Life & Work with Deja Janea

Today we’d like to introduce you to Deja Janea.

Hi Deja, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in Tacoma, WA, raised in Delaware. Youngest of three. I started modeling in 2014 when my photographer friend started taking pictures of me for fun. It quickly turned into a passion. My modeling career started in Delaware then I moved to Orlando, FL and walked fashion shows and modeled for local brands. When hurricane Irene happened, I came to LA to wait it out and ended up never going back to FL. I’ve been living in LA ever since. I got signed to two agencies, also freelanced and did my own bookings.

I started working with great brands and shooting with amazing photographers, which lead to a following on social media from my work getting reposted. I have been on a billboard in Times Square for a brand called “Sensationell Hair,” which is still in hair stores across the globe. I’ve modeling for brands such as Google, Enews, Disney and so much more. Before modeling, I had plans to join the Air Force. I was flight commander in ROTC back in high school and my goal as to join after I graduated. That plan didn’t work out for me because of complications succeeding the test then I started to model, which took all my time.

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?
Following my dreams hasn’t been a smooth road at all. It’s definitely been a journey. Hearing lots of no’s being replaced, not getting my pictures back from shoots, not having money to uber around, sleeping on my families couch until I got a place when I first got to LA and just keeping the momentum to continue my dreams.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a professional model, businesswoman and CEO. I model in LA as a full-time job which is what I’m known for. My side hustle is my start-up business called Divinely Healthful which is a fitness/healthy lifestyle. I am most proud of my modeling career, how far I’ve come and the things I’ve accomplished. Mainly my billboard in Timesquare. I remember writing it down in my early stages of my career and accomplishing that goal is something I won’t forget. What sets me apart is my level of versatility; I can pull off multiple looks such as hair, makeup and outfits. I can also easily adapt to different environments. I’m also known as a musical. I started making R&B music in 2019 and have released five songs and four music videos since.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory is not paying bills, lol. I remember going to Disneyland with my best friend and her family and just seeing a whole different part of life, how opportunities are endless. Also, just having the best time of my life, eating what I want and not afraid of being free.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dejajanea_/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/dejajanea
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/thedejajanea

Image Credits:
@Meech213 @Tonyybee @Kincordell @CBFour.co