We recently had the chance to connect with Deja Holmes and have shared our conversation below.
Deja, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Working with preschoolers, I find joy in the little things—like when a child suddenly masters a rhythm or bursts into song with pure excitement. Those moments of discovery and unfiltered happiness make me so proud to do what I do.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Deja Holmes, and I’m an Atlanta-based author, actor, and educator with a passion for bringing stories to life on stage, on the page, and in the classroom. With a background in Theater and Communications from Georgia Southern University, I’ve been fortunate to work with organizations like the Alliance Theatre, Artz for the Harp, and Here We Grow, where I help nurture creativity and confidence in students of all ages. Audiences may have seen me perform in productions such as And Then They Came for Me (Georgia Ensemble Theatre), Groove in the Galleries (Alliance Theatre), or the upcoming production of Sister Act (Marietta’s Theatre in the Square).
Beyond performing, I write children’s books that blend fun with powerful lessons—like my debut, Grams & Me, that I transformed into a TYA (Theater for Young Audiences) musical, and my latest, Cami Finds Her Voice, inspired by the importance of resilience and self-expression. At the heart of all my work—whether on stage, in the classroom, or through writing—is a commitment to empowering children through storytelling, imagination, and the transformative power of the arts.
For more info on classes, upcoming performances, or book orders visit my website DejaDHolmes.com or follow me on IG @By.DejaHolmes!
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
The word that immediately comes to mind is trust. Trust is fragile—it can be broken in an instant through dishonesty, neglect, or misunderstanding—but it can also be rebuilt through patience, empathy, and consistent care. I believe what truly restores bonds is the willingness to listen deeply, to show vulnerability, and to choose understanding over judgment. When people approach each other with openness and honesty, trust can grow stronger than before, reminding us that even the deepest wounds can heal when we commit to connection.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, I vividly remember the day I opened the first batch of my children’s book Grams & Me and noticed a small error on the cover—a slight color shift in the clouds I hadn’t anticipated. In theory, it was minor, but in the moment, I was panicking—especially since I had the book’s premiere and first read-aloud that same day. With the encouragement of my parents, I took a deep breath, focused on the work I had done, and went forward. To my relief and joy, the crowd loved the book, friends and supporters showed up to cheer me on, and I sold out the copies I brought. That day taught me an invaluable lesson: even when things don’t go perfectly, the impact of your work shines through—and people notice your passion far more than your small mistakes.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m committed to the belief that learning should be fun and that theater should be accessible to everyone. Through arts integration, storytelling, and interactive experiences, I strive to spark imagination, creativity, and confidence in every student and audience member—no matter how long it takes.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If immortality were real, what would you build?
If immortality were real, I would create a group home and boarding school that serves as a safe haven for homeless and at-risk youth. It would provide free enrollment to anyone in need, welcoming students from across the globe, with teachers and counselors committed to guiding and supporting them. Beyond traditional academics, students could engage in hands-on learning—gardening, pottery, farming, and other creative pursuits—equipping them with the skills, confidence, and empathy to thrive. My ultimate hope would be to help nurture a generation of compassionate, capable adults prepared to make a positive difference in the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://DejaDHolmes.com
- Instagram: @By.DejaHolmes
- Facebook: @By.DejaHolmes
- Youtube: @Storytime-and-Shine
Image Credits
Casey Gardner Ford
