We’re looking forward to introducing you to DerNeccia Livingston . Check out our conversation below.
Good morning DerNeccia , it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Energy and intelligence are both powerful traits. Energy gives you drive, persistence, and the ability to push through challenges. Intelligence gives you problem solving skills, creativity, and the ability to make smart decisions. But without integrity, both can become dangerous or even destructive.Integrity is more important because it’s the foundation of trust with others. If people know you’re honest and keep your word, they’ll follow you, work with you, and invest in you. Without integrity, even the most energetic and intelligent person loses credibility.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
While some may know, and for those who don’t, my name’s DerNeccia Livingston better known as Lucy or Pretty Lu. I’m originally from Terrell, Texas, but Dallas became home for me in the late ’90s. I’m the second oldest of five children on my mother’s side and the oldest of two on my father’s side. Most importantly, I’m a proud mother to one handsome, athletic, and intelligent young man.
By day, I work full-time to keep the bills paid, but my true passion has always been creative expression. I’ve been modeling for over 10 years and recently started rapping, though I like to say, “I’m not a rapper. I’m just a model rapping, ya dig!”
Through my journey in the fashion and entertainment scene, I’ve witnessed how often models are undervalued and taken advantage of whether by designers, artists, or even photographers. I know firsthand how difficult it can be to build a strong portfolio while navigating those challenges.
That’s why I’ve teamed up with my photographer to create The Drip Experience 💧📸 a platform designed to help models build their portfolios, gain exposure, and reclaim the value they deserve in this industry.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
What breaks bonds.
Betrayal of trust. Lying, cheating, or breaking promises.
Lack of communication. Misunderstandings, silence, or avoidance.
Disrespect. Hurtful words, dismissing feelings, or devaluing someone’s worth.
Neglect. Not showing care, support, or effort in the relationship.
Unresolved conflict. Letting anger, resentment, or pride fester.
Different values or priorities. Growing apart in goals, lifestyles, or beliefs. Inconsistency. When words and actions don’t align, leaving people unsure.
What restores bonds.
Honest communication Speaking openly and listening with patience.
Accountability. Admitting wrongs and taking responsibility for actions.
Forgiveness. Releasing resentment (not necessarily forgetting, but choosing peace).
Consistency. Showing through actions that change or care is real.
Empathy. Truly understanding and validating the other person’s feelings.
Time and effort. Healing takes patience and steady rebuilding.
Shared experiences. Reconnecting through positive moments and mutual support. Bonds break when people feel unsafe, unseen, or unloved; they restore when people feel secure, understood, and valued again.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There have been times when I felt like giving up on my craft. Working a full-time job can leave you drained, tired, and questioning if it’s even worth it. Life throws situations at you that you can’t control, and that pressure can weigh heavy. I’ve had moments where I was down on myself, listening to the lies of the enemy, almost letting the devil manipulate me into walking away from what I love. But even in those low points, something in me keeps pushing forward, reminding me that my purpose is bigger than the struggles trying to stop me.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
The public me is the real me. I don’t put on no mask for nobody. What you see is what you get. I’m not sugarcoating myself just to make people comfortable. The same way I laugh, joke, grind, and even struggle behind closed doors is the same way I show up outside. I don’t have the energy to play two different people. So if you think the “public me” is a performance, baby, you just haven’t realized yet that’s just who I am, unapologetically.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
I’m most at peace when I’m in front of the camera. That’s my zone, my therapy, my safe place. The world slows down, the noise fades, and it’s just me and the lens. Every pose, every angle is a chance to express myself without saying a word. Modeling isn’t just about pictures for me. It’s where I feel the most free, confident, and completely in my element.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prettylu_08?igsh=NHNuZHVuOXIxM2ll
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1JxSdT9YMQ/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@myworldprettylu8436?si=2UWOWAifYBfKYStx
Image Credits
Drip Visualz
Drip_portraitz
The Drip Experience 💧📸
