Life and Work with Quameiha Raymond-Ducheine

Today we’d like to introduce you to Quameiha Raymond-Ducheine.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started acting on my grandmother’s front porch in Tiburon, Haiti. My brother and I would gather props from around the house and put on improvised shows for the town. I remember as the sunset, the plot would thicken and the onlooking crowd would swell. Through the unifying force of laughter that our shows would generate, the vast cultural differences seemed to melt away. This was my introduction to the power of storytelling. Since then I have used my gifts to bring life to theatrical productions such as “Romeo and Juliet,” in addition to documenting social narratives from around the world.

In my life, two things have been constant. Blessings and Finesse. A balance of divinely inspired events and the realization of surreal opportunities are greatly responsible for my successes today. Mentorship has been one of the greatest blessings of my life. One of the most influential mentors in my life is Mario Herrera, the nationally recognized Speech and Debate Coach at Grady High School. He taught me that I am a vessel through which Divine stories can be shared; emphasizing that all I have to do is stay out of my own way. Under his tutelage, I was awarded the Posse Scholarship which supported my college study at Syracuse University. While on campus, I met my dear friend and now mentor, Richard Breyer, who is responsible for igniting my passion for documentary style productions. In my sophomore year, I meet Anthony Geronimo (@aodream), who I had the pleasure of co-creating the film The Maze; a documentary that follows a quest for peace after the murder of Michael Brown. Through the creative journey of this narrative, my passion for storytelling was cultivated into a technical and critical affinity not just for film but for social and spiritual impact.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
My journey had not been easy. The last four years have been the most difficult years of my life. My mother Marie Naika Grandoit passed away in March of 2015, and I have felt lost ever since. After graduating from college, I thought the world would open its arms and embrace me as a new graduate, but it did not. I have battled with depression, and anxiety so much I forgot that life is to be lived in the present moment. Eventually, I had to take responsibility for my life. I had to learn that any challenge can be faced with the proper mindset. So, I continue to realign myself with my purpose and give myself time and space to heal. It wasn’t until I took responsibility for myself that Shivat Tzion and other incredible blessings came into my life.

My advice to women trying to find their way is to alter your perception of the challenges ahead of you. Remind yourself that you matter, and show up knowing that you can overcome anything. As always, count your blessings, and remember that the world needs to hear what you have to say. Be patient, and gentle with yourself. I also recommend saying daily affirmations, here is one of my favorites.

I see myself in joy and love

I know myself

I am enough

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.

My work is ever expanding and along my quest for inner peace, the most rewarding part of my journey is connecting with like minded spirits.  Recently I have been blessed to briefly understudy Prince Yadiel, the Minister of Divine Agriculture from the Village of Peace in Dimona, Israel N.E. Africa. Prince Yadiel is a world-renowned agricultural consultant who oversees various projects in Israel, Kenya, and Ghana. In our studies, he revealed that our bodies are not created merely from “dust” but from the minerals of the soil. Therefore in order to return to optimal coexistence with the planet, we must develop a symbiotic relationship with the soil and effectively communicate with plants. Having his help in designing my family’s garden, I hope to capture its story and inspire others to grow their own food.

While on a journey of self-healing, I met Zahvdee-El, a crystal jeweler and self-healing crystal therapist who owns Shivat Tzion, (Return to Excellence “Zion”) a redemptive enterprise that provides handmade crystal jewelry and holistic healing events around the world. Our adornments are energetically cleansed, anointed with oils, blessed with a prayer of protection in Hebrew, and activated with sound vibration to amplify the eminence of harmonious frequencies. I have recently stepped into the role of Communications Director of Shivat Tzion. In doing so I have committed myself to a life of entrepreneurship, and continuous growth.

Whether I am doing voice-over work for Wrap A Loc or capturing the story of Shivat Tzion, I am constantly surrounded by gentle spirits, that inspire me to stay aligned with my purpose.

My desire to produce socially relevant, heart-centered stories led me to the Nate Parker Film Institute, a summer institute that supports young Black filmmakers. Nate Parker has been another instrumental mentor in my life having awarded myself, along with an all-female team of creatives, support to produce a film titled, For You, Me & Us. This short film will empower Black women to recognize the dangers of putting ourselves last and remind all to prioritize self-love. For a glimpse of this film’s trailer see the link posted below, we hope you enjoy it!

https://www.gofundme.com/6ydgzk-for-you-me-and-us

Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
I was reared with unconditional love. Living within my mother’s graceful and joyful embrace is what made me the woman I am today.  When I think of defining moments in my childhood, I immediately think of my first trip to Los Angeles. I wanted to attend a modeling and acting conference, but we could not afford the tickets and fees. That did not stop my mother. She stood on street corners in the summer heat and sold plates of fried fish and fries to raise the money I needed to attend the conference. Her touch made everything sparkle. She was my personal stylist and my number one cheerleader.

Whenever I feel like giving up, I think of the sacrifices my parents made, and I am reminded that my life is not my own. I am living for those who have come before me, and for those who will come after me. I am honored to be Naika’s daughter and blessed to carry her spirit as I venture into the rest of my life.

Contact Info:

• Instagram:@quamehameha & @shivat_tzion
• Other: https://www.gofundme.com/6ydgzk-for-you-me-and-us

Image Credit:
Essence Ransome ( headshot), Dwight Wilson (One set photos)

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