Conversations with De’ Yana Maree Wagner

Today we’d like to introduce you to De’ Yana Maree Wagner.

Hi De’ Yana, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Born in Cleveland, Ohio, and growing up in Michigan, afforded the opportunity of establishing relationships and being able to capitalize on what both cities have to offer. Modeling and acting was introduced to me at the age of seven. Growing up with a talented mother such as my own is no surprise, I chose to build a platform that focuses on creative expression. Throughout the years, I walked in many fashion shows for top designers, as well as booking commercial shoots & short films. I participated on the hit show America’s Next Top model, advancing to the top 20.

I relocated to Atlanta, GA to further pursue my journey. I shifted my focus to behind the camera, offering runway classes, directing photoshoots and coordinating fashion shows. Although I find passion in many things outside of engaging in the creative arts and spending time with close family and friends, what brings me the most joy is the act of giving and volunteering in the community. From Christmas toy drives and partnering with nonprofit organizations to bring awareness to battered women shelters are just some of the accomplishments I am most proud of. I enjoy donating time to elementary schools where I provide knowledge on hygiene and dental care, also free consultations to other like-minded creative people. Now the sole Founder, Creative Director, and CEO of De’Yana Maree Agency (DMA), the journey has just begun.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey has been everything but smooth! I think that’s what makes the finished product so rewarding. Building a solid team has been my biggest challenge and still very challenging today. DMA is a machine with many moving parts and although I find myself to be multitalented, I can’t operate the machine alone.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
DeYana Maree Agency is a platform that, through art, music, fashion, sports, and film, embraces, encourages, and inspires promethean people to reach their highest potential. DMA is a guiding light for boldly creative expression that is built upon inspiration, equality and respect. DMA provides a brilliantly innovative space to display, nurture, and grow talent. We strive to produce dynamic out-the-box events while displaying the highest level of integrity. We are determined to enhance our ability to share with the world the uniqueness of our talent in which we individually possess.

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Risk-taking is extremely prominent and prevalent in the life an entrepreneur. I view risk-taking as the main ingredient in any recipe for starting a business. I find myself taking risks all the time in the likes of running my own agency and catapulting to the next level. Believing in my abilities to run a business, following my passion and walking in my truth has been the biggest risk of all. It has also been the most uncomfortable risk as well, but its when the pressure starts to build, I find myself completely tapped in and ready to take over any obstacle in my way. Risk-taking is essential to reaching greatness.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @Deyanamareeagency
• Facebook: DeYanaMareeAgency

Image Credits
Stylist- BrittanyK. @StyledxBrittanyk Photographer- L Devlin @Ldevlinphotography Videographer- Jah Jean Noel @dreamimagi Photographer- Lenox Saint Germain Paris @lenoxshotit