Meet Destiny Richardson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Destiny Richardson.

Destiny, before we jump into specific questions about your work, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
From the jump, I’ve always been noted as one who possesses traits such as being artsy, unique, creative, having an eye for fashion, free-spirited, vibrant, futuristic, assertive, tenacious, independent, and passionate. As a young military brat, born in Detroit, I knew I was special and had a pure love for the arts. I would spend countless hours in my room dancing, singing, listening to music, and watching live performances on TV, as if I were preparing for a grand performance. Coming from a single-parent home, we couldn’t afford the tuition of a performing arts school to enhance my gifts, so we had to rely on military-funded youth activity programs, talent shows, and summer camps. As I grew older, I became very creative, teaching myself new abilities that I saw were trendy and cool from computer games, TV shows, and movies like Myscene, Barbie, Bratz, 106 & park, So You Think You Can Dance, MTV, BET, VH1, America’s Next Top Model and American Idol.

Around the 2000s era, my older sister thought I could do anything, compelling me to watch the hottest stars like Missy Elliott, Destiny’s Child, Ciara, B2k, Aaliyah, etc. in hopes of mimicking their dance styles and singing abilities. After taking on their attributes, my mom started recording videos of me because my confidence level increased. She and my sister thought I was really good. From there, my mom suggested competing in a local talent show in Alaska, where I did a freestyle dance to Ciara’s Goodies track and won 1st place for my age group. Upon relocation to Ft. Meade Maryland, I became involved with a girl group, where my friend’s mother “Ms. CiCi” was the featured choreographer, and we performed for the talent shows held at our school and everyone was in awe. As a result, I wanted to branch out into the community, so I joined the “Lady Cougars” cheerleading squad, where I was nominated as Homecoming Princess and received three trophies for being “most spirited”.

I relocated to Georgia, where I completed high school and played a few sports; thus, venturing off to Jacksonville University, where I was granted an academic scholarship pursuing a degree in Sociology. I remember being at the football games watching the dance team and reminiscing about past performances, which led me to become even more inspired by dancing professionally. That’s when the thought of becoming a dance major came into play, inspiring me to take a couple of dance courses. I began watching YouTube videos and dance challenges on the internet, and immediately Kaelynn Harris was a subject of interest. I would find myself trying to learn her choreography in my dorm, especially after coming across an article that said she was raised in a single-family home and self-taught herself starting out. I felt I could be like her in a way.

Due to my mother’s working conditions, she was forced to move to Europe. I didn’t want her to be there alone so. It led me to move overseas. I stepped out on faith to pursue a career in the performing arts. I auditioned for the Commercial Dance Program at The Institute Of The Arts Barcelona, Spain and the day after I was accepted into the program. I completed one year. This school of performing arts consisted of different genres of dance, singing, and acting. As I trained in these areas, I felt confident enough to write music and self-record covers/remixes. It was so therapeutic for me, being able to express myself in the way that I wanted to, I decided to create a visual and titled it ” Gucci Mane’s Lemonade Remix By Destiny”. That summer, I spent time in Atlanta, GA auditioned and became apart of the Dance 411 Company, where I was privileged to partake in performances and competitions. This was a major challenge for me because I was pushed at a high level and for this, I am very grateful. Later in the year, I ended up booking my first dance gig for an artist from Compton LA, “Stevie Harts” at Center Stage.

I also got to meet Eric Bellinger! I took a lot of dance masterclasses, and my love for dance kept growing because I would always learn something new. But, apart of me felt like I was missing something and I decided to start back writing music. However, this time I told myself I would take my time and do it more professionally and creatively. I dropped two singles, “P4t” and “Ain’t Sure” on multiple streaming platforms and they were received well, for me at least. These singles can be accessed on ffm.to/destinysmusic. The Fall of 2019, I returned to The Institute Of The Arts, Barcelona, in Spain where I am currently completing my 2nd year in Commercial Dance. During the course of this year, I was selected to participate in the Sitges, Spain Film Festival, and an upcoming International film.

Additionally, I was acknowledged by Missy Elliott on Social Media for my 2nd-year performance as a soloist along with my classmates, dancing to her latest single “ThrowItBack”. This is still unreal to me because she is literally still my biggest inspiration and her music/ autobiography has helped me cope with a plethora of things from a young adolescent until now. One day, I hope to work towards dropping an EP accompanied by visuals, that can be considered funkadelic and a vibe to listen to as well!

Although I’m not at my final destination and I have tons of work to do, I have come to the realization that throughout my life of trial and error God, my mother, family, and friends have helped me to become a better me.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Me personally, I feel as if anything that’s great and worth pursuing, isn’t going to be easy. We live in a microwave world, where instant gratification is desperately needed and wanted. But, I’m a perfectionist and my art is going to always be authentic, so ultimately staying true to yourself when things are consistently evolving at an alarming rate is challenging. Additionally, everyone in this world was given a gift; but the way that person chooses to use and enhance it is solely up to them.

However, some people like myself are given multiple gifts, which means more is going to be required of that individual, ” To whom much is given much is required ” Luke 12:48. I firmly believe that this makes life a little harder because you deal with carrying burdens, alienation, and all different forms of opposition. But, truthfully, if you never experience any hardship or pain, you can’t expect to reap the gains and power that comes from endurance, and perseverance which can lead to acquiring longevity. I’ve had some cool opportunities that I’m truly grateful for.

Nevertheless, I definitely want more for myself and with that comes learning the beauty of patience, being positive, hard work, focusing on yourself, having thick skin, and staying true to your craft no matter what. It’s a process, but it’s possible to prevail and come out shining. With time, my art and creativity will get better and it’s not about being “seen” I’m too old for that, I want to be heard and felt.

We’d love to hear more about your work.
I’m an aspiring creator, songwriter, and performing artist. I sing, dance, act, model, write and create. Additionally, I have a huge love for fashion. I am most proud of being myself and letting my art speak for itself. I’m young, humble, very mature. I know who I am and what I am capable of doing. I think of being someone who is undefined and unpredictable because often I never know what kind of crazy idea I might just come up with next Therefore, I use that to my advantage, let it fuel me, and just hope for the best!

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success to me is reaping the fruits of my labor and being able to guide others through the ropes of that. You know you’re on the way to success when you do right by others, stay in your own lane, ride your own wave, and mind your own business.

Contact Info:

• Website: ffm.to/destinysmusic
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: instagram.com/destinyjrichardson
• Twitter: twitter.com/drichshawty

Image Credit:
Lisa Riccardi
ShotByCam
Jdbflowz
_Kobeezy
CopaceticVision
itsgroovy_

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