Life & Work with Destiny Harris of Ohio

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

Hi Destiny , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve always been larger than life.

Whether I was on stage, in front of a camera, or simply making people laugh, performing came naturally to me. Storytelling, creativity, and connecting with others have always been part of who I am. Yet despite that passion, I didn’t seriously pursue acting until 2021.

That year, I packed up my car and moved to Dallas, Texas, determined to invest in myself and my craft. I enrolled at KD Conservatory, where I spent two years training as an actor and developing the skills necessary to pursue a professional career in the performing arts.
Before completing my training, I signed with professional representation and earned my first professional theatre credit with one of Texas’s premier Shakespeare companies, Shakespeare Dallas. Touring with the company, I performed multiple roles, including a modernized interpretation of Juliet, gaining invaluable experience performing for audiences across the region.

Shortly before leaving Texas, I was cast in Pegasus Theatre’s one-woman production, Big Mouth Thunder Thighs: A Solo Vaudeville, a milestone opportunity that challenged me as both a performer and storyteller— and is still one of the greatest moments in my career !

Now we’re in New York City training at the renowned Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre, further expanding my artistic foundation and understanding of the craft.

Today, I’m back in my Midwest hometown, taking an intentional pause to focus on something that often gets overlooked in ambitious careers: mental health. Choosing to step back wasn’t giving up—it was choosing to build a stronger foundation for the future.
During this season, I’m reconnecting with my authentic voice both as an artist and as a person. I’m continuing to nurture my craft while creating new opportunities through storytelling, content creation, and meaningful conversations. Through the relaunch of my podcast, The Curious Folks, and the launch of my personal YouTube channel, I’m inviting people to join me for the adventures, lessons, victories, setbacks, and unexpected moments that come with pursuing a creative life.
My journey is still unfolding, but if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that success isn’t just about chasing the next opportunity. It’s about building a life and career that are sustainable, authentic, and true to who you are.

And this is only the beginning.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it has not been a smooth road but it’s been quite beautiful if I do say so myself.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am an actress, storyteller, content creator, and podcast host who is passionate about connecting with people through authentic and engaging stories. Whether I’m performing on stage, auditioning for my next role, hosting conversations on my podcast, or documenting life’s adventures online, my goal is always the same: to entertain, inspire, and create meaningful connections.

I specialize in character-driven storytelling, comedy, live performance, and creating content that feels genuine and relatable. My background in theatre and professional training has given me a strong foundation in performance, while my natural curiosity and larger-than-life personality allow me to connect with audiences both on and off the stage.

I am known for my infectious energy, big personality, sense of humor, and willingness to be authentically myself. People often recognize me for bringing warmth, laughter, and honesty into every space I enter. Whether I’m performing Shakespeare, appearing in a one-woman show, interviewing guests, ghost hunting, sharing behind-the-scenes moments from my acting journey, or simply navigating life’s ups and downs, I strive to make people feel seen, entertained, and encouraged.

What I am most proud of is having the courage to prioritize my mental health and taking a break. Finding my own truth again and passion in my artistry that now can never be touched or taken away. I am proud of me continuing to show up as my authentic self while building a life and career that align with who I truly am too and not just centering my life on one thing because I personally never been one thing at all!

At the heart of everything I do is a desire to tell stories, bring joy to others, and remind people that it’s okay to chase big dreams while staying true to yourself.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
When it comes to finding a mentor or networking, one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is not to chase people simply because of their title, status, followers, or perceived success. A lot of people enter this industry believing that if they can just get close enough to the “right” person, their career will magically take off. In my experience, that’s not how meaningful relationships—or sustainable careers—are built.

What’s worked well for me is focusing on genuine connections rather than transactional ones. I want mentors, collaborators, and professional relationships that are built on mutual respect, shared values, and authentic support—not on what someone can do for me.

I also believe it’s incredibly important to know who you are before you start seeking guidance from others. Understand what uniquely sets you apart instead of trying to become a copy of someone whose career you admire. It’s easy to look at someone successful and think the answer is to follow their exact path, but your greatest asset will always be your own voice, perspective, and individuality.

I’ve found that opportunities tend to come when you’re committed to becoming the best version of yourself rather than trying to be someone else. The more confident you are in your identity, the easier it becomes to recognize the people who genuinely want to help you grow.

On the other hand, when you don’t know who you are, it becomes much easier for others to take advantage of that uncertainty. That’s something many people experience in this industry. If you’re constantly chasing validation, approval, or access to certain people, you can start accepting situations and relationships that aren’t healthy simply because you think they’re necessary for success.

My advice would be to build your foundation first. Know your values, know your worth, know what makes you different, and then pursue relationships from a place of confidence rather than desperation. The right mentors won’t require you to lose yourself in order to learn from them. They will help you become more of who you already are.

At the end of the day, careers are built on relationships, but the strongest relationships are built on authenticity—not chasing.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @imdestinyharris
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoto5s_0uVM_LWEmbeJgFkA
• Other: https://thecuriousfolks.buzzsprout.com/