We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Daniela (Dan-yell) Griffin. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Daniela (Dan-yell) below.

Alright, Daniela (Dan-yell) thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?

March 2020 began a personal transformative time for me. I was a week shy of having a one year old when the constant movement of a young working professional mother slowed down drastically. At the time I was closing in on year three in the field of college access and success. I work for a non-profit organization in Mississippi which helps students plan, prepare, and find ways to pay for college. We define college as obtaining a certificate, 2-year, or 4-year degree post-secondary.

The idea of working from home for “only a few weeks” shifted to “we’ll provide updates every month.” While my full-time job was still in-motion but in the virtual space, the artsy side of me was longing for creative expression through style, fashion, looks. I woke up daily to throw on a work t-shirt and sweats. Nothing more. Nothing less. I didn’t shop (retail or thrift) much and I honestly loss my desire to.

One day I was scrolling through Instagram and discovered JXN PhotoWalk — a creative community that brings together photographers, models, etc. to occupy different spaces and network for the sake of art. At the time I didn’t consider myself a model, a make-up artist, and certainly not a photographer. I planned to attend solely for good vibes and finally scratching that itch to put on actual clothes.

The PhotoWalk events are themed so for this particular one held in November of 2020 the theme was “Suits & Blazers.” I showed up dressed to impress and planned to be graceful, fierce, and have fun all at the same time. What I discovered— modeling ended up being more natural for me than I thought it would be. I attended PhotoWalks as often as I could and within a year of modeling I connected with several creatives to produce amazing work. After that first PhotoWalk I confidently identified as a model and began responding to the question “are you a model” with a proud, “I am!”

While I appreciate, admire, and acknowledge the life changing interactions that come with my full-time work, a small part of me would have loved to start my modeling career sooner. But I also do not overlook the maturity, life insight, and connections that currently help me navigate this space of modeling.

I was often admired by strangers growing up because of my height (I’m 6’0) and I recall being approached by a modeling agency representative while in undergrad at the University of Florida. I was ignorant to the world of modeling, besides tuning in to America’s Next Top Model every season.

I can’t begin to imagine where I would be had I tapped into the idea of modeling sooner. Of course that’s something I can’t change but just know that everything I’m doing in the space of modeling is for that optimistic but uncertain younger me. To eliminate that mindset of “I should have…” and make the younger Daniela proud.

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 background and context?

kwēn, the phonetic spelling of Queen. She is a freelance commercial and editorial model born and raised in the Sunshine State. The Magnolia State was home for a short time during graduate school and then years later has become home for five years now.

I’d like to think that I have a unique look which comes with a strong sense of confidence. The looks I wear for shoots are typically thrifted items which I believe sets me apart from other models. Thrifting in itself requires a great deal of patience and a keen eye for style and stepping outside of the box. I’ve dubbed the name “High-Fashion Thrift Model.” I’m not against retail shopping but I’m also not one who conforms to modern day fast-fashion.

Clothes speak for you before you even open your mouth. With that in mind I pride myself on staying true to who I am, how I started modeling, and what makes people stop and stare.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is discovering that you were/are the reason that someone started. The reason that someone is more confident in themselves. The reason that someone appreciates and flaunts bold styles unapologetically. Part of their reason for being super dope!

I think of myself as a walking billboard. A young girl sees Serena Williams and says, “I want to be just like her when I grow up.” While I’m no Serena but on a small scale I’m your everyday black woman who takes pride in being able to shift the vibe/mood in a room just from walking in. I’m the black woman who sees a little black girl and says, “I love your hair. Your outfit is so pretty.” I’m the black woman who sees another black woman and says, “Yesssss, I see you, Sis/Queen/Hunni!” Being admired but being willing to admire JUST as much is such a rewarding space to occupy. I’d like to think I’m putting a good piece of energy into the creative ecosystem that is truly necessary.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

There is but there isn’t. I think of my goal or mission simply as such: Do more of what makes you happy!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/kwen.di
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniela-griffin

Image Credits
Michael Kartaltepe Loreal Curtis Amanda Paige Rashad Harris Russ Heritage