We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Danielle Davis a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Danielle, thanks for joining us today. What’s the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?

When I first moved to NYC from Atlanta, Georgia, I was homeless and didn’t have stable housing. My dearest friend, Walter opened up his home to me in Queens and that was my home for 3 years until I moved into my own place in Brooklyn. I will forever be appreciative of him because having stable housing in NYC is very challenging. The fact that he opened his home and heart to me when I desperately needed stability and common ground will always be etched in my heart.

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.

My name is Danielle Davis and I’m a Brooklyn based Model, Emcee Host, Poet and Playwright. I have been professionally modeling for 7 years, Hosting and Playwriting for 2 years. I’ve been writing poetry since I was 12 years old. What sets me apart is my authenticity and unique approach to art. I started modeling at 25 and in the modeling industry, you’re considered old and phased out from the main markets. However, my looks, drive, personality and talent granted me the opportunity to succeed in a cut-throat and fickle industry. I have worked with clients such as, Vogue, American Express, Walmart, Kith, Giorgio Armani.
I’m proud that I have the ability to be booked and busy and sharing my art and life to the audiences. I want to encourage readers to go after your dreams no matter how far fetched or atypical it may seem. You are deserving of success and a greater quality of life.

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

Having folks tell me how proud and inspired they are by my work. I’m very sensitive and open to constructive criticism, but my art is like my child, I nurture and provide for it so that it can flourish. So, getting those positive affirmations really warms my heart. I don’t create just for the sake of getting a check, even though it is vital to get paid for what I produce. However, I do it because it’s my therapy, my escape from reality. Capturing a photograph and having the ability to bring the story to life through a lens is empowering.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I feel as if non-creatives don’t appreciate or respect the journey of a creative. If you’re not making 6 figures or going viral every week on social media, then people won’t fully support you. It’s usually an awkward or puzzling response when I tell folks that I work for myself and not an average 9-5 job. People find it so hard to believe that you can succeed and work for yourself without them projecting their feelings or unsolicited advice on how to navigate your life and endeavors. If I can succeed at working for an esteemed company, what makes you think that I can’t succeed at applying those same skill sets and business acumen for my own career?

Contact Info:

• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/dani_davis_91

Image Credits

Ryan McGinley
Jarrett Demetre
Chae Kihn