Meet Deja Janea | Model, Musician, Author.

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

Hi Deja, how do you think about risk?
Risk taking has been a pivotal aspect for my career. In 2017, I left home from my small town which was Delaware and headed to a big city, Los Angeles. If it wasn’t for me taking such a big leap, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I dodged the societal life which is typically going to college after high school and that alone was a big risk. When I moved to LA, I went to every open call at the agencies I wanted to work with and reached out to every local clothing brand. I was scared and wasn’t too familiar with rejection but quickly became used to it and didn’t let fear or rejection deter my goals. My family wanted me to join the Air Force and although I did try, I knew it wasn’t a desire of mine. I took ROTC in high school, awarded flight commander of my class and went to summer bootcamp to prepare for basic training. Pursuing a full time modeling career has been the biggest risk I’ve ever taken. Carving my own path, living pay check to pay, not sure where my check will come from and essentially not sure if this will all work out is still to this day a huge risk. I’m greatly blessed to have followed this path because I’ve learned and accomplished so much along the way. All Glory to God and my family for holding me up throughout the process.

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 name is Deja Janea. Born in Tacoma, Washington and raised in Middletown, Delaware. I’m a professional supermodel, singer/songwriter, content creator and author. Although, the brand is currently on pause, I have my own athletic wear brand called “Divinely Healed” which has sold out. In conclusion, I’m a full time entrepreneur. I love fitness, nutrition and anything to do with a healthy lifestyle. I completely transformed my body by working out 5 times a week for 70 weeks (and counting) and have lost 30lbs in 6 months when I first started this journey. I’m an avid reader and have read 14 books (and counting) in 2024 plus 8 books in the Bible. I recently created a broadcast channel on my instagram, @DejaJanea, regarding a book club. My family and I moved frequently so adapting to new environments become easy to me which assisted with my transition from living in a small town to a large city. When I was 22, I left home and moved to LA to pursue my modeling career. I began modeling in Delaware when a friend asked me to be a muse for her new photography hobby 11 years ago. From that first shoot, I fell in love with being in front of the camera. By the time I moved to LA, I was 4 years deep into my modeling career and had been consistently working in Delaware and Philadelphia with local brands and photographers. I taught myself everything, down to posing, reaching out and maintaining success in this industry. I believe that my personality and skills set me apart. I’ve consistently received compliments about my talented posing skills and my bright and genuine personality. I’m most proud of my standing billboard in Times Square, working with Beyonce for 2.5 years and having a national hair campaign in all beauty store for RUWA braiding hair. It was absolutely not easy to get where I am today. I have faced extreme amounts of rejection, failure and long hours on set but all has been worth it. I’ve learned to keep God first, have faith and working on yourself is your best investment. I’ve recently taken my talents to Atlanta in September 2024 so we’ll see where God takes me from here. I’m excited about taking on a new career as a best selling author. My first book about how to be a successful professional model will published in 2025.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my friends from LA visited me in ATL, I’d take them to Piedmont Park for a nice hot girl run or walk then visit Do Not Disturb for a cold plunge and sauna session. On Monday’s we’d join Atlanta Run Club at Ponce City Market after we enjoy a fresh smoothie from Larayia’s Bodega. For a nice dinner, I’d take my girls to Tulum Kitchen and Bar for their delicious tacos with rice and beans. Friday night, we’d visit High Museum to explore fine art and be serenaded by live jazz. To finish the trip, I’d take them to Slutty Vegan where we’d happily cheers our Fussy Hussy burgers.

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?
I would love to start out by giving an enormous shoutout to God. He has kept me on my toes, leveled headed and focused. Without my relationship with God, I know I wouldn’t have accomplished what I worked hard towards, all while being a good hearted person. I’d also love to shoutout my wonderful and beautiful mother, Adrienne Ray. My queen has believed in me since day one and has spent countless hours on the phone, hearing me complain, cry tears of joy and sadness and has given me the best advice I’ve ever received. My mom has always told me “A closed mouth doesn’t get fed” and that has been my motto since day one. Because of her, I don’t fear rejection and always make my ask. I’d love to shoutout my friends and all those who has supported me throughout the journey with all your encouraging words and affirmations. I’m so grateful.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dejajanea/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/dejajanea

Image Credits
Joshua Regaillard
Narbeh Khodaverdi
Chad Lawson
Ronald Wayne
Kin Cordell (RIP)
Natasha Martin
Tony Bowen
Cameron Crew Studios

Makeup Artist:
Jessica Pierre (swimsuit and black and white photo)