Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Deziree DeGroot. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Deziree, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?

I wish I would of started my creative career sooner. I knew at a very young age that I wanted to model but I was to afraid to start. I was the tall awkward kid in school and lacked self confidence. It wasn’t until I was in my early 20’s that I decided to start modeling and acting. I took a chance with a local fashion show and after that I knew I was meant for it. Although it was hard work I finally found my passion in life. I feel like if I would of started sooner, I could of had more opportunities.

Deziree, 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?

My name is Deziree and I have been modeling for almost 10 years, When I first started in the industry I really didn’t think I would succeed. Growing up I was the tall awkward kid who didn’t have many friends. So I lacked self confidence. In my early 20’s I was dared by my mom to do a local fashion show because she knew how much I loved fashion and modeling, It was there that I met an amazing local photographer who asked me to do a photoshoot and see how it goes. I will never forget the feeling I had after my first photoshoot, I felt so beautiful and I felt I had finally found my passion in life. After that I went to an event in Toronto and got signed with an agency. At the time I was also in college to become a Social Service Worker so the balance between the two was quite difficult. After a while I found a balance but always wanted to pursue my modeling career more. I was signed with my agency for 2 years. I was able to be part of Toronto Fashion week; I was picked to open and close the show. I felt so proud and honored. It was an amazing feeling and I will never forget that moment, After school I went freelance because it was easier at the time since I was not living in Toronto, Being a freelance model has its own difficulties but with social media it became easier to connect with other creative artists. One of my favorite but most challenging photoshoots was my underwater photoshoot, I use to be scared of water when I was little so doing this photoshoot helped me face my fears and we got to create beautiful photos.

For me, modeling is about creating art. I want people to look at my photos and feel something. Although I love boudoir and high fashion photoshoots, my favorite are creative photoshoots. One photoshoot I did my whole body is being painted to look like Alice in Wonderland and next photoshoot I’m sitting on top of a plane in a 1950’s outfit.
With modeling I can transform into anyone I want. I like to say I’m like a Chameleon, I can change my look so quickly and I love becoming someone new.

I have been very blessed over the years in this industry. Almost all my experiences were very positive. Each photoshoot I am learning new poses or facial expressions. I believe you never stop learning in this industry, it’s always growing and changing and I love that about it, Change is good. Change helps us grow. There is still so much to learn and I am excited to continue my modeling career even after all these years. I am older now, but wiser and much more self confident. I believe being a model has helped me reach my full potential. I am excited to see what the future holds. Never give up on your passions.

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

I think some non-creatives will struggle to understand how I come up with my ideas or looks for my photoshoots.

I get ideas/looks from fashion, nature, makeup, the people around me. Even having mental health has helped me create some unique photos. I use everything I see and hear. Some ideas don’t work out how I planned but that just pushes me to try even harder.
I heard a saying once “A wise person is a person who has failed over and over but never gave up”.

This industry will make you feel less then and will test your creative side. Don’t let it win. Take a break if you need too, but never give up on your passion. You only have one life, make it the best you can!

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My goal is to create beautiful art. Make a picture come to life. Have someone look at my photos and feel the emotion I am trying to convey. I want to be able to look back when I’m old and be proud of the work I have created and been part of. Although I have a goal, I believe it about the journey not the destination.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @deziree_d

Image Credits
Tinyislands Photography Joe Symchyshyn Photography Iain Mcnally Photography TooVivid Photography Eumarzephyrphoto