Meet Gregory DeAnda | Model, Actor, Designer, & Creative Director

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

Hi Gregory, what role has risk played in your life or career?
My life and career are defined by taking risks. I’d describe myself as a calculated risk-taker. I understand that being stagnant is, for me, a form of personal death. I need to challenge myself, and those challenges often come with risks. But I’ve learned that if I’m truly following my heart and I genuinely believe in what I’m doing, then it doesn’t feel like a risk at all. It’s a lesson, no matter the outcome something I can grow and learn from. That’s how I’ve taught myself to overcome the fear of risk. Following those instincts has led me exactly where I am now a place I’m proud of. But the job isn’t done yet.

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.
My art is a collection of my life experiences woven into fashion. Those experiences are what set me apart from others. My family’s journey, combined with my own, has shaped a unique perspective, one I now embrace wholeheartedly.
I’ve reached this point in my career through stubbornness and a relentless drive to see more representation in American culture. Because of that lack of representation, the path wasn’t easy. At times, I felt like I was always swimming against the current but that only made me a stronger swimmer. Overcoming challenges has always come down to work ethic, belief, and a little bit of luck. If I’m better prepared than most, and if I truly believe in what I’m capable of, I’ll create my own luck and that sits just fine with me.
The one thing I know for certain in life is this: if you keep going, if you keep trying, you always have a shot. But if you give up, you’ll never make it. If you can live with those odds, you can turn any dream into reality.
What I want the world to know about MANNISH Co is that it represents hope and hard work. This brand was inspired by innovators and exists to inspire the next generation of innovators. The world needs more people who think outside the box. As the world around us shifts and breaks apart, it will be the next generation who rebuilds it. MANNISH Co is here, humbly, to help in any way it can.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well my best friend is a particular breed of human and I say that with the utmost respect and love. He loves amazing food, dive bars and ole fashioned fun. Well each morning would have to start with a breakfast burrito his absolute favorite thing to consume. To kick off the week long breakfast burrito tour I’d have to start us off at Tacos Delta in Silverlake. They have this incredible chilaquil burrito there that’s to die for. If I’m looking to have a carajillo with my breakfast I’m taking him to Manuela. One of the best breakfast spots in LA.

For lunch we have to hit Sticky Rice, devouring spicy food with a cold beer to wash it all down is the absolute best. Feeling full and wanting to people watch I’d drag us back to Silverlake to sit outside of either Santo or Seco. Pick your poison, either will give you front row seats to the visual wonders of Silverlake while either sipping Sake at Santo or downing some orange wine at Seco.

At this point my best friend would be feeling restless and wondering why I haven’t taken him to a nice dungeon like bar…immediately thinking of Las Perlas downtown. I keep that thought to myself knowing the drive would be a nightmare and I would hastily take him to Silverlake Lounge. He would nod in approval at first since the vibes are always interesting. Yet the night can’t really be squeezed for all the juice it’s got unless you end it at Jumbos Clown Room…respectfully supporting the amazing artists there always brings a smile to one’s face.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I think it all starts with my grandparents on my mother’s side. My Grandpa Ezequiel risked everything, including his life multiple times, to ensure a better future for his family here in America. My mother, as the eldest of eight, helped raise her siblings while also deciphering contracts at a young age for my grandparents. Immigrants striving for a better life, all while working to improve the communities they became a part of. Those sacrifices and that resilience are now part of our DNA. I proudly give them all the credit because they truly deserve it. We came from nothing and built a life here in America that embodies the very essence of the “American Dream.”

Website: https://Www.mannishco.com

Instagram: @sonofpharaoh @mannishboyco

Image Credits
Ricardo Ramos
Adam Prieto
Jake McGraw
David Spencer
Tatyana Lopez