “Exposed Truth” photo book (which aims to celebrate, uplift and motivate TGNC people while fighting the misconceptions) are currently being used in a Texas university’s gender and sexuality curriculum. My work has been featured and showcased on TV, Album covers, websites, in newspapers, a magazine cover & in magazines. More recently my work is featured in the newly published international resource guide “Trans bodies, Trans selves”.

My business ArmaniDae LLC, was founded in 2009, (formerly and commonly known as ArmaniDae Photography on social media) it’s an artist owned business specializing in photography, paintings, apparel, books, events and more. Art is used to aid in wellness, visibility, the importance of art and the effects it possesses. Art is therapy, Art saves lives and so is the vision of the business”.

I got into my industry of various art forms because I struggle with verbal communication and creating visual art was put in place of that (while I’ve been diligently working on it). I also got into it from noticing a lack of visibility, creative non traditional expressive art that looks like mine or have the meaning that mine has. As people slowly come into contact with my creations they have had great feedback, made purchases and referred others to support.

The problems I know I aid in solving for my clients are: educating them, boosting their confidence (especially with gender & size friendly apparel, photographs and books), inspiring them to start their own business. And more commonly inspiring them to love what they see in the mirror.

What I am most proud of is my willpower and ability to continuously reach my goals despite all the many obstacles and traumatic experiences. It’s like I have this “I refuse to give up” mentality essentially. Some days can be hard, I lack support and funding and even self motivation occasionally BUT I still keep going and eventually my goals are achieved. Which in doing so inspires others (so they tell me). So I am truly most proud of that.

What sets me apart from others is well ME of course! ha ha (laughs). No but seriously what set’s me apart is that my work breaks barriers and I have been the first person who identifies within my intersections to do some of the thing’s I have done and created. (Eventually I ’ll be listed in history).

What I would like for potential clients to know is that you will get pure professionalism and great quality art/business here. For followers/fans I’d like to let you know that I am looking to collaborate, I need tech savvy people to help the business grow (especially website design and social media management). To all, It’s a tough world out here but we can’t give up, even if you end up running a business alone. You can do it! Give yourself grace. And thank you for the support!

I remember when I founded my business in 2009, my pockets were often empty, bank accounts next to nothing, still living with my parents, struggling to finish college, relationship was ending, turning 21 and a mixture of other things. I felt like it was the end of the world when really my world was just beginning. I struggled hard to overcome so many things. I gave up so many times. I had made up my mind to stop my business and just let life go. However, each time that I decided to do that life showed me another reason to keep going and not give up. Whether it be a sale, a conversation of someone telling me how I inspire them, support from family, a big opportunity, a big paying gig like photographing a wedding which on top of getting paid also gave me inspiration and motivation of love, life, community, etc. Present day at 34, despite my home being flooded, losing over $15,000 worth of art/business & personal damage, failed relationships, lack of sales, lack of support, recently becoming disabled and more, I continue to strive, reach goals, work hard, believe in myself and my work. I am the definition of resilience.

Let’s just say they don’t call me the “bargain king” for nothing ha ha (laughs). I find bargains, deals, free stuff, discounts, etc almost everywhere. So, while my business was still in the “hobby” stage. I would take the few dollars I had (when I had it), go to the fabric store and purchase a few yards of fabric that would be used as backdrops for pictures. I spent less than $10.00. I luckily was gifted my first camera (a samsung pocket size digital dual screen camera). Once I had worked a few house parties and shot a few portraits, saving some of the profits, I then went to a pawn shop, traded in that camera for an actual dslr camera that most photographers used. I paid the difference, purchased an extra lens and a few other pieces of equipment. I was ready for “business”.

I didn’t technically start with capital I raised it. I know it’s not ideal but people think you can’t start a business without money and that’s not entirely true. Sometimes we have to start small and use what’s around us, be creative and it usually will work out or at least work up to the “capital” you think you need/want. There wasn’t too much social media then, and business came mostly through word of mouth. I would go into those house parties with either no money or less than $50 and leave with between $200-400. (I also had a photo printer that was gifted to me). So again pretty much started with $0 capital. But turned out fairly well present day. I felt like this was important to share being one of the “little guys” in business.

Also if you’re in Los Angeles:

April 13th – my art is featured in “Artful Visions” go to my linktree below to get Free Tickets.

May 18th & 19th – I’ll be a featured designer/vendor at “Nik Kacy presents Equality Fashion Week”. Details will be available soon on all my platforms.