Meet Duchess-Simone of dSent in Hollywood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Duchess-Simone.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Duchess. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My LA journey started about four years ago after graduating with a Bachelors in Media Studies and Production from Temple University. In my very last semester, I completed the LA Study Away Program, and I relocated to Los Angeles after it was over. My time here has been gradually expansive, filled with ups, downs and true “only in LA” moments. Taking advantage of the program was great for me as a multi-faceted artist, because I got a jumpstart working in the industry, too. I was in the classroom fulfilling my requirements, but also in recording studios, working/interning, and performing at open mics around the city.

Similarly, my artistic journey has always been very active. Growing up in Philly, I was naturally exposed to a multitude of art forms and was especially drawn to the soulful music of Prince, Motown, Chaka Khan, Jill Scott. I studied their lyrics as poetry. That’s really how I was introduced to the complexity of soul-baring art. Creative endeavors kept me out of harm’s way but were also my escape from reality because I, too, created the world I imagined. Writing is what helped me to articulate my pain. It’s how I found my voice. I frequently wrote poems and stories about losing my father, who was killed when I was six years young.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It’s been fun, but gosh, no. It has not been easy. I can openly say that being prone to depression and anxiety has made navigating normal ups and downs about a hundred times harder. First starting, one of my biggest issues used to be dealing with rejection. I was either too short, too slim for some, too curvy for others, not smart enough, not fast enough, or just flat out undesirable. That altered my self-perception and confidence. I had to learn patience in growing with my gifts, and in knowing that every audience isn’t predictable and every audition won’t be booked. But I’ve ascended to a place of “OK, well, if you think this is weird or unfitting, just you wait and see what’s next.” Remaining true to myself and my beliefs is key in dealing with obstacles, whether big or small. Possessing an unwavering self-confidence is the least resistant route.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
Really, I’m just focused on balancing between being hueman and Purple. In terms of work, I’ve got a few irons in the fire. I’m writing a memoir, entitled Journal of A Widow’s Daughter. It’s a tribute to my father and explores the many ways his death impacted me through my childhood and early adulthood. I scratched the surface on some topics in my first book; feeling haunted by death, misunderstanding and/or relating to men, coping with addictive habits…This memoir is by far one of the most emotional pieces I think I’ll ever work on. It’s like therapy on steroids! So I’ve allowed myself the time to compose an honest body of work, and we’re on schedule to publish the memoir next year.

I’m also recording my next music project, and that’s been pretty wild because I’m also sharing intimate poetry that wasn’t originally intended to be published, let alone put to music.

This chapter is about Duchess owning herself, vocalizing the ways she’s able to compartmentalize during the most challenging growth phases, and showing the scars acquired in the process.  Understanding the strength of duality; being able to embrace both the positive and negative aspects of life. Not being afraid to show how to manage is empowering. I embrace the totality of my imperfect, inquisitive, troubled soul. And I don’t want that to be absent from my art. Having a story to tell is what gets me out of bed in the morning and fuels my creative processes. The authenticity of my work enables me to connect with people who experience similar traumas and triumphs. That vulnerability in Bare With Me, has attracted a niche clientele, who hire me to ghostwrite their manuscripts to help them tell their story.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Well, I don’t believe in luck, and good or bad is relative. I do believe in favor, though because that’s the most [ill]ogical way to explain my continual stream of blessings. But if I may put my feet on the ground, favor has led me to make really good decisions, as much as it’s redirected me from making misinformed and poor decisions.

Favor keeps opportunities on the horizon, and free will allows me to decide how easy or hard the path will be. Free will enables me to decide whether I’ll give in to distractions, or keep a strong focus.  Sometimes you end up having to learn painful, expensive, or embarrassing lessons, and that should not be equated to “bad luck”. It’s necessary for growth. And in most cases, independent artrepreneurship is the perfect blend of rewards, expensive lessons, small victories, shoula-woulda-coulda, etc. Favor has rewarded me with phenomenal mentors who have influenced me both personally and professionally. I’d say knowing the roles of favor and mentorship apart and combined is meaningful to my life and business.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thecolorduchess.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: instagram.com/thecolorduchess
• Facebook: facebook.com/thecolorduchess
• Twitter: youtube.com/thecolorduchess

Image Credit:
Performance shot: Bashy Durant

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.