Today we’d like to introduce you to Diva Davanna
Hi Diva, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Davanna started her journey nearly 20 years ago at 4 years old and by the time she was 8 years old, she had become a crowd favorite and a designer’s favorite model.
She went on to make a guest appearance on the Tyra Banks talk show in 2009 (9 years old) to an appearance on America’s Next Top Model in 2010 (10 years old) which catapulted her career in unimaginable ways. Some would often compare Davanna’s walk to Naomi Campbell, even the super model herself tweeted that Davanna was her “Mini Me”.
As a renowned modeling coach, Davanna was able to take her training skills around the world offering classes to young women, young girls, and men with the inspiration to become a successful model. Traveling in and out of local states as well as out of the country to Belgium, Canada, Spain, Italy and Brazil.
Now with a great need for a modeling facility, Davanna has opened her very own “Diva Davanna School of Modeling & Etiquette” in her hometown of Newark NJ. Davanna hopes to offer an outlet for all providing runway classes while teaching techniques on how to walk the runway with confidence, build self-esteem on and off the runway, and give young women/men a place of hope and an outlet to grow no matter the circumstances.
With a career spanning well over a decade from tv appearances on Starz hit show “POWER”, FX hit show POSE, to Editorial magazine features like Teen Vogue, Hype Hair & Vestal magazine, to making an appearance in Rihanna’s “Apple Music” Super Bowl commercial in 2023, just to name a few.
As a community activist, Davanna has held a back-to-school event since 2012 in conjunction with Kelly Harrison an LGBTQ+ advocate, over the last twelve years they have managed to donate over 10,000 backpacks filled with school supplies within and around the community.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I can say it has not been an easy road at all. With being successful at such a young age, many people and outsiders would let it be known to both myself, mom (Carrie Booker) and mentor (Timotheus Smart) that what we were doing and working towards at the time was “too much for a little girl.” Back then, there were no young prodigies that was known for a runway walk with such attitude, class and sass except for Diva Davanna. As the criticism continued to build up so quickly even after my viral videos on YouTube and my appearances on national television (Tyra Banks Talk Show & America’s Next Top Model) my support system knew the outcome would be great if I kept going, if I kept being my unique self, and if I worked day in and out to perfect my craft.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a professional model as well a professional runway model coach. I am most proud of the platform that I’ve built for the past 20 years, that many people of all ages and backgrounds are inspired by.
What sets me apart from others is my ability to be creative with the knowledge I know and have as well as my skills as a runway coach. Many people find themselves wanting to work with me and learn from me, not only because of what I’ve done over the years, but also HOW I make people feel when they take a public class or 1 on 1 session with me. The gems that I give out in the world allows people to have hope and believe in themselves no matter the route they may take. I truly feel that it’s a God given gift that I’m forever grateful to have.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My advice that I have is to first, genuinely know what you want to do in your life. Find the skills that you are most efficient in and that may just be your set career. Doing your research is the one thing I mention to all my clients, that way you’re not just attaching yourself to any and every opportunity that you may think is for you.
Pricing:
- Public Classes (All Levels Of Experience) $70
- 1 on 1 Sessions $150/Hr
- Monthly Enrollment $250
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.divadavannarunway.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_divadavanna?igsh=MThvdXZtaXdiaWo5
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/divadavanna
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/divadavannarunway?igsh=NDBmbjNjNWdhMmI5
Image Credits
Plaid cream & blue skirt @aniramarina & coletivoeterna
Grey tshirt & jeans @photorenzo404
School student group photos @rose_gold_images_
Instagram profiles ^
