Meet D’nia Defrance | Multi-hyphenate Creative

We had the good fortune of connecting with D’nia Defrance and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi D’nia, why did you pursue a creative career?
I had no choice. Growing up, it was difficult for anything other than art or fashion to keep my attention. I tried hard to gain focus and even had thoughts on potentially going to college to major in forensic science but my spirit wouldn’t allow it. When I surrounded myself around creating and other creatives, I felt heard… I finally felt seen. I was a very shy child and I found that when I didn’t have the words or was too nervous to speak up,  being creative was another way to for my voice to be heard. I found my voice through the way I styled myself everyday and drawing/painting was my therapy. Drawing had always been a hidden skill of mine but growing up I only used it when I needed to release certain emotions and thoughts that I couldn’t find the words for. I can truly say Art saved and elevated my life. Art taught me how to be bold and speak out through whatever creative form I desired. If it can help me, it can help others and that’s what my career is all about.

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.

Where I am today, took a lot of mental strengthening. I love what I do but emotionally it was not easy for me. My career path began once I officially took modeling seriously. Modeling is blank canvas for me. When I shoot I feel like I’m painting with my body. I feel so free but I had to force myself to be creative out loud in front of others. I am an extrovert and an introvert; once you know me, you know me but sometimes it takes me longer to warm up in certain environments. I didn’t have the best self-esteem or confidence growing up, so when it came to modeling it pushed me to see myself. I had to get comfortable with being uncomfortable and in due time I did.

The moment I elevated to a certain stage in my life, confidence followed and I noticed that I wasn’t alone. It’s so many people out there that hide their light from the world like I did. That’s when I started gaining more clarity of my purpose. The same tools that assisted my journey could aid in another’s. I began developing D’nia Defrance LLC which is a fashion consulting and wellness company. Within my company I’ve created an organization; S.T.E.P which is a self-love service and was created to assist individuals with personal development and self-guidance, while using the art of modeling, journaling and more.

I’m truly on a journey, spreading the word on the importance of “self”. We can all make a difference in life by just being ourselves. But if we don’t know ourselves or are confident in our own body, how can we affect anything?

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

(Okay, let me tell you something about me LBS. I love having a great and fun time but I also like keeping my money in my pockets! But I love my friends and I plan great experiences when I’m not trying to save up).

Once my friend touch down, it’s LIT!
1st – Grocery shopping, I love cooking meals together with my friends
2nd- Plan a huge kickback for all my friends to come together
3rd- Eat out at one of my favorite Chicago spots; Trivoli Tavern or La Josie
4th- It’s only right we get shots somewhere!
5th- Definitely, playing pool in West Loop or Hyde Park
6th-Picnic! I love food and nature
7th- Chill, at home movie night

If there are any art shows or social events going on in my city, then I would definitely add that to the list as well.

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 dedicate my shoutout to everybody I’ve ever encountered in my life so far! A conversation with a passing stranger in a store, to my twin sister, who has literally helped me become more of who I am. God receives the Mightiest shoutout because ONLY GOD could lead me exactly where I’m aligned to be to even meet and or interact with certain individuals, good or bad in my life. So yes, BIG SHOUT OUT to God, my family, my Dream Team, my friends, teachers, mentors, old jobs, strangers, associates, everybody! Forever grateful for conversations; WORDS HOLD POWER.

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

Image Credits
Leon Williams @leonwilliamsnyc Dimeji @mejivision Kinmiar @kinmiar Riané Human @rianehumanphoto Javi Montes @foto_javi_