Daily Inspiration: Meet Da’Maris Lee

Today we’d like to introduce you to Da’Maris Lee. 

Hi Da’Maris, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Where do I start? Well, my senior of high school, my interest grew very deeply in modeling and learning how to take pictures. I began to develop a sense of style and fashion as my college years went on. As of today, I have walked in various local runway fashion shows and continue to produce more work by putting out YouTube videos and doing more photoshoots with local photographers.

Recently, along with my production company DASHON ELLIS Productions, I have come up with a platform for all local Ohio models called Ohio Models United. This is a platform for models to network with local brand, photographer, videographers, and other creatives. So far, I have hosted a workshop called Ohio Models United: Headshot and Modeling Workshop. In this workshop, I have two experienced models come in and teach upcoming and aspiring models different walks, tips, and their own personal experiences within the modeling industry. Also, I also hire a local photographer to take headshots for the models so they will have something to present at any upcoming model calls for fashion shows and other related events. This gives these models an opportunity to ask questions regarding how they can reach their highest potential when it comes to modeling.

Since gas is extremely high, I am having a Free Networking Event on July 9th, where I have 5 local photographers and 20 local models meet up, network, and create.

My second workshop is coming up on August 13, 2022 at the Akron Photo Society. Our model coaches for this will be Naquai Davidson from Canton and AJ Wilcox from the Akron-Cleveland area. Our photographer will be Sondra Axline from Sunflower and Succulent.

I honestly love what I do and wouldn’t change it at all. Seeing these models’ network and talk about what they love to do warms my heart. It definitely makes wants to expand this platform on a national level but for now, I want to give back to my city and my home.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Yes, I do have a lot of struggles when it comes to my business but most of them are internal. I struggle with self-doubt sometimes, is this real? Am I making the right decision? What can I change to make this better? I assume most people deal with this. I deal with it by talking to some of my mentors about the business and industry who reassure me what I’m doing is much bigger than me.

I use to struggle with balancing my 9-5, my relationship, and family and friends but now I have found a happy medium and great balance which allows me make time for what is important.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a creative director, photographer, videographer, model, producer, visual artist, and black creative/influencer.

As a creative director, sometimes I put my “two cents” into productions and very rarely is my opinion not heard and taken into consideration. Most times, I love working on my own productions but as a creative director it is sometimes about how you can make a production better as a whole.

As a photographer and videographer, I normally work on my own productions and videos for YouTube but as of late I have done promo videos for fashion shows as well as promo for a grand opening of a close friends clothing store called 5:30 FashionHouse located in Ellet. Most recently, I have taken on a position with a new role as Production Assistant for designer based in Los Angeles, California.

As a paid and published model, which is what I’m mostly known for, I “werk” it. Whether it’s working a look down the runway or modeling a brand that sends me apparel to advertise on online, I get it done. I absolutely love modeling and I think the most rewarding part is knowing that I was chosen by a designer who trusted me to model their clothing. Modeling to me is very therapeutic and helps a lot with mental health. It can also be the total opposite but it is up to the model to take opportunities that is the best look for them. I think what sets me apart from other models is that I will and always will be unapologetically me! For shows and shoots, I wear makeup, get my hair done, and wear unique clothing that will catch someone’s attention. All of that is just an extension of myself that I decide to share with the world and it’s been getting me endless opportunities so far, so I’m not going to stop anytime soon! Today, I am most proud of being a part of the Platinum 22 Fashion Show “The Blaque” that was held at the Summit Artspace in Akron. During the closing of the show, the show director Zoe-Lanese announced that I will be joining her team as an Event Coordinator. This proved to me that everything I had been working on with Ohio Models United was paying off, very fast!

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Risk?!? What a great topic. To me, it’s as simple as this. You either wish you would have done something or you actually take a chance and do it. You only live one life which is yours and no one else’s.

For me, I took a risk of going after what I am passionate about. Along the way, I have lost some friends and family but I have also gained so many new people in my life that have similar interests and push me to keep going and fighting for what I stand for.

Take risk or you’re just going to wish you would have.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/Dashon_Ellis
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/dashon_ellis?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063689195306
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/DashonEllis
• Other: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1091170901440206/?ref=share

 

Image Credits
Briana Johnson
Red Saint
Sondra Axline
Are Low
Kay Vick