Today we’d like to introduce you to Deveney Marshall. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Deveney Marshall is an Artist-Entrepreneur, Mental Health Advocate, and Philanthropist from and based in New Orleans, LA. Deveney came into the world as a Creative Entrepreneur. From a very early age, she displayed the characteristics of an artist and businessperson. At eight years old, Deveney was recognized as an academically and artistically gifted student by Orleans Parish Schools. Deveney was raised on the principles of faith, activism, and community. She grew up as an active steward in the New Orleans community, partaking in community service for as long as she can remember. Throughout her adolescence, she participated in community projects and mission trips all over the world through the various organizations she belonged to. In May 2008, Deveney graduated with honors from Warren Easton High School and attended Dillard University in the Fall of that year.
After attaining her Bachelor’s in Psychology in 2012 from Dillard University, Deveney began her career as a Mental Health Specialist, working for Mental Health Rehabilitation Clinics throughout the City of New Orleans, then Children’s Hospital of New Orleans Behavioral Health Unit. While working as an MHS, Deveney transitioned into a career in artistry, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy. Earning the titles of Actress, Journalist, and Director. In 2015, her passion for empowering others led her to launch The DATC Media, a non-profit multimedia company with a focus on empowerment, mental health, and wellness. The following year, through The DATC Media, Deveney independently produced her first short film “Chains: A Story of a Lost Black Man’s Soul.” After becoming a notable social media influencer, in 2017, she launched Mara Creative Agency, a digital marketing agency.
Through the years, Deveney has found great success as a full-time Creative Entrepreneur, Social Media Personality, and Philanthropist. Besides The DATC Media and Mara Creative Agency, she currently acts as the co-founder for several other enterprises. Deveney has appeared in numerous notable television series, including “Roots (2016)” and “The Purge (2019),” attained countless brand partnerships with both national and international brands, and has been featured in numerous publications. She has cultivated a global following, reaching audiences across the US, South America, Africa, Asia, and Europe.
In 2019, Deveney’s passion of being of service to others led her to founding two community-based initiatives through her non-profit, The DATC Media, THEWELLDOWNEXPERIENCE, a yoga and mindfulness event that reinforces the importance of wellness within the Black community, and The Baddies On A Mission Project, which most recently provided monetary resources to Southeast Louisiana Residents impacted by Hurricane Ida. In 2021, Deveney was recognized by the Supermajority Organization as a 2021 Majority Leader for her diligence as a community service leader.
After scaling her marketing company, Mara Creative Agency, into a six-figure business in 2021, Deveney garnered the attention of Tulane University A.B. Freeman School of Business. Becoming a 2022-2023 Tulane Executive MBA Candidate and receiving the prestigious A.B. Freeman School of Business EMBA Scholarship Award.
By way of faith and hard work, Deveney has curated a fantastic career she loves and is thoroughly proud of. She excitedly awaits the monumental things she knows she will manifest for her next.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Nothing about my journey has been smooth. I’ve experienced many hurdles along the way, from external obstacles such as: racism, colorism, and sexism to internal obstacles like imposter syndrome or doubting my own capabilities. However, I’ve never allowed any of those things to make me stop pursuing my dreams. I always tell myself my mission on this earth and my faith are bigger than any challenge I can ever face, then I keep going. I owe it to my foremothers, the women who look like me, and everyone who has supported me along the way to keep going.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Currently, I work as a Creative Entrepreneur. I mostly work within the digital space as a content creator and digital brand strategist. I specialize in all things creative! Whether I’m writing a script for a film, curating a talk space for The DATC Media, acting, or creating content for my Mara Creative Agency clients, it’s important that I’m allowed to fully express myself. My days never look the same. One day I’m working on set, another I’m creating digital content, and the day after that my schedule could be filled with back-to-back work events. I’ve had to learn to embrace having an unconventional professional life. Out of all the many things I do, I’d say I’m mostly known for my social media personality and lifestyle brand, DEVANDTHECITY. People tend to enjoy how transparent and vocal I am on social media. They also admire the colorful life I live as a creative entrepreneur. I’ve created a successful career off of simply being my whole self, and I LOVE THAT! I take pride in knowing who I am on social media is also who I am in real life. Embracing the many sides of myself and sharing my journey with the world has gotten me very far and I know remaining authentic to who I am will continue to open many doors for me in the future.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I don’t believe in luck. I believe what’s for you is for you and it will never miss you. I am huge believer in manifestation. I view manifesting as aligning what you want in life by making sure you’re always working towards your best self. Favor tends to follow those who actively work on themselves. I’m always working on becoming a better version of myself and I believe the universe rewards me for that. I know for a fact I have aligned great things for myself by doing the internal work we all should do on this journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: thedevandthecity.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devandthecity/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/devandthecity/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/devandthecity
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/thedatcmedia/
Image Credits
Christian Gobert
TWD event attendees
