How old are you?
I am 25 years young. 

What’s your zodiac sign?
I am a Taurus sun and Cancer rising/moon. So I am a sensitive bull. 

Hometown?
Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan but moved to the suburbs when I was in the 7th grade. 

Education and current occupation?
I am currently still working on my Degree in Broadcast Arts Technology. I am a model but I call myself a rockstar because I feel like I offer more when it comes to my artistry, I’m not really the typical model; I also do music, I paint, and I work behind the scenes on creative projects. 

What’s currently on your reading list or podcast?
So I am currently reading two books. One is “Real Artists Don’t Starve” by Jeff Goins and “Art on My Mind: Visual Politics” by Bell Hooks, both are very great reads and they have been aligning with my experiences as an artist. As far as podcasts, I have a few guilty pleasures such as the DCMWG (Don’t Call Me White Girl) podcast, Angie Martinez, Caresha Please, and NoJumper. Just to keep up with the culture of mainstream media. 

What got you into modeling?
I wanted to be a Sports Broadcaster/Commentator first, then during the pandemic, I went to California to interview a couple of my athletic friends. The experience was amazing and it pointed me into my purpose, which is modeling and creating. So how I started modeling was after I thought I was going to hop into my influencer bag. I definitely still wanted to be in front of the camera just with my own interests like beauty, music, and fashion. So after that, a couple of people actually asked me to model, one of which was with a photographer named, Sarah Fleming. It was a beauty supply store shoot and it was an overwhelm positive response. Which prompted me to associate myself with the craft. After I realized how much this felt like a purpose. I took it as God pointing me in a direction, I thought was crazy because I didn’t think I had the model-esque look. I didn’t like taking pictures, which I feel differently now. That experience changed my entire outlook, not only on this budding craft but in life overall. 

How do you stay in peak shape? What’s your workout and diet regime?
My workout and diet regime is actually a little inconsistent to be very honest lol, but I was an athlete since elementary. So I try my best to workout at least 3x a week, because I can’t stand to not be active in someway, shape, or form. I go to trainers, physically and virtually, when I feel like okay I need a little more of a push to reach my goal. My diet isn’t the best, but I try to cook, meal prep, and drinking a lot of water. But I REALLY can’t help getting cute and going out to eat. Eating great food, having a drink or so, and spending quality time with my friends. So I can’t really say that I have a solid regime but I’m working on being a lot more consistent. 

What does self-care look like for Donne’? (We love to encourage our readers to take part in self-care)
Self care for me is just resetting my week. Making up my bed, run a bath. Get my nails and pedicure done. Do my skin care routine, light an incense, meditate, watch Tiktok, organize my model/work bags, or chill at the studio with friends. I take myself out on solo dates as a way to recharge. Maybe deconstruct some clothes or paint as a form of meditation too. 

What is something you wish you knew before getting into the modeling? Are There any dos and don’ts you would advise others pursuing it?
The dos I would say is, if you want to start modeling then just do it. There is no certain look, you are who you are, your authenticity is your brand. Always invest, practice, and figure out ways to improve on your craft. Attend workshops. Take a lot of care of your body. Burnout is very real in the modeling industry. It’s very important to rest. The don’ts are don’t low ball yourself. Don’t take rejection too seriously, what may be a no from them could potentially be a big yes for greater. Your price is your price, stand firm on it. Show people what you have to offer but also have fun with it. Just bet on yourself. Discernment in everything, choices can reflect your career. Networking is also a golden key. Understand there’s a team needed in a lot creative work. 

We are all about black beauty, what does black beauty mean to you?
Black beauty means vulnerability. It’s hard to explain how drawn and enamored, I am with the vulnerability of black people. Both men, and women who has surrendered to themselves and God. It’s amazing how it fully encapsulates the divine feeling. Black vulnerability just feels so spiritual to me. In order for me to find absolute beauty in something, I’ll feel the resonance in it. Whatever it may be, we are our most beautiful when we can be soft to ourselves. Or a song reference I could use to explain is, Scott and Romona by Lil Uzi Vert. This is actually funny to explain but basically, I love it because it’s a mushy song, and whenever I want to feel sweet, I want to listen to it or something similar. Because expressing your emotions, whichever one is in resonance. You’ll see where the vulnerability is. 

With a growing fan base and platform, what is something you want your followers to take away from following you on your journey?
I am a rockstar who has not reach her prime just yet. I just started this journey almost 2 years ago, and I’m still learning to be patient with myself as well. I love calling myself a rockstar because that’s just my own term of labeling myself a rebel. Or what my parents call me, “a rebel without a cause,” but there is a method to my madness. I am here to reach my full potential as a creative. Not just in modeling. I have giant ideas and trying to adjust the goals to them. I want to become iconic. Make everyone in my tribe proud and a name for myself and family. I want to live freely in doing what I do best and passionately. Whether it’s getting on the cover of several magazines. Getting invited to the Met Gala, walking in huge name fashion houses, and underground brands. I have giant dreams not just big, but big expectations. 

Lastly, what’s next for Donne’?
Just another round of rockstar shenanigans. I can’t really say too much about what’s coming, you all will witness a New Era Grace Jones, or Iman lol. I do have a project coming out with my friend, who’s a music engineer/producer in music. So I’ll be dropping an album sometime in the Spring/Summer. I would love to be attending or walking in these next upcoming Fashion Weeks. Finishing up school and continue on with being a better version of myself everyday. Working on more projects behind the scenes and couple more personal projects I want to execute by the end of this year. And lastly, focus on moving out of Michigan to expand more in the fashion industry. 

Make sure to stay connect with her via Instagram @dnewyn