We were lucky to catch up with Dena Dawson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Dena, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you wish you had started sooner?

I was diagnosed with cancer near the pinnacle of my career. I often think about how far I would have gone if I hadn’t hit that wall. Life has a way of dragging you where it wants you to be. I had to accept that. You can’t go back.

Dena, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a Los Angeles based Nail Artist. I have been doing nails professionally now for over two decades. I’ve been fortunate enough to work with some of the top names in fashion and music. I moved to LA determined to do whatever it took to get my name and work out there. In the beginning I took a lot of jobs that made me vulnerable to opportunists. It wasn’t always easy or glamorous. I worked extreme hours for minimal pay or most of the time just creative credit. I’ve had people bounce checks to me or skip out on paying me altogether. I’ve worked for people who used me as a dog walker, car washer, housekeeper, personal assistant, babysitter, gift wrapper, you name it! I’ve been witness to salon owners abusing staff, salons being shut down by the cops, fist fights, the works! I stuck with it and learned to persevere until one day someone recognized my effort and talent. I am forever grateful for the doors she opened for me. I still work really hard but I can now afford to walk away from people and situations that don’t serve me. I’ve done things that people only dream of. I’m grateful for that every day. For every bad story there is a glorious one and I have a million of them!

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

Most people aren’t willing to assume the risk that comes with making the choice to rely solely on financial support from your art and creativity. For me, it was a matter of working to make money for someone else vs. working to make money for myself. The freedom that working for yourself allows is immeasurable, in my opinion. If you have the guts to stay the course, I highly recommend it.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I believe in making art, not content. I’m not a big social media fan. I don’t buy the “influencer” hype. If you are what you say you are then you won’t need to sell people on the idea. There are however certain benefits in using social outlets to expose your art to a broader audience.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.denadawson.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dena_dawson/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/mwlite/in/denadawson
• Other: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm5643834/

Image Credits
Dena Dawson