Today we’d like to introduce you to Danae Dudley.
Hi Danae, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started as a little girl from the 6100 block of Sherry Ave while also attending school in the district of University City. I didn’t grow up with much. In my community, I fell into the “less fortunate “group or “underprivileged” group. My mom was a hard-working woman, so I had to step in a lot and play several roles for the sake of my siblings. My grandparents played a huge role in my upbringing as well. Living in the neighborhood of Walnut Park and University City, I was able to see both sides of life. I could see what it was like to have little to nothing, but I could also see what it was like to have everything and more. I believe that helped mold my mindset of “escaping poverty. ” Growing up, I didn’t have role models; I just had people I didn’t want to be like. I wanted to be like so many black women on TV, so I grew a passion for singing and dancing. I remember being like 7 or 8 and making my family sit in the living room while I taught my cousins routines, and we’d perform for them, and boy, when I say, my family used to applaud us so loud with smiles on their faces from ear to ear. That encouraged me to keep going. Once I made it to elementary school ( Pershing Elementary School ), I sang, danced, and was even in every talent show and Play. My peers and teachers loved “Lil Nae, “and that’s when I then believed I was a STAR! I faced many obstacles throughout my journey, but I always kept faith in God! My life took a turn in 2013 when I lost my oldest brother Cortez Dudley to gun violence. I was scared, and I was lost. I had just lost my protector. That’s not a heartbreak you get over. As time went on, it only got worse, but it only got easier to cope with. Everyone knew who Danae was when I made it to high school.
I joined the “golden girls “dance team while also attending dance classes learning Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Modern . and Ballet. I also joined theatre one semester. I trained at COCA for a short period and took residencies during school. I even trained with HBCU teams/dancers during and after Highschool. High school was such an experience. It plays a huge part in who I am today. During my last year of Highschool, I attended Paul Mitchell, St. Louis Cosmetology School. I grew a love for doing hair. When I was younger, doing hair wasn’t something I did for fun. I’d only do my siblings and grandmother’s hair to make money. Once I made it to cosmetology school, I loved everything about it!
I Still do hair today. I am all about building confidence and helping individuals feel great about themselves! I once realized I spent so much time making everyone else feel great I forgot about myself. As I grew older, I grew curvier. I began to become depressed, and my self-esteem was very low. I started seeing more women who looked like me with very little confidence. As said, I always had the mindset of building trust. I took that and decided to grow comfortable with myself and encourage women that look like me to be confident and to love themselves no matter what. Now I am a curvy inspiration for many women. ALL WOMEN! Oh boy, did I put that low self-esteem to shame? Here I am today, the woman that wears many hats. I am a Mentor, Influencer, Hairstylist, Dancer, Actress, Singer, Curvy Inspiration, Dance Coach, and Entrepreneur.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been fairly smooth?
Losing my big brother was one of the biggest obstacles I’ve faced in life.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am most known as “ RealNae “. The woman that does everything. People often ask me, “what it is that you can’t do. ” I take pride in that. I currently teach dance at Jennings Senior High ( 4 years and coach dance at ASEDC ( going on a year ), and I love every bit of it! I do dance projects here and there. I’m also a muse for many brands, including my “Real Figure, “which I will drop on July 15th, 2022. Be On The LOOKOUT! I am most proud to be a role model for younger people and see the work I put into the communities pay off. It warms my heart when the children I mentor take my advice and apply it throughout their lives. I feel great being an outlet for them. I am also extremely proud to be an influence on many curvy women or even all women to become more confident in themselves. The amount of positive feedback I receive is incredible. I honestly believe that no one in my generation can do what I do and make it look as easy as I do. There were so many people telling me that I wouldn’t be able to do all the things I do; I am proud to say I do it with ease! I want to thank my supporters and even those who aren’t supporters for keeping me going daily.
Any big plans?
My plan for the future is to start an organization for mentoring. The younger generation needs us. They are our future! I also plan for my new upcoming “luxury shapewear “business to go worldwide.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @Realnaeee
- Twitter: @RealNae1
- Youtube: The RealNae
Image Credits
@liikvisuals @robshotme @phillipellington @elevatedvisuals
