Meet De-Andra Racquel

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful De-Andra Racquel. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with De-Andra below.

Hi De-Andra, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

My resilience comes from having watched my parents struggle growing up. Life in a trailer park in a rough area wasn’t easy. There were times we had to “borrow” electricity from neighbors when ours was cut off. I can actually remember my dad going to work with a belt that had holes chewed through by mice because we couldn’t afford a new one. Despite working nearly 24-hour shifts, and both parents juggling 2-3 jobs at a time, they always made time for me and my sisters.

As an adult and a mom, deciding to break into the entertainment industry later in life was nerve-wracking, especially coming in with no connections or clear path. Making the decision to live bi-coastal and sacrifice time with my daughter was tough, but I live by my motto: “Take the risk or wonder what if.” For four generations, I watched my family struggle over and over without the opportunity to chase their dreams, and I didn’t want to succumb to that pattern without giving myself a chance. I believe there is more to life, but more importantly so my daughter would be inspired to reach for the stars and see the opportunities available to her.

It hasn’t been easy. There have been countless days of networking, 24-hour workdays, and thousands of cold emails. But it’s been worth it. This journey has taught me to bet on myself and revealed just how tenacious I can be. For me, a “no” is just an answer, not a final verdict. If I truly want something, I’ll figure out another way to get it or keep trying until I succeed.

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?

Hi, I’m De-Andra “Dee,” and my journey has been one of passion, resilience, and a drive to break boundaries in the entertainment industry. Growing up in the hood, I learned early on the value of hard work, perseverance, and life. These experiences shaped my determination to not only succeed, but also to inspire others to chase their dreams.

Professionally, I wear many hats. I’m currently an Executive Assistant at one of the Academy’s, manage a Virtual/Personal Assistant business (“Uplift & Assist”) where I’m a PA to a few influencers, an upcoming artist, and was previously an assistant to a choreographer/dancer who collaborated with top entertainers like Ciara, Janet, and Queen Bey. Additionally, I offer freelance assistance for high-profile events like galas, fundraisers, red carpet premieres, and award shows. My focus is on ensuring my clients look fresh and feel supported throughout their busy schedules while navigating the organized chaos of these events.

What excites me most about my work is the dynamic nature of the entertainment industry. Every day presents new challenges and opportunities, and I thrive on the fast-paced environment (one time ADHD comes in handy). One of the unique aspects of my work is the personal connection I build with my clients. Understanding their needs and anticipating their requirements is key to providing top-notch support. This approach has led to many memorable experiences and long-lasting professional relationships. Contributing to my clients’ success and witnessing their growth is incredibly rewarding and fuels my sense of purpose.

Currently, I’m excited about several upcoming projects. We’re planning a series of events that will not only showcase my clients’ talents, but also provide networking opportunities for aspiring artists. Additionally, I’m working on expanding my VA/PA business to offer more comprehensive services and support to a broader range of clients.

My journey has taught me the importance of empathy, integrity, and adaptability. These qualities are the foundation of my approach to work and life. I believe that by fostering these traits, we can create a supportive and innovative environment where everyone can thrive.

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

Looking back, the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are empathy, integrity, and adaptability.

For me, empathy has been a game-changer. It’s all about connecting deeply with my clients, really understanding their needs, and anticipating what they might require before they even ask. This connection isn’t just professional; it creates a bond of trust and support that makes my clients feel genuinely valued and understood.

Integrity is something I hold close to my heart. Staying true to my values and being honest in all my interactions has been the foundation of my reputation and my long-lasting relationships. It’s about always doing what I believe is right, not just what I think others want to hear or see. Staying authentic has been key to my success.

Adaptability has been crucial in the fast-paced and ever-changing world of entertainment. Being flexible and open to change has allowed me to handle unexpected challenges with grace and creativity. It’s taught me to think on my feet and come up with innovative solutions when things don’t go as planned.

For those just starting out, my advice is to stay true to yourself and tune out the noise from everyone else. Focus on what you believe is best for you, not on what others expect you to do or say. Practicing boundaries and finding your voice is so important. Assert your needs and perspectives while respecting others, and you’ll find a healthy balance in your professional life.

Developing these qualities takes time and experience, but they’re invaluable. Always lead with empathy, uphold your integrity, and stay adaptable to whatever life throws your way. And remember, it’s your journey—embrace it with authenticity and courage. You got this!

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Absolutely! I’m always on the lookout for amazing people to collaborate with. If you’re interested in becoming an assistant in any capacity—virtual, personal, or executive—I’d love to connect and see if I can offer some mentorship or guidance. Sharing my story/lessons and helping others navigate this field is something I’m passionate about.

And hey, if you’re someone who needs a part-time assistant (or know someone who may), I’d love to chat about how I can help you manage your life and work more efficiently. Whether it’s organizing your schedule/calendar, handling emails, or ensuring you look fabulous at events, I’m here to support you!

You can connect with me on my socials: Instagram at Instagram.com/Deebabyy2 or LinkedIn at LinkedIn.com/in/DeeRacquel. Looking forward to collaborating and creating something awesome together!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deebabyy2
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/deeracquel

Image Credits

GETTY Images, myself