We recently had the chance to connect with Deja (Dej) Hood and have shared our conversation below.
Deja (Dej), we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Reading! In the last year, I have returned to reading consistently, and it is one of the best decisions I have ever made. I can truly get lost in the world of a book. I learn, imagine, laugh, cry, scream, challenge, annotate, and highlight. The possibilities are endless! It’s my healthy form of escapism.
In 2024, I challenged myself to read 30 books, and I accomplished it. And, while there was no reading challenge this year, I still have remained steady in my reading. At one point this year, I read an entire book in 5 hours and also read 7 books in a week. That’s a lot of time to give to reading, but that is truly how much I enjoy it.
As this year comes to an end, I am trying to take my time with a book to truly savor every detail. However, if I truly dive deep into a book, there is no telling how many pages I can read in a day and/or night. And, I am totally okay with that!
So, here’s to reading. Thank you for helping me reconnect back to my inner child.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Dej, and I am a Black Woman, multi-disciplinary artist who explores how art can be used as a bridge and a voice in communities. My work challenges societal norms and holds space for people to question, reflect, and reconnect with themselves and others.
My background is rooted in dance, but as I evolve, I believe I’m simply a storyteller. I am not bound to one art form but loyal to creating with purpose. My work always has a message, but the artistic method varies depending on the project. As a freelance artist, I’m usually a participant in others’ work, wearing many artistic hats interchangeably. My role is determined by the needs of the artist, and most of the projects I have participated in have been Black led and intentional, aligning with my own creative practice. I am inspired by the Black Community and how we make art. Our work is drenched in blackness, and it excites me to add my work to the archives.
In May 2025, I completed my solo exhibition titled “Reclamation” at Connect Gallery located in Hyde Park. “Reclamation” was a nude gallery exhibition, showcasing a love letter to the woman’s body and a glimpse into my journey of self-love. It consisted of nine portraits and a self-love pod installation where people could channel their own Reclamation power. It was showcased for an entire weekend, and the experience was absolutely magical. I am still processing this huge accomplishment.
Since then, I have been resting, reading, and creating for self. “Reclamation” took four years to bring to life, so I am enjoying the slower pace.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
At 19, when I cut my hair.
It may sound crazy to some that my earliest memory comes at the end of my teen years, but everything up until then didn’t feel fully like me. I don’t mean that in a bad way. I just mean that cutting my hair off was one of the first memories that truly felt like me.
I had just gotten out of an abusive relationship, and my birthday was a month away. In that month’s time, I came to peace with the fact that I wanted to cut my hair. When I would tell people about my decision and they’d ask why, I would say that I was cutting my hair so I wouldn’t have to go through three more years of college with a strenuous hair care routine. Now, this was true; however, it was only a fraction of it. Truthfully, I wanted a shorter routine and I wanted to shed the old parts of myself. I felt my hair was attached to a lot of my pain. Growing up, I was bullied because of my hair, and here I was at 18, leaving a toxic relationship.
I just wanted newness and to be free of the weight, so on my 19th birthday, I cut it off. In the moments of watching the hair fall, I felt powerful and made new. Now, at 27, I still have my short hair, and I have no intentions of growing it back out.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
To my younger self,
You are magic.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I would have to say my friends. They are amazing. I am in awe of them. They continue to show me the truest definitions of unconditional love and community. They are selfless, nurturing, loving, and yet strong, honest, and self-preserving. I love how they show up for each other, but mostly, I love how they show up for themselves. How they prioritize rest and set needed boundaries. How they speak their minds and ask for what they want and need. How they fully embrace themselves in their many facets. They truly are special, and I hold them dear to my heart.
My friends have helped shape me into the woman I am today, and they continue to challenge me to be better. So yes, I admire my friends for their character, their support, and their love.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I am doing what I was born to do. Art is all I know. It is how I tell my stories and impact peoples’ lives. It is how I heal my inner child, creating for pure enjoyment. It is freeing, healing, and all-encompassing. I can’t imagine my life without art, and thankfully, I don’t have to.
I was born to be an artist, and I am forever grateful to be one.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dejworks.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_dejaviews_/
Image Credits
Personal Photo – Nyia Sissac
Additional Photos –
Color Photos (Photos from the Reclamation Gallery): Darius Donald
Black and White Photo w/ Hat: Ivan Salazar
Final Black and White Photos (x2): Benjamin Lurie
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
