Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Canaan Dewey. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Canaan , so great to have you with us and thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with the community. So, let’s jump into something that stops so many people from going after their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. We’d love to hear about how you dealt with that and persisted on your path.
What drives me to persist is the ability to block out the naysayers and doubters. I’ve come to realize that there is only one “me.” I recall a time from my early childhood, perhaps before I was even 10. Back when my grandmother was alive, she would travel to New Jersey from Virginia to care for us while my parents took trips to the Caribbean. One evening, she imparted some wisdom: “Throughout your life, people will say hurtful things. Ignore them, and with time, their words will fade into oblivion.” I often wonder if she sensed my true identity as a young, gay, black boy before I or my parents even recognized it.
I’m well aware that I might not be considered “cool” by everyone. Some might find me quirky or even corny. However, everything I do comes from my heart, and it genuinely brings me joy. The way I dress, the art I create, the productions I’m involved in, the activities I partake in, and the relationships I nurture are all reflections of my journey in defining who I am. I strive to be authentic, regardless of the opinions of others.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
My aspirations and my current path are somewhat at odds. While I have been a SAG-AFTRA actor since 2019 and have been auditioning for roles since then, I haven’t yet reached the point where I can call myself a consistently working actor. However, I’ve found other ventures to occupy my time and fuel my passion.
I’ve launched a streetwear clothing brand, Canaanwear, which has been a rewarding endeavor. Additionally, I founded a publishing company through which I’ve released two books tailored for actors. I’ve also expanded the company to produce a collection of notebooks, coloring books, and crossword puzzles. My Adobe membership has been an invaluable tool for this creative process. Ever since I took a graphic design class in high school, I’ve been enamored with design. Whether it’s transforming my photography into photobooks or utilizing software like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, the creative process thrills me.
I’ve established two publishing imprints: “GENTLEMN Publishing” for my non-fiction books and “CJD Publishing” for notebooks and other items self-published on Amazon. Between these publishing ventures and Canaanwear, I’ve kept myself engrossed over the years.
To be candid, my relationship with fashion has its ups and downs, which is why I never ventured into a full-fledged career in the fashion industry. Yet, I cherish my clothing brand. Designing various products, from jackets to shoes and bags, is immensely gratifying. Even though not all designs go to market, the sheer act of creation through Canaanwear has been fulfilling. The brand’s evolution is a story in itself – it’s seen various iterations and names over time. Interestingly, its current name was a spontaneous idea from my husband during a casual evening in front of the TV, wine in hand.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my journey, there are three key skills that stand out as having the most profound impact on my personal and professional growth: self-realization, performance and improv, and, as I’ve mentioned earlier, graphic design.
For much of my life, accountability was a challenge. Often, I felt like a passive participant, believing events were happening to me without understanding my role in them. This changed when I recognized the power of mindful interactions and self-awareness. By understanding and intentionally placing myself in the world, I noticed a shift in alignment with my desires. Self-realization is instrumental as it helps identify both our strengths and weaknesses, especially crucial in navigating the unpredictability of life.
My foray into performance and improv significantly bolstered my confidence. Earlier, addressing crowds or engaging in dialogues could be overwhelming, occasionally making me freeze or lose my train of thought. Memories of classes, church events, and other public speaking opportunities come to mind as foundational experiences that nudged me out of my comfort zone. Furthermore, completing classes up to level 401 at the Upright Citizens Brigade enriched this journey, allowing me to become more comfortable with my authentic self and reactions.
Last but not least, graphic design has been a linchpin in realizing my visions. From crafting websites to publishing books and developing marketing materials, the skills I garnered during high school have been indispensable. Collectively, these competencies have shaped the life and brand I proudly represent today.
For those embarking on their journeys, my advice is this:
Stay true to yourself. Understand who you are and align your aspirations accordingly. It’s easy to be influenced by external pressures, be it from peers, family, or societal expectations. Remember, achieving your dreams often requires more than just skill or luck; it’s an accumulation of persistent effort, being in the right place at the right time, and immense courage. In life, whether we realize it or not, we’re constantly selling ourselves — our skills, our character, our passions. So, if you’re presenting yourself to the world, do it authentically. The world may have myriad opinions; some will resonate, and some won’t. Embrace this fact and remain steadfast in your convictions.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
While I might jest about turning to marijuana, in reality, when life gets overwhelming, my solace comes from my hobbies, music, and my surprising love for Korean spas. I have a friend – she’s a brilliant animator at Nickelodeon. We first crossed paths in New Jersey. While I was laying the groundwork for my clothing brand, she was setting her sights on Los Angeles, dreaming of becoming a recognized animator. Today, she’s living that dream, and I couldn’t be prouder.
It was this friend who introduced me to Korean spas. At first, it seemed unexpected, but now, they’re my favorite retreat. When stress starts piling up, there’s nothing quite like escaping to the sauna or the co-ed Jimjilbang rooms. It’s my moment of calm, away from the buzz of my phone and the noise of the world. And speaking of escapes, I must confess: I’m a Disney aficionado. You’ll find me at Disneyland a couple of times a month, seeking that sprinkle of magic when life gets too mundane.
While it might sound like I’m living in a bubble, especially since I’m currently on a hiatus from work, I’m blessed to have a supportive partner. He’s laid a foundation that cushions a lot of life’s stresses. Truly, success is often easier to chase with someone cheering you on. I salute single parents and every solo dream-chaser who finds their way despite limited support. Not everyone has the luxury I do.
Switching gears, the beauty of California never fails to center me. Trading the streets of Essex County in New Jersey for California’s picturesque landscapes was a soulful upgrade. Though I embrace a more Zen lifestyle here in Southern California, everyday stresses and societal expectations still loom large. But that’s where my hobbies step in – be it music, the comforting embrace of a Korean spa, or the enchantment of Disneyland. Who knows what other passions the future holds for me?
Contact Info:
- Website: www.canaandewey.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/canaandewey
- Other: www.canaanwear.com
