Meet Déja Denise Green | Multi-Hyphenate Creative & Creative Executive

We had the good fortune of connecting with Déja Denise Green and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Déja Denise, how do you think about risk?
Once upon a time, I think I used to associate the word “risk” with “failure.” The word “risk” always felt so derogatory to me because of my ‘half-empty’ approach to life, the percentage of failure always seemed to outweigh the percentage of success. This perspective led me to only take very, very calculated risks (ones where the chances of succeeding were at least 80% or more).

Paralleling my shift in perspective on life, I now equate the word “risk” with “opportunity.” Because that is what every risk is, an opportunity to learn and grow- even if I fail, I know I’ve learned something that will serve my future self. It’s the only way for me to learn and get better. Failure is like life’s constructive criticism.

I’ve been able to reap the fruits of my labor now because I’ve been taking increasingly bigger risks the more confident and grounded I become in this concept. I take risks every day putting myself out online on social media, or having a business, or even working on a freelance basis. Heck, living in New York City is one of the biggest risks anyone could take. But, I no longer focus on that, I focus on how the risks I take move me forward on my journey and closer to my goals.

The role risks play in my life now: a vehicle.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a multi-faceted creative, creator, and creative entrepreneur specializing in creative consulting, direction, and branding (I own a company for this, too, we’ll get to it soon)!

I’ve been in the entertainment industry for 12+ years and consider myself an actor, music artist, and content creator! Some of the things I’m booked for are: live shows, film/tv, voiceover work, commercials, user-generated content, content collaborations, brand collaborations, on-camera talent, showcases, stage work, and other jobs in that field! My current artistic mission centers on expression and healing through storytelling.

I’ve worked in the media industry for 6+ years in creative development and production and graduated from New York University Tisch School of the Arts with a BFA in Drama and minors in the Business of Media, Technology, and Entertainment and Producing. My passion for entertaining and performing combined with my love for creating and my experience in production and development gave birth to my company, DDCE Creative Agency.

DDCE Creative Agency is creative consulting agency specializing in creative direction and branding for early stage creatives and their companies! We do anything from brand photography & videography to world building for creative projects (film, music, etc.) to creative consulting on production, execution, etc.

In its totality, our goal is to support creatives all the way around! What really makes us stand out as an agency is that we are “artists helping artists.” Our team is made up of non-exclusive, freelance creatives who we send offers to based on the project’s needs, their expertise and skill set, specialties, availability, and going rate (similarly to a creative job board). Who better than to bring a vision to life and tell stories for creatives than other creatives!

Additionally, DDCE opens the door for creatives to utilize secondary skill sets (while still being in the arts/entertainment/creative field) to make additional income on a non-exclusive basis (which gives them the flexibility to still establish their creative careers), and in the process assist other creatives who are navigating artistic entrepreneurship, creative autonomy, and building their online brand. In my eyes, we are essentially a one-stop shop to bring your creative visions to life.

I can definitely say that there were many, many challenges along the way. But, I think the things that I’ve learned to always carry with me is:

1) When you’re in spaces where it feels like no space is being made for you, don’t make yourself smaller. Stand taller in who you are, and if you’re no being received, make your own spaces.
2) Don’t wait for anyone to hand you anything, go and get it.
3) You can only put out as much as you put in. That goes for work & projects, but I’m mainly talking about your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. You create and do your best when you’re well nourished in all regions.
4) Never, never underestimated the power of asking.
5) Find a mentor!!!!

I am a person who loves to lead by example. So while following me and my brand, you will notice that these are all things I am actively practicing. I strive to inspire, heal, and support!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First & foremost, let me shoutout God (the universe, the higher power, whatever you may call it). It is a force in my life and in myself that once I acknowledged and gave recognition to, it’s shifted the world around me, and I wake up every day more and more grateful.

Secondly, my family! The inspiration and support that they are in my life has been such a major contributor to where I am now. Would I exist without them? I would not. So dedicating this shoutout to them for giving me life!

Website: www.dejadgreen.com

Instagram: @d.e.j.a.a

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dejadenise/

Twitter: @yesimdej

Facebook: facebook.com/dejadgreen

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dej.

Other: DDCE Creative Agency: Website:https://ddceagency.co Instagram: instagram.com/ddceagency Facebook: facebook.com/ddceagency

Image Credits
Aidan Lukomnik