Today we’d like to introduce you to Dara Pena
Hi Dara, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I could sit here and talk all day about my journey from where I started up until where I am right now. I want to introduce myself as a creator. When I say creator, I am talking about in all aspects. I think the reason why I grew up to become a creator was my need to be seen and to be understood. Growing up and still to this day at the ripe age of 22, I struggle as a woman, and it’s my mission to create a community for my women. I want to share a space where they can talk and be heard.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
If I’m being honest, no of course it hasn’t been. If not, everyone would be doing what I’m doing. I think ever since I was a little girl I’ve always wanted to be someone. You’re going to come across people that want to dim that light. From being robbed of your own resources to create, from being homeless with your mother already twice, from losing jobs I’ve wanted, you know I could go on but all of that won’t ever define me. What defines me is my journey, what defines me is my community, and the work I put out.
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?
I am a multidisciplinary artist, others can say this is like a creative director. It’s far more than that. I am specialized in makeup artistry, but I craved for more than just makeup. I direct my own photo shoots while taking the picture, and I’m most likely always doing makeup. I’ll even do a model’s hair, sew an outfit together from scraps. About a year ago, too, I started writing and directing my own short films. Honestly, you name it and I can do it, can you think of some people that can actually do that?
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Form your community. Form friendships where you uplift each other. I can’t stress enough how important that is.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.darapena.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ddarapena?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Image Credits
Dara Peña
