Meet Dasia Harris

We recently connected with Dasia Harris and have shared our conversation below.

Dasia, thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with us today. We’re excited to dive into your story and your work, but first let’s start with a broader topic that might be stopping many of our readers from pursuing their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. How have you managed to persist despite haters and nay-sayers that inevitably follow folks who are doing something unique, special or off the beaten path?

When I first began modeling, it wasn’t easy. Plenty of people doubted me or tried to bring me down. I often found myself wanting to fit in and be accepted. I didn’t know who I was or what I was capable of back then.

It took some time and effort to get to where I am now. I went to therapy to work through some personal issues, and I allowed my faith in God to guidance. Slowly but surely, I started to believe in myself more. I even began writing about my experiences and sharing my story.

By focusing on my growth and staying humble, I’ve been able to make progress without getting caught up in comparing myself to others. Of course, there have been plenty of challenges along the way. But I’ve kept pushing forward, always reaching for my goals.

I’ve put in the work to improve my modeling skills, practicing my walks and poses regularly. I’ve also taken time to learn about the history of modeling and the industry as a whole. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is how to take criticism. I try to listen to feedback without taking it personally and use constructive criticism to keep getting better.

It hasn’t always been easy, but staying consistent and believing in myself has made all the difference. I’m grateful for how far I’ve come, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes me next.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Hey there, I’m Dasia Harris, a fashion and beauty model from Saint Louis, Missouri. My journey’s been quite a ride, and I’d love to share a bit of it with you.

Growing up, I was the oldest of four kids raised by my amazing single mom, Candice. From as young as seven, I’d find myself dancing in front of the mirror, playing dress-up, and drawing inspiration from icons like Janet Jackson, Cab Calloway, Esther “Baby Esther” Jones, and George Michael. Their styles fascinated me.

As I hit my teens, I started developing my own unique fashion sense. I wanted my clothes to really show who I was. I drew inspiration from all sorts of places – Disney’s underdog characters who got their happy endings, characters from books I loved, and even biblical figures like Joseph with his colorful coat, Esther, Ruth, and Job. They all taught me something about standing out and being true to myself.

A few years back, when I was in my early twenties, life threw us a curveball. My mom had a stroke, and suddenly, we found ourselves in debt and homeless. It was tough, but with help from a friend, my siblings and I managed to pay off the debt. We had to split up for a while, living with different family members.

I stayed with my favorite uncle and worked hard. Within two months, I’d saved enough money, and with some help from Urban League, I moved into my own place. Not long after, my mom and siblings found a new home too. It was an incredible feeling.

To celebrate this new chapter, I treated myself in two ways: I enrolled back in college to study Business Administration, and I did my first photoshoot with A-Ron Johnson of Dopeness Visuals. The theme was The Harlem Renaissance in black and white – it was for my birthday, and it felt so special.

Since then, I’ve been on quite a journey in the modeling world. I’ve walked in three runway shows, done countless photoshoots, and even been featured in several magazines. For two years running, I’ve been nominated for Model of the Year in my city, which is just mind-blowing to me.

These days, you can find me on social media, collaborating with different photographers and always working on improving my modeling skills. It’s been a wild ride, but I’m so grateful for every step of it.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, the three things that really helped me grow in my journey. First, I spent time learning about the history of modeling and fashion. It opened my eyes to how the industry has changed over time. Second, I practiced different poses and techniques. It wasn’t always easy, but it helped me feel more comfortable in front of the camera. Lastly, I tried to focus on my own progress rather than comparing myself to others. This mindset helped me stay motivated and true to myself.

If I could share some advice with someone just starting out, I’d say this: Be yourself. It’s important to stay humble, no matter how far you go. Remember, the person you are when the cameras are off is what really matters. Your character shines through in how you treat others and live your life day-to-day. So, stay true to who you are, both on and off set.

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?

I’ve been lucky to meet many wonderful people on my modeling journey. But the ones who’ve made a difference are those who’ve stood by me through thick and thin. My mom, Candice Harris, has always been sure to motivate me. My siblings – Corey, DJ, Mya, and Kira – have always had my back. I still feel the love and support from my late great-grandmother, who we affectionately called Granny.

My best friends – Carissa, Marqia, Jonni, and Daysha – they’ve been there for me through it all. And I can’t forget the amazing creative folks I’ve crossed paths with: Sevell, James, Raven, Desirae, Art, Brittany, and so many others. Their kindness and encouragement have meant the world to me.

All these people have helped me push through when things got tough. They’ve reminded me to believe in myself and keep going, no matter what. I’m just a regular person trying to make it in this industry, and I’m so grateful for their support. Their faith in me keeps me going, even when I doubt myself.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/prettygirl_.das
• Instagram: Das._.mode
• Facebook: Das Harris
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dasmode22
• Other: Wattpad: https://www.wattpad.com/user/Dasmode21

Image Credits

Raven Minor

Tee S. Robinson

A-ron Johnson of Dopeness Visuals