We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dèj Symonè. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dèj below.
Dèj, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
I knew that I wanted to be creative professionally after doing radio and podcasting. I just didn’t know how to get my foot in the door. Eventually, a friend of mine suggested that I start with modeling and creating content for myself to network on instagram. My initial thought was “Hmmm, I don’t know. Modeling isn’t really my thing.” even though he said I had “the look”. After taking some time to consider it for about a year, I decided to start pursuing it and take it seriously. As I began to release content, my following started to grow and I started to become more excited.
In 2018, after attending inflight training for “GoJet airline” I was left without a job once I returned home. I started to work in logistics, which was the furthest thing from what I wanted to do. But it kept my lights on and bills paid. I started to hear a voice in the back of my head saying “Let this go so I can bless you with more.” I ignored it for months because I thought that I was crazy. But after a rough day at work, I began to brainstorm and that’s when Levels was created. After a few months on air, my podcast (Levels) was doing well. I started to really sit back and think to myself “Man I can really do this for a living and maybe live out my passion in the entertainment industry”. I knew acting was something that I had always wanted to pursue but I just used to feel like what are the odds of this even happening. But when I booked my first paid gig in Atlanta to model, I knew God was trying to tell me something.
I say all of this to say that sometimes God will put you in uncomfortable situations just to give you the push you need.
Dèj, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My Name is Dej Symone. I am a professional model, podcaster, media influencer and actress. I was officially introduced to the media industry after auditioning and getting casted in the independent film “Match Made” later on in 2019. The following year, 2020, I was casted in Lyfe Jennings’ music video “WHAT”, which was released in 2020. In 2021, I was casted as a background extra in the new Starz series “BMF”. And later on that year I was a background extra in Tyler Perry “Madea Homecoming”. One of things that I am the most proud of is that I have been staying true to myself and working hard on my craft. I can truly say that day by day I feel myself getting closer to my dreams. That is a true accomplishment for me. As I await my spotlight moment, my humbleness and my faith in God is what makes me stand out. As I continue to let my hustle and drive pave the way for me, God is lighting my path.
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?
Yes, non-creatives need to know that GOOD content takes time. Preparation and creative direction takes time. Always support your content creators because it helps them get further. Sometimes a like, comment, and/or share can go further than you saying “Hey I know him/her”. Trust the process and just know that through the road of success obstacles and challenges do come your way. But you have to go through the hurdle. As Nipsey Hussle said, it’s just like running a Marathon.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect for me is seeing the results of your hard work. I know for me it was really when I saw myself on TV and saw myself acting in the” Emagine Theatre” on the big Screen. I felt fulfilled and was overwhelmed with joy. It felt like I was walking in my purpose.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://therealdejsymone.wixsite.com/main
- Instagram: @iamdejsymone
- Twitter: @iamdejsymone
Image Credits
@slingshot