Rising Stars: Meet Demi Dabady of ATL

Today we’d like to introduce you to Demi Dabady

Hi Demi, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Thank you for your curiosity about my journey and story. I was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY to parents of Haitian Decent. Since a youngster I’ve always had a passion for the arts (specifically singing, speaking, teaching and writing songs). It started out as talent shows then working as an intern at Sony Music for two years to eventually deciding to take a chance on releasing my music independently. The ebbs and flows of life led me to some abundant opportunities and moments of frustration when lacking clarity. However, committing to my higher calling and purpose is what kept me moving forward. I have a Bachelors degree in communication/business and a Masters Degree in education. Educational leadership and teaching became my anchors in the midst of working on my craft. In 2021, I started my podcast Hustlers + Hermits. It’s a podcast dedicated to self care and self elevation; going after what you desire while protecting and preserving your inner spirit. Learning and connecting with people from all walks of life has been fulfilling. I wrote and released it as an e-book entitled “8 Practical Steps on Setting and Achieving your Personal Goals”. Recently, I’ve embarked on a new business venture, but I’ll share a bit more a later time.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
In the last four years, life has changed drastically. In 2020, my divorce was final, 2022 my father passed away and mid 2024 my mother passed away. The fact that I can face another day is a testament to my relationship with God but also my inner grit to persevere and rest on some unchanging truths. One of them is, life will continue whether you like it or not and the second is, I get to choose how I want to show up for this journey—and I choose to be POWERFUL

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m an artist, a creative, a singer, songwriter and podcaster. It started in church when the choir director gave me a solo. I was so nervous and so scared but I wanted more of what inspired me and spoke to my soul. I started working at Sony Music Entertainment in the TV and Film department but was exposed to so much more. I worked along side the senior producer and a few A&R’s. I landed my first record label meeting with Warner Bros. Records. I flew out to LA for a meeting with then VP Naim Ali, it was such a great meeting. I left feeling excited about my future in the music world. However, life has it’s way of pivoting when you least expect it. The deal fell through and I was devastated. I continued to write for independent artist, collaborate with several artists and began recording my own music, writing the treatment to my videos and hiring amazing creatives to work with me. I did this all while working as a program director, then educational leader and teacher. The creative bug has never left, it simply has its seasons and I respect the current season that I’m in. My podcast helps me blend both worlds and I work on creative independent projects. In 2023, I featured in my first acting role in short film entitled “Just Food” and I played the role of “Maya”. It was an incredible experience. I’m proud that I stayed true to who I was and kept moving forward. My proudest moment was having Angela Yee radio personality announce me to the stage during a performance at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY!

Any big plans?
I just wrapped up season 6 of my podcast “Hustlers + Hermits” so excited about changing things a bit for the upcoming new year. In addition, I moving in the space of public speaking. The mind is powerful and sadly, many are struggling to find their way or purpose. I feel God nudging me to take steps in the direction of public speaking and authorship. I also started a small real-estate company but I’m not yet ready to unveil those details. Some things are built better in silence.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @demidabady @hustlersandhermits
• Youtube: @demidabady
• Soundcloud: @demidabady