Today we’d like to introduce you to Destany Jana.
Destany, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I was born and raised in Dallas, Texas the Oakcliff area to be exact. My story is not like others, I was born 4 months premature and my family was told at the hospital that I would not survive. I had ambitions early on to become a model, writer, and actress but due to childhood poverty and abuse I was a child worried more about survival than my dreams that seemed so far out of reach. Fast forward and I became a mother at the age of 20 and I graduated from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts with a 2-year associate’s degree. In 2015 I was at a networking event and met a local photographer here Omar Ramos who basically discovered me. He asked why wasn’t I modeling yet and what was holding me back. I discovered that it was myself. So, I took that leap of faith and Omar did my first photoshoot and the rest was history from there. I have been modeling for over 2 years now, attending T Bell Actors Studio with Theresa Bell for a year and a half and actively pursuing every opportunity that comes my way. Presently I am working on my writing and my meal prep business and still pursuing a career in the arts. As a survivor of domestic violence, childhood violence and simply being an African American woman, I want to make the message clear that despite any and all obstacles you can and will succeed. Especially with my 6-year-old son Kalli, I want him to see what life can be like if you dream and put forth action.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
My art is simply me. I model, I act, I cook, I write. I make photos come to life, I have embodied every concept that has come my way. I have worked hard to capture every character that is presented to me in every scene that I am assigned. I do these things because I love to create from deep within. Whether I am cooking something and showing my passion thru that, or writing poetry that shows deep into my soul or modeling and acting for a photographer or director I give it my all. I hope that people see the type of person that I am and see my soul in my work.
What would you recommend to an artist new to the city, or to art, in terms of meeting and connecting with other artists and creatives?
Being an artist can indeed be lonely I agree with that. I myself am looking to connect with other artists so the only advice I can give at the moment is to get out there and network.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
I can be found on any social site. I am on Facebook, IG, and Twitter under Destany Jana. People can support my work by sharing and just getting the word out about Destany Jana because I am a force to be reckoned with.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 972-803-2821
- Email: bookdestanyjana@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/destanyjana
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/janasdestany
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/destanyjana
Image Credit:
Images 1 and 2 are Greg Davis
Images 3 and 5 Kevin Wehrmeister/Not Just headshots
Makeup: Jazzy Baptiste
Image 4: Nick Weaver
Image 6: Manz Plano/Spaceless Art
Makeup: Anel Anaya Lecona
Image 7: Stephen Hill
Makeup: Dameion Baker
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
