Today we’d like to introduce you to Devante Lekendrick.
Devante, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I grew up in Michigan between the Tri-Cities and Detroit. I was exposed to a lot very early, which forced me to grow up very fast. There was a lot of negativity around me from one day seeing someone at a party and the next day, they could be in jail or die from either violence, drug overdose, or self-harm. It was truly a survival, I remember I wanted to give up on my life but my will would not let me quit. I’m the oldest of seven siblings so I’m always being watched. I was fortunate to have a few people who showed me a better way of life.
With that being said, I always vowed to be a light and positive influence to those around me. Writing, music, acting, videography, and even modeling and dancing were powerful outlets to release all the energy I was taking in everyday. I started a YouTube channel talking about the events in my life during high school and gave advice to others around me. I always was a leader and creative. Had I known YouTube would be what it is today, I wouldn’t have went to college because I always knew I was meant to be on camera speaking and performing in some way, shape or form. I was in a group as a kid with my cousins and we would literally stay up all night writing and singing songs. We would perform for our family and act at any time we could. We even had a manager who tried to take me out of the group so I was exposed to the politics of things very early and thus almost bulletproof to criticism.
At 18, I went to college in Charlotte, NC where I studied Psychology and Communications. I picked up my acting bug again. Graduated and got a job with the government and I hated it. It drained my soul everyday. I am a firm believer in the law of attraction and manifestation. I asked the creator/universe to show me my true purpose and my job end up letting me go and I moved to NYC for a job. I met with modeling agents but then eventually left and moved to Atlanta.
My first year in Atlanta, I had money saved to pay my bills and invest in my Film and Entertainment career but I had a 9 to 5 when I first got here. When I got to Atlanta, I rented a beautiful apartment in Sandy Springs and then my job offer was Rescinded. I was devastated but I took the leap based on the advice of my mentors and I made away with multiple streams of income, which allowed me to pay my bills legitimately and get my foot in the door for my writing and entertainment career.
I was juggling so much and still trying to take care of everyone around me and ended up losing my apartment, sleeping in my car and hotels until I got on my feet again. I eventually lost my car and many of my belongings. That taught me that I can lose everything but to never allow me to LOSE MYSELF. Those experiences changed my life and I think that early grit has a lot to do with my mentality to win. In the midst of it all, I published my book and got to work behind the scenes and on-camera on some great projects and models in fashion shows and I learned so much.
My belief in the creator, myself, and staying true to myself has kept me going. There were many times I questioned if I was good enough or if all this sacrifice and pain was worth it but just like before… my body would not let me give up. I also learned your purpose can be channeled into many vehicles of expression so try not to overthink or limit yourself.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Absolutely Not! I have had days where I had to make $20 stretch two weeks. Then I had days where money was so abundant It didn’t seem real. I’m not rich and wealthy just yet but I came a long way.
The biggest struggles I’ve had is being doubted by others in the industry who may have bigger followings or losing friends and relationships with people I thought would never leave me because they don’t understand the sacrifices I’ve made or make. I’ve always had thick skin, though and was very social and independent but it was an adjustment being new and no one knows who you are or your story so you feel like you have to prove yourself but then I realized what’s mine is for me. Your gift literally will make room for you. Your dreams will happen. Sometimes its just not in the order you think it will happen.
Losing my home and car was the biggest challenge but it was meant to happen because after having nothing to lose, I only had everything to gain. Overall, the culture of the south confused me so it took me a while to adjust to that as well.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
Through my writing and creative expression in the arts, I want to always send a message. I want to help others heal by revealing uncomfortable truths. Of course, have fun and stay aware of the trends but I want everything I do to always have a timeless value that really touches people deeply enough to trigger a change.
I write I act, I model, I create music, anything in the arts I have been doing since I was a kid but I hid some of my talents and I am just ready to bring them all out full force. I am most known for SPEAKING LIFE TO OTHERS and pushing for excellence to the highest degree. Somedays I forget to eat and sleep and I learned to take breaks. haha
I am most proud of my resilience and never giving up on myself and having that inspire others to never give up on themselves. What sets me apart from others is I think for myself. I’ve done so much inner work and I know myself. I listen to my spirit instead of what everyone else is doing. I don’t want to be anybody else but myself. I question everything and that’s what made me successful as well as got me in trouble haha.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success to me is being happy. Happiness to me is living my purpose, doing what I love, living comfortably yet still growing and expanding. Being surrounded by people who really love you and support you and making a difference in someone’s life everyday. I used to think that was so cliche and corny to say but after seeing life from being poor and being financially well off, I’ve seen so much and success means nothing if you don’t have someone or people to share it with.
I had a luxury apartment and new car and the hype wore off quickly so lots of things don’t impress me. Character is everything an that’s what I learned through my trials. Strong character is the ultimate success. Doing what’s right and true even when no one watching. My main markers have new goals all of the time and no month should look like the last nor the year look like the last year.
Pricing:
- My Book “It’s Just That Possible” is $19.99 on amazon. Paperback and E-book form
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.devanteforreal.com/
- Email: devantelekendrick@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devanteforreal/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/devanteforreal
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Devanteforreal
Suggest a story: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
