We were lucky to catch up with DeArtae Comanche recently and have shared our conversation below.

DeArtae, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

One thing my parents did right was they stayed united when it came to raising me. My mother never stepped in or tried to undercut my father when he disciplined me — even if they were going through their own issues behind closed doors. She gave him the space to be a man, a father, and a leader. I didn’t learn about their problems until I was grown, because as a kid all I saw was two parents standing together.

That taught me loyalty. That taught me love. It showed me what a real family foundation looks like — something solid, something consistent, something you can build a life on. The way they moved shaped how I treat people, how I lead, and how I carry myself today. I learned that when the home is united, the child can grow strong.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

For folks who may not know me, my journey started way before the cameras, the films, and the businesses. I grew up living with my mother’s godmother — a woman who took my mom in, adopted her, and raised two more boys along with her. One of those boys was always in the streets, but he was also a rapper. And when you’re a kid, you don’t just see the danger… you see the confidence, the charisma, the way the neighborhood legends and even famous people would walk right through your front door. I was eight years old, watching this world unfold, seeing how people loved him, how he carried himself, and that was the moment I knew: I wanted to be somebody. I wanted to create. I wanted to step into my own power.

From that seed, everything I do today grew.

I’m a videographer, photographer, filmmaker, editor, music artist, director, studio creator, brand builder, author, and producer. I run Rice & Gravy Visualz, Nun But Dope, multiple YouTube platforms, and I create everything from music videos to short films, documentaries, podcasts, merch, books, and creative digital content for businesses, artists, and everyday people.

I solve real problems — especially for people who don’t usually get access to high-quality visuals, storytelling, or representation. I help artists bring their vision to life, I help entrepreneurs brand themselves, and I create stories that reflect the truth of our communities. My work is rooted in empowering the people I come from and giving them a platform that many of us never had.

What sets me apart is simple: I come from real life.
I’ve lived what I talk about. I’ve survived what I show on film. My creativity isn’t borrowed; it’s earned. Everything I produce comes from experience, not assumptions — and that’s why people connect with it. It’s authentic, raw, spiritual, and grounded in real stories.

I’m most proud of the fact that I built all this from nothing — the films, the businesses, the brands, the books, the community work, the YouTube channels — and I did it while staying true to who I am. I’m proud that my work inspires people, gives them hope, and shows them a different route than the one I once took.

If there’s anything I want potential clients, followers, and supporters to know, it’s this:
My brand is about impact. My work is about truth. And my mission is to uplift the community — through storytelling, through opportunity, through creativity, and through the real-life experiences that shaped me.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

For me, the most effective strategy for growing my clientele has always been personal connection. People don’t just hire you for the service — they hire you for the experience. When you take the time to really talk to people, understand their vision, and make them feel seen, it builds a level of trust that marketing alone can’t create.

I don’t chase clients — I build relationships.
Whether it’s a quick conversation, showing genuine interest in their goals, or making sure they feel comfortable on set, that personal energy turns one-time clients into long-term supporters. A lot of my biggest opportunities came from simple conversations, being real, and showing people I actually care about their project just as much as they do.

When people feel connected to you, they naturally want to work with you — and they bring others with them.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

What helped me build my reputation in my market was consistency, real-life experience, and the way I treat people. I don’t just show up with a camera — I show up with intention, respect, and an understanding of the culture I’m capturing. People know I’m not pretending to be something I’m not. I’ve lived the life, I’ve seen both sides, and that authenticity shows in every project I touch.

When clients come to me, they know three things are guaranteed:
1.I’m going to deliver quality.
2.I’m going to keep it real.
3.I’m going to treat their vision like it matters.

Word of mouth spread because people felt the energy behind my work — the professionalism, the hustle, the reliability, and the fact that I care about every detail. My reputation grew because I never tried to be “industry,” I stayed me. And that’s what people respect the most.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://riceandgravytv.co.site
• Instagram: @riceandgravytv
• Facebook: DeArtae Yt Comanche
• Youtube: @riceandgravytv
• Other: Tik Tok @imdeartae36

Image Credits

Rice & Gravy Visualz LLC