We had the good fortune of connecting with Darien Kenlock and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Darien, what’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?
One piece of conventional advice that I disagree with is “finish what you start”. As a young boy I’ve heard “don’t be a quitter”, or “if you start something, you finish it.” This phrase is commonly stated from family members, school administration, pastors, sports coaches, doctors and lawyers, to famous athletes and musicians. Think how many speeches you’ve heard with the line, “I am where I am today because I DID NOT GIVE UP!” Well, I am where I am today because I did “quit”, on many occasions. I actually believe one of my greatest strengths is my ability to change direction. I do not hesitate to move on whenever I find myself involved in something that no longer fits my objective, or something I’ve simply outgrown. Whether it be a relationship, job, education, or lifestyle. This is how I keep my life and experiences fresh, lively, and passion driven. Many people find themselves in long term unsatisfactory situations because they didn’t recognize when it was time to change direction. However, this piece of advice can teach one to be hardworking, persistent, and disciplined. All of which can be crucial to success. On the contrary, it can subliminally teach one to settle and conform to society’s expectations. This piece of advice would’ve been much more constructive given the correct context. It fails to imply that you are the one who decides what is finished in your life. Society will view me as a college dropout, but in my eyes I graduated from an environment that was no longer fulfilling. To my manager I resigned, but to me I was promoted to my own boss. Do not trap yourself. Try many things, quit whatever you want, revisit some if you may. Live, learn and have multiple experiences. So yeah, you can finish what you start but never forget who determines what is finished in your life.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a creator. Sure I can name a few occupations I associate with, such as, a model, chef, writer, and mentor. Truth is whenever someone asks, “what do you do?”, the answer I take the most pride in is “I create.” I’ve paid enough attention to my life to know that I’m happiest when I’m creating. For instance right now, I’m ecstatic writing this. I literally just left my photoshoot and felt moved to write at this very moment. I’m sitting in my car at Greenpoint waterfront, looking out amongst the night sky and the lights of Manhattan across the water. I would consider this work. As my fingers hit the keys, I’m filled with gratitude that the opportunity to impact another person with words has presented itself. After all, positive impact is my ultimate purpose and intention. My outlet for impact would be my creative endeavors. As previously mentioned, I am a model. Looking back I realized I have always been a model. From young I was fascinated with taking care of my appearance. I liked new clothes and shoes. Due to social media, photos became a hobby for me. Taking them, filtering them, editing them, arranging them, and gazing at them. I loved being dressed up and in front of a camera. As a kid I never thought about making a career out of it, because I didn’t see anyone with “fun jobs”. I only witnessed go to work, pay bills, and repeat. For years I did facial routines, hair treatments, and gym workouts and it never occurred to me I should be a professional model. Then in my late teens, I began applying the same care I used on my physical appearance to my mental being. Fell in love with positivity and began to see life in a new light. Conformed to the mindset of “I can do whatever I set my mind to”. I started to learn myself and identify my desires. By the time I was nineteen, I turned away from all unsatisfactory situations and began pursuing my desires. To this day I haven’t stopped. My work is my life and I literally live for it. I’ve created the brand name “D9” which precedes the specifics of each of my business ventures. My model career has the name “D9HOTO”, which reads “D9 photo”. In my model career I’ve graced the cover a magazine and the runway in London fashion week. I’ve also had multiple other publications and an opportunity at New York fashion week. I’m also a chef of one famous dish, Rasta Pasta. I’ve started this business from my home and have sold over 10,000 dishes. I used to buy Rasta Pasta everyday until I started making it for myself everyday. Now I make it for customers everyday. This venture is called “D9ASTA”. D9ASTA is a very special part of my creative journey because it proved to me I can create whatever I envision. Unlike fashion and taking photos, cooking has never been a passion or interest of mine. I even use the slogan “More Creator; Less Chef.” I bring this same knowledge and attitude to every new idea or vision. I don’t limit or doubt my potential because I’ve learned myself and know what I am capable of. I’ve learned to not mimic society and take the time to define who I am. I’ve accepted that I won’t please everyone so I just make sure I am one of the satisfied people. I’ve built confidence and character by staying true to my virtues and values. Most importantly I’ve realized it’s not about getting somewhere, it’s about enjoying the path you take there. Happiness is in progress. I’m going to reverse away from the waterfront now and drive home. I enjoyed the two hours I’ve spent here sharing my ideas and thoughts. Whomever this finds, I urge you to discover yourself no matter what stage of life you’re in. It’s never too late to choose yourself. Focus on the small steps to build confidence and momentum. Set your intentions but live in the present moment. Forget what’s viewed as normal and create your own path. Last but not least, journey over destination. Oh yeah, did I mention I’m a writer and mentor?

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

I live uptown in the Bronx, NY. I personally prefer to be outside engaged in an activity rather than sitting in my home. First, a disclaimer. NY is subject to experiencing all five seasons in a span of one week. It was literally 19 degrees and snowing yesterday and it is 65 degrees today with not a cloud in the sky. Tomorrow we’ll probably be seeing Spring rain. Nonetheless, I’m drawn to nature and eye pleasing scenery. When the weather permits it, I head over to Glen Island park in New Rochelle and enjoy a breeze at the lake. I sit on a rock, take photos, read a book, or brainstorm while enjoying fresh air and sunshine. More scenery includes Times Square in Manhattan where you see those bright lighted billboards and a huddled crowd waiting for a guy to backflip across six of his friends. There’s suited characters and naked ladies charging five dollars for a picture. You may even see Donald Trump directing traffic. Definitely an interesting experience but you catch the gist after three or four visits. However, my favorite place in Manhattan is the Soho area. I go for long walks alone and never get tired of looking around. Soho has a lot of character. Starting with the road that isn’t freshly paved, instead structured with rugged blocks that complement the style of buildings. You’ll witness many different types of people wearing many different styles and trends. I’ve seen hipsters, skateboarders, designers, artists, hype beast shoppers, and lastly the reason I’m even there: models. I often just wander until I end up in Tribeca staring at a matte black Lamborghini Urus or white Ferrari casually parked up. Then as I stroll passed an art gallery, I’m waved to come in and tour the show. For some reason really interesting art makes me hungry. So I hike about nine minutes towards Little Italy and avoid purchasing any knock off designer on Canal street. I always catch a glimpse of Chinatown which is in close proximity; I’ve never been to China but I’d say it has strong similarities. I arrive at a restaurant I cannot pronounce and request an outside table for one. I enjoy a plate of chicken fettuccine and any glass of wine less bitter than a grapefruit. Every now and then, I’ll crave a five star meal. I’ve dined at Del Frisco’s, STK Steakhouse, Ruth Chris, and Ocean Prime. Best mac and cheese goes to Ruth Chris, and STK would be the runner-up. I ate my first steak at Del Frisco’s and it was a pleasant experience. On the other hand, my time spent at Ocean prime is unmatched. I sat in a very comfortable elevated booth, in the center from where I can see the whole restaurant, and the waitress gave exceptional service. That chef made me the best medium rib-eye steak with blue cheese crust I’ve ever had. Matsro’s and Prime Cut are still awaiting my visit, I’ll keep you posted on those. I’m also very fond of Hibachi restaurants. Locally, you’ll catch me at a Jamaican restaurant ordering jerk chicken, rice and peas, with oxtail gravy, jerk sauce and steamed vegetables or plantain. However, I actually eat pretty healthy on my regular day to day basis. I almost never miss a green smoothie at Freckle’s Juice uptown in the Bronx. The store itself is a mini art show and they have every smoothie you can think of with a vibrant name and great taste. It is a task finding healthy spots, but one worth mentioning is The Little Beet in Midtown Manhattan. I’ve only tried it once but will certainly go again. As far as activities go, I like to do it all, but I’ve been bowling so much that I should be considered a professional. Recently I discovered a bowling alley in Brooklyn, with live music and a sit down restaurant. The name is very complex so open your notes before I tell you. Alright, it’s “Brooklyn Bowl.” Seriously though, a very fun spot. I also go to sip and paint all over New York. My favorite so far has been in Queens, they made me feel like I should take my artistic skills back to Soho. Speaking of sipping, my  friends and I can run up quite a tab at the lounge. Kimoto Rooftop Garden Lounge located in Brooklyn is a spot that provides it all. From the late night kitchen, hookah, lights, drinks, to music, and a rooftop view of the city. After a night there, you’ll want to sleep in all day. However not to worry, even if you wake up at 9pm, that is still plenty of time to head down to Insomnia Cookies in Harlem. Don’t snooze too long because I’ll be speeding for that last Salted Caramel deluxe cookie. That’s enough talking now, just come see for yourself. If you’re ever in New York the chances of bumping into me at Ocean Prime are thin, but you can go to Vegas on me walking into freckles.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to all creatives and visionaries across the world. We are all the one but yet unique and have our individual purpose to fulfill.

Website: darienkenlock.com

Instagram: d9hoto

Other: Creatively: d9vision

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