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

Hi Datarra, let’s talk legacy – what do you want yours to be?
That I am always in all ways myself. No matter what’s happening, you can count on me to always be authentic. I don’t know how to be anyone else nor do I desire to be. I want people to know that I’m always fighting for myself to be the best version of me that I can. Reprogramming my subconscious, compassion, transparency, just living and learning to live in my truth. Opinions of others don’t bound me or phase me, Whatever I truly feel, I go with. My legacy is being me and no one else.

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.
My art is modeling. I am a computer technician but, wanted to go more in depth as a model and coach.
I started modeling at the age of 4 due to my mother being a seamstress/dressmaker. As an adult that can be who I am authentically on the runway has given me life. I pose myself, I’ve done two photoshoots as the creative director and modeled the shoot as well, I pose my partner for her shoots, I have posed models for photoshoots as well as runway poses. I enjoy helping people perfect their crafts whatever that may be. I modeled in heels for years because being a masculine presenting woman on the runway wasn’t truly a thing. 2012 to present, I am very much free and myself on the runway. My style and walk are versatile and I love being uniquely made. Learning that things can always change over time, paid gigs for some, are hard to find, prejudice against masculine woman models and learning not to take that personal, and to keep going. I’ve been discouraged but, I’d love to help people so, I’m back into it

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I just moved to Atlanta a year ago. To be honest, I love hiking, eating and dancing lol. So we would probably go to East palisades trail bamboo forest, morningside preserve, there’s an adult bar arcade called slingshot, your 3rd spot for some adult gaming fun or maybe the painted pin, to dance, definitely rock steady. Only place I’ve truly caught a groove unless it’s rnb Thursdays at my sisters room. I’d love to check out our bar! Food wise, definitely some wings from the Bando, crab legs from cirque or blue seafood, there’s a spot called Seven Lounge in Stockbridge amazing food and vibe and Blu Lagoon was pretty cool food was cool live music, andddd to top of off with some pizza that ALMOST tastes like home GINOSNY PIZZA. Try and find a few spoken word events and hoping she comes the Friday there’s live jazz at the high museum!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mom. She taught me to always be proud of myself and never hide me.
To the heartaches and lessons, thank you. To the healing journey now, whew, the work is happening, shifts, growth and so much patience, shedding and growing.

Instagram: _divin333

Linkedin: Datarra Darden

Facebook: Malani Darden

Other: Studmodelproject.com scroll down to Datarra Darden

Image Credits
Tdvisualarts, antoinne Duane jones, shotbyslice, ajs museum, forfuqssake

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