We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dee Soo Pretty. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dee below.

Dee, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?

Honestly, I thought I was too late. I didn’t start taking my modeling serious until I was 30 years old. But it was perfect timing. I feel like if I would’ve done it sooner I wouldn’t have been as successful. In my 30s, I am more aware of the projects that are a right fit for me instead of accepting any offer thrown my way. I am able to create firm boundaries with companies and peers in a professional yet assertive way. I also know my worth now and the value of my time. It really pays to understand the business aspect behind the pretty face in the pictures so definitely grateful that I waited until I was a bit wiser.

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 have always been told that I should model and I even participated in a few random photo shoots. It wasn’t until after I battled postpartum depression and went through my divorce that I decided to get my confidence back and take it all the way. My very first “breakout” photoshoot was a lingerie shoot. I wanted something bold and powerful that would display all of my beautiful curves as well as all of my imperfections because I love every part of me. After that photoshoot went viral, I was then featured in several other photo shoots, video shoots, commercials, fashion shows, magazines. I even started an event for photographers and models called The Sip and Shoot where the slogan is “Where Every Body Is A Model” because all body types are encouraged to attend. I am most proud of creating an organization for plus size models titled The Pretty Palace. It is a networking circle for curvy queens to encourage and empower one another as well as providing modeling and acting opportunities in the Central Florida area.

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

The most rewarding part is meeting people who are truly inspired by what I do. It’s always amazing yet humbling when I am out and someone says “Omg are you DeeSooPretty?” I remember going to Atlanta for Curve Weekend and being stopped by so many women who told me that they follow me and love what I do. I’ve even been messaged by followers informing me that I’ve encouraged them to buy their first crop top as a plus size woman. It feels good to know that I am influencing other women to love themselves and to be confident in their curves.

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?

It is not as easy as it looks. A lot of people thing that it’s as simple as snapping a photo and posting it on the internet. It’s so much more. It takes time, dedication, and most of all consistency. It’s so easy to lose focus and get off track. You also have to have tough skin because the internet is brutal. For every 100 people that love what you do, there are going to be 200 that absolutely hate it and will try to tear you down. The exact people that you thought were in your corner will try to use you are start to envy you. Just stay focused and prioritize the purpose of reaching your goal. Always focus on the message you are trying to send, even if it only reaches and inspires one person, that’s one life you’ve changed.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Deesoopretty
• Other: Instagram.com/thepretty.palace

Image Credits
@dbp.productions @ninomfb