Meet Dayanna Badillo | Singer Songwriter & Worship Leader

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dayanna Badillo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dayanna, is there something you believe many others might not?
There is one piece of advice that I disagree with. I’ve heard it all my life and I even lived by it in the past. “Follow your heart” is a famous line that we’ve seen in movies and tv shows, we’ve heard it in many songs and it sounds so poetic but is actually not a smart idea. Why? Because the heart is deeply tied to our emotions and that makes it deceitful. In other words, we shouldn’t live by our emotions but by good principles that shape who we are. I’m a christian, so my set of principles and beliefs are defined only by the bible and throughout the years I’ve seen that following the bible instead of what my heart dictates has brought me peace of mind, self control, discipline, consistency, perseverance, growth and so many other things that have helped me to achieve my goals and therefore defined my success. Instead, when I used to follow my heart I would often find myself involved in unnecessary drama, unmotivated, discouraged, resentful and having an unhealthy mindset, which was a mixture for disaster. Having emotions is not bad, is beautiful , I am a very emotional person, but they shouldn’t guide us, truth should guide us instead. So my advice to you is don’t follow your heart, follow what is truth and you will be prosperous in everything you do.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

I am a singer songwriter and worship leader. I really believe it is a privilege to do what I do, I sing songs and lead a crowd but it is bigger than that. I get to sing to God and by doing that the people are able to experience God’s presence. I see lives changed, illnesses healed and the freedom that Jesus offers given to many. What I am most excited about is that my career is not about me, it is about helping and serving others through music and that truly makes me happy.

Till now I have released 5 singles, have had the opportunity to minister in many concerts, conferences and movements around the US and Ecuador and are currently in the process of becoming a Worship Pastor. It definitely has not been an easy path but having a clear purpose has helped me to stay focused and to work towards my goal. My faith in God has been the main thing that has helped me to overcome all the internal and external challenges I’ve gone through. Following your dreams requires a lot of spiritual, physical, mental, financial and emotional strength and if you try to carry it all by yourself is like carrying the world on your shoulders, that is way too much, no one should go through that by themselves. Therefore, I have been able to let go of control and all my worries to God through prayer and that has kept me sane, hopeful, excited, relieved, supported and cared for. Prayer has also helped me in the practical too, after praying I have gotten ideas, ways to solve problems, opportunities in my industry and favor to be a part of great projects with very talented people.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Actually my family is coming soon and I just made the perfect itinerary for them to experience LA! Me and my family love to do all the touristy stuff so I would definitely recommend them to buy a Go City Pass that will give them the opportunity to visit the famous spots in the city at a lower price, things like Studio tours, Hop-on Hop-Off bus, the zoo and many other museums are included in this pass. If you come to LA you have to visit Universal Studios and have a chill day at famous beaches such as Santa Monica, Venice, Manhattan, etc. Regarding food, my favorites are In-n-Out and Korean food. If you are into asian food please visit California Market. This is a Korean Market that has many shops (skin care products too!) and affordable restaurants where you can eat all kinds of traditional Korean food, but the plus is that the food court is placed on the rooftop of the building so it’s a beautiful spot to hang at.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband JM. Besides being my husband and my best friend he is a fellow musician, a very good one actually. Since we met he has been my inspiration for excellence and growth, he is someone that achieves what he desires, he works hard and smart and he’s a man of faith. He was the one that helped me to get better at my craft, the one that kept me accountable when I wouldn’t practice my instrument, the one that helped to produce the first song I ever released. He would tell me in love what I didn’t want to hear but that I had to in order to become a better person, believer and musician. He is a keeper, we all need a partner like that.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dayannabadillomusic/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXDRBxKSFVdN2-6RGQV1vAA?view_as=subscriber

Image Credits
Saddleback Interns Edwin Lora Juan Villota