Conversations with the Inspiring Jamie Leigh DeVilla

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamie Leigh DeVilla.

Jamie Leigh, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’ve always been an artist, performer, and dancer. When I was a child, I used to put on variety shows in our garage. I would sell tickets, set up chairs and force my poor family to come.

After graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University with a BFA and minor in art history (I had continued my dance studies here as well), I moved to So. California to pursue a career as a makeup artist for TV and film. I’m very proud of my career as I started from scratch and knew virtually no one in the industry.

However, the dancer/performer side of me needed an outlet. I discovered the art of Middle Eastern Dance (Belly Dance) and my dual career life took off.

I trained relentlessly with legendary teachers here in So. Cal. and have traveled the world to study with luminaries of the field.

I began teaching about 10 years ago at Dance Garden LA, perform as a soloist and am the Director of Sekhmet Dance Company.

I am also a working make up artist for TV and film.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No journey worth taking is ever a smooth one. I am sure both of my careers have suffered under the wight of the other but I couldn’t do it any other way.

To young women, I would say this, trust and love yourself. Follow your passion, do it now and don’t give one fig about what “THEY” say about you! Do what YOU want to do, not what you are told is safe and right for you!
Do it now because looking at your self in the mirror when you old and saying woulda, coulda, shoulda is not an option.

What should we know about DeVilla? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
As a makeup artist, I’m probably best known for my solid beauty and period work. I’m a painter, I just paint faces.

As a Middle Eastern Dancer, I’m best known for my theatrical dance style, big feather fans, head pieces and prop work. My style is a blend of cabaret belly dance and Hollywood show girl. Though I do traditional styles as well.

Do you have a lesson or advice you’d like to share with young women just starting out?
There is only one you! Do not deny the world your uniqueness. Follow your heart and don’t look back.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.devillaraks.com
• Email: devillaraks@gmail.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/devillaraks/
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/devilla.raks.11
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/devillaraks11

Image Credit:
Amanda Brooks, Carl Sermon, Maharet Hughes

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