We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Devin Penn a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Devin, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
My resiliency comes from deeply trusting in God’s plan for me and having faith that every challenge I face is part of a greater process.
I believe that, even when the road seems difficult or uncertain, God is guiding me, and that every hardship has a purpose in shaping me into the person I’m meant to be. This trust allows me to face obstacles with a sense of peace, knowing that I don’t have to navigate them alone. Instead of dwelling on the struggle, I focus on the bigger picture and lean into my faith, believing that, in time, everything will unfold as it’s meant to. With God’s strength and guidance, I find the courage to keep moving forward, trusting that each step, no matter how difficult, is leading me to growth and transformation.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
My story is all about spreading love, joy, and positivity through the art of dance and creativity. As a dancer and artist, I’ve learned that sometimes words can’t fully capture what we’re feeling, but movement has the power to communicate emotions that words often fall short of expressing. Whether it’s through a simple gesture or an intricate routine, dance allows me to convey love, pain, hope, and every emotion in between, creating a connection with others who may feel the same. I believe that art, in all its forms, can be a universal language that brings people together, and through my projects, I aim to inspire and uplift, leaving a lasting impact on anyone who witnesses the energy and passion behind every performance.
Currently, I’m focused on breaking further into the industry, expanding my artistry beyond just dance. My vision is to not only excel as a dancer but to also embrace choreography and acting, creating multi-dimensional projects that showcase the full spectrum of my creative abilities. I want to push boundaries and offer something new—an experience where movement, emotion, and storytelling collide in a way that resonates deeply with others. As I continue to grow and evolve as an artist, my goal is to build a platform where I can share my passion and inspire others to express themselves through their own creative journeys.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
After all the training and working on different creative projects; I realized that my passion, integrity and vulnerability matters the most.
If you are just starting out on your journey as a dancer or creative, remember why you started.
With this art form we may not always get the flowers we deserve, so that’s when “passion” comes in to play. Remember you didn’t start because of what people think about you or how many likes you get on a post. We start because we love the art form. This is what keeps me going till this day. I absolutely love what I do.
Next, don’t allow yourself to fall short from your projects. Grow in your own structure, that’s where the “integrity” as an artist comes up. Sticking to the plan even when the road is bumpy is how you build a strong character. So try to keep your integrity stronger than your feelings.
Last but not least is vulnerability. This word has so many meanings as well. One is to be vulnerable to restart over and over again. Another is being able to share that personal dance or art form. The last ones I say, is to share your journey with others when you’re ready. The most successful and effective people on this planet shared their hardships in the journey. At the end of the day, we’re all in this together.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
The most helpful people in my journey have been my family and close friends. They’ve been my foundation, providing unwavering support and encouragement, especially during the toughest moments. Their belief in me has given me the strength to keep pushing forward, even when I doubted myself. The saying “iron sharpens iron” perfectly captures the way they’ve helped me grow. Through their wisdom, constructive feedback, and constant motivation, they’ve challenged me to become a better version of myself, both personally and professionally. Their influence has been instrumental in building the essential skills, qualities, and knowledge I need to succeed, and I am forever grateful for their presence in my life.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Devinpennn
- Youtube: Brothadevdevinpenn2672
Image Credits
@trinitypennphotography
@mxbphoto
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.