Meet Damien Smith | Model, music artist and entrepreneur

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

Hi Damien, what’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?
The most important thing my career has thought me was not being afraid to take risk. You never really lose unless you give up, regardless of how fast or slow you move. Things either work out the way you intend them to or they don’t. But when they don’t you’ve got to ask yourself “what can I learn from this?” “How can I build from this loss?”

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The think I believe that sets me apart from other people is the willingness to overcome the fears I’ve had that’s kept me stagnant in the past and allowing myself to experience the ups and downs of life. I got to where I am today by staying true to myself and where it is I want to be. It wasn’t easy in the least, nothing worth it ever is. But the way I overcame those challenges was to learn to network. I realized at some point I couldn’t do it all myself and learned to put myself in a position to meet likeminded individual who were able to assist me in things I wasn’t proficient in as well as learn from them to have a better understanding of that particular skill. I’ve learned how to control my breathing, think more outside the box when it comes to my writing, and be more open to trying new things musically. Then when it comes to modeling, I’ve learned ways to expose myself more to brands, photographers and models, tips in what they’re looking for with their brands and more.

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.
If my best friend was visiting my city, aside from showing them the touristy locations such as Hollywood, Melrose, the beaches and such. I’d show them some of the things I love about home such as food spots like Woody’s on Slauson, The Great Whit Hut in Glendale, and Roscoe’s in Mid-City. Of course, what’s a trip to L.A with out hitting up one or two of the amusement parks like Six Flags, Universal and Disneyland. I’d take them to some areas where we can get a nice view of the city whether we hike to the location or have to drive there. Would also show them some night life places I enjoy hookah lounges, bars, and some functions that may be taking place during their visit.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost I’d like to shoutout my mother and rest of my family. Because without their support when I began showing interest in my passions I don’t believe I would’ve had the courage to press on like I am. Then the friends I’ve made along the way who support me as well and all continue to push me towards being the best version of myself.

Instagram: Instagram.com/itsDameV

Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC1KTVyAtHFbFceuOLu54phA

Image Credits
Alessandra Griffin, Amanda Johnson, Nauliatyce Malaya, Maya chizam and paper tiger