We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dorica Benson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dorica below.
Alright, Dorica thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
In January 2022, armed with only $300 in my savings account, I took a leap of faith, packed what I could and left behind my familiar life back in Ohio to pursue my dreams in New York City. I moved into a stranger’s basement, far away from my family and hometown friends, and embarked on a journey filled with uncertainty and challenges. I know that sounds crazy as f*ck, unrealistic, on like some movies type sh*t, but yolo right? The odds were stacked against me but I promised to never let the environment I grew up in define my destiny and I. I be insecure sometimes because I don’t come from a wealthy background, however, I’m courageous and smart as hell, with a wealthy mentality so I believe in the power of alignment and conscious manifestation.
The first three months were particularly tough as I struggled to find a job. My faith was tested, and there were moments when I questioned my decision and felt overwhelmed by the magnitude of the risk I had taken. There were times where I felt dumb as hell for moving without saving up $10,000 to move to one of the most expensive cities in the world, but deep down, I always knew what I desired would always prosper and work out in my favor because I’m an intentional being, who moves with love, grace and gratitude. I refused to give up on my dreams, and during those difficult times, I discovered a newfound strength within myself.
Determined to make things work, I tapped into various crafts and skills that I had learned over the years back in the midwest. Through networking and aligning with the right people, I started monetizing my abilities, slowly building a path towards success. Each day was a test of my resilience and creativity, as I pushed myself to make a mark in the competitive city.
There were countless nights when doubt crept in, and I wondered if I was crazy for taking such a giant leap into the unknown. However, I knew deep down that this risk was essential for my growth as a creative, an entrepreneur and an independent woman of color. The journey was not easy, but every challenge I faced became an opportunity to learn, evolve and turn the f*ck up.
As time went on, I began to witness the positive outcomes of my courageous decision. I started loving and trusting what I did, finding joy and fulfillment in pursuing my passions. Despite starting with strangers, I found a supportive community of like-minded individuals who believed in my vision and supported me wholeheartedly, all over the world. New York City is so diverse and I get love from folks that come from everywhere around the globe. Two of my biggest keys to success is authenticity and consistency.
Looking back, I can confidently say that taking that risk was worth it. I have grown exponentially, both as a person and as a professional. I am now living the life I always journaled about, and I owe it all to the courage I had to step out of my comfort zone. Although I’m independent and haven’t made my first millions, my spirit feels wealthy and my confidence has taken me places I never thought I would see. I’ve gained access to rooms I could’ve only imagine being in, just by smiling and proving through dedication and passion, I’m a force to be reckoned with.
My story serves as a reminder that sometimes the biggest rewards come from taking risks and trusting in oneself, even when others don’t understand the vision. Through perseverance, determination, and a willingness to embrace the unknown, I turned a small chance into a life-changing opportunity, and I am forever grateful for the journey that has led me to where I am today.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Dorica, and I am a multi-talented artist and creative entrepreneur. My journey into the world of arts and entertainment began at a young age. At just six years old, I discovered my passion for singing, which was further nurtured by being around my father, who was a DJ, producer, fashion designer, and writer from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
As I grew older, my artistic ambitions expanded, and I delved into various creative disciplines. I underwent artist development at the age of 12 in the S.T.A.R.S Worldwide program under the guidance of Tasha Captain, my manager at the time. In that program, I received invaluable training in the industry, including songwriting, vocal training, modeling, and everything I needed to know to navigate the competitive world of entertainment.
Now, as a singer-songwriter, producer, model, DJ, creative director, videographer, live performer, and tech enthusiast, I offer a diverse range of services to clients in the entertainment and creative industries.
For aspiring musicians, I specialize in writing songs for major labels and independent artists. My expertise in songwriting allows me to craft compelling and emotionally resonant lyrics that bring out the best in every artist’s unique style and voice.
As a model, I bring my striking presence, poise and personality to music videos and projects, adding an extra layer of allure to visual storytelling.
For those seeking a new experience, I DJ at underground parties and events, curating and mixing music to create an unforgettable atmosphere and nostalgia.
As a creative director, I take on projects to shape visual narratives, whether it be music videos or short films, for other artists and creators. My unique eye, ears, and perspective within the arts and craft set me apart from others in the industry.
Moreover, I provide visual promotional work for real estate agents, restaurants, businesses, and brands, helping clients shape their identity and transform their art into a lasting legacy.
One aspect of my work that I’m most proud of is my courage and adaptability. Moving to pursue my dreams with only $300 in my savings account was a significant risk, but it allowed me to discover my true potential and grow immensely as a creative and entrepreneur. My ability to embrace change and navigate challenges with agility has been a key factor in my success.
I’m driven by a passion for tech and innovation, and I believe in harnessing the power of technology to push creative boundaries and connect with audiences in new and exciting ways.
In conclusion, I am Dorica – a versatile and dynamic artist who blends various creative disciplines to offer a wide array of services. I’m committed to helping clients bring their visions to life and leave a lasting impact in the entertainment and creative industries. My journey has been filled with dedication, courage, and adaptability, and I take immense pride in shaping identities and transforming art into legacies. Follow my brand Fluid Identity on Instagram for latest updates on what’s going on with passion projects outside of me. I invite the curious to join me on my exciting journey, where innovation and creativity converge to create extraordinary experiences. I aim to achieve liberation and freedom to do whatever the f*ck I want through the arts. Abundance is my birthright.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
One resource that has significantly impacted my management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy is the book “Getting into the Vortex” by Jerry and Esther Hicks. This enlightening read has revolutionized my perspective on abundance and the law of attraction, providing invaluable insights into how to harness the power of intentionality in both professional and personal endeavors.
The book taught me the importance of aligning my thoughts, emotions, and actions with my desired outcomes. By understanding and applying the principles of the law of attraction, I have learned to attract positive opportunities and outcomes into my life, relationships and business.
Moreover, “Getting into the Vortex” has underscored the significance of working smart rather than just working harder. It highlights the importance of focusing on the quality and efficiency of my efforts, rather than simply putting in more hours. This newfound approach to work has allowed me to optimize my productivity and achieve better results in less time.
Incorporating the principles from this book into my daily life has brought about a transformative shift in my mindset and decision-making. I now approach challenges with a greater sense of clarity and purpose, and I’m more conscious of the energy I bring to my work and interactions.
In addition to “Getting into the Vortex,” I have also found inspiration and valuable insights from various videos, essays, tv shows like “insecure” by Issa Rae and podcasts related to entrepreneurship, navigating life, and management, mainly from YouTube videos, having personal conversations with established and honorable names within my industry, and taking Masterclass courses from those I admire. These resources have exposed me to diverse perspectives, innovative strategies, and thought-provoking ideas, contributing to my continuous growth as a leader and entrepreneur.
Overall, the combination of “Getting into the Vortex” and other valuable resources and people has shaped my management and entrepreneurial philosophy. I now firmly believe in the power of intentionality, and I am committed to working smarter, not just harder, to create a positive and impactful difference in my business and in the lives of those I serve.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
A lesson I had to unlearn was the belief that time is solely equivalent to money. This perspective once dominated my thoughts, leading me to prioritize financial gain over everything else. However, through introspection and personal growth, I came to recognize the value of passion income and the true essence of money.
My journey towards this realization began with my quest to understand the spiritual aspect of money – that it is a result of providing value to others. I grasped the concept that money flows as a response to the value we bring to the world, whether through products, services, or ideas that improve the lives of others.
Further exploration led me to discover the four levels of value. At the lowest level, implementation, one exchanges time and labor for money by working a job. I initially struggled with the feeling of laziness or guilt for not fitting into the traditional 9-to-5 work structure, which seemed counterproductive to my creative aspirations. However, I eventually understood that it was not a matter of laziness but rather a yearning for something greater.
Moving up the ladder of value, I recognized the importance of unification, which involves management skills and the ability to organize and lead others effectively. This level enabled me to see that pursuing my creative passions could align with valuable leadership roles.
Next came communication, the level where one generates income using their verbal or written skills. Embracing this level helped me acknowledge that my passion for creativity could be harnessed through various means, such as writing, public speaking, or artistic expression.
The pinnacle of value, imagination, was a revelation. It showed me that combining my mind with financial resources could lead to invention, innovation, and creation. This level empowered me to believe in the possibility of achieving even seemingly impossible dreams.
Through this transformation, I liberated myself from feeling misunderstood or angry at myself for not conforming to traditional work structures. Instead, I recognized that my yearning for more was a natural response to the desire for personal growth and creative expression, and my reluctance to settle for exploitative situations.
Now, I embrace the philosophy of thinking big and trusting my own vision, even if it seems unattainable at first. I often reflect on the marvel of flight and how someone’s audacious dream gave rise to airplanes. Witnessing the planes soaring over Manhattan serves as a constant reminder of the power of persistence and belief in one’s aspirations.
In conclusion, the lesson I unlearned was the narrow view of time equating solely to money. I now appreciate the significance of passion income, the true nature of money as a spiritual result of value, and the various levels of value we can bring to the world. Embracing imagination as the highest level of value has inspired me to think big and trust my creative vision, no matter how ambitious it may seem. By learning from the marvels of human innovation, I am committed to persisting in my journey towards fulfilling my creative dreams and leaving a positive impact on society.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dorica.squarespace.com
- Instagram: dorica.online
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/dorica-benson-10ab37179
- Twitter: @itsdorica
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@doricaonline
Image Credits
@official_kaikai @blackartmatterss @anthonybgeathers @eclectic_sage @ju.buggin