Today we’d like to introduce you to Dasia Harris
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Hey Guys, Thank You so much for interviewing me and providing me with this amazing opportunity. I am incredibly thankful and blessed for everything God has done for me!
My story begins two years before I started modeling, I lived with my mom and my three younger siblings. During that time I lived with my family, I helped nurse my mother back to health as she was suffering from kidney and heart problems that led to her having a stroke, as well as taking care of my siblings. My family and I became indebted during the time my mother was in the hospital. Therefore, my siblings and I did everything possible to pay off as much as possible. There was even an individual who stepped up and helped my family and me as much as they could. For that, my family and I are forever grateful for them.
From there, my family and I unfortunately lost our home which resulted in us all being split up to stay with different relatives. I ended up staying with my favorite Uncle and his family for three months until I used the money I saved up during that time to move into my apartment in time for my birthday.
After moving into my new home, I moved most of my things on the bus and the Metrolink. The same individual who helped my family and me during the time we were in debt helped me move the rest of my things and get settled in my new home. As a reward to myself, I decided to take a leap of faith and book my first photoshoot for my twenty-second birthday with A-Ron Johnson of Dopeness Visuals.
The Harlem Renaissance and individuals from The Harlem Renaissance inspired my photoshoot’s theme. Those individuals were Ma Rainey, Billie Holiday, Cab Calloway, Harry Belafonte, and Esther Jones. These individuals’ uniqueness and creativity stood out to me the most and encouraged me to go forward with my idea.
Two months later, I was nominated for Model of the Year for the Saint Louis Arts & Entertainment Awards, and I even enrolled myself in school at STLCC to major in Business Administration. As a result of the awards show, I made it to the final five, and I unfortunately didn’t win. However, I didn’t let that stop me. From that moment forward, I have been a part of three fashion shows: Festival Of Nations; The Bayer Inspire Runway Show, and The Four Seasons. I have also worked with a total of five designers: Hairan Zuchelli, Yasi Fayal, Macli Boutique, Kaylin Kreations, and Juno Tamir.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting my modeling journey, there were a lot of personal obstacles and challenges I have faced overall. As a newcomer to the modeling scene, everything was brand new for me. It was like everything I had practiced since the age of seven such as singing “Rhythm Nation” by Janet Jackson in the mirror, playing dress up, and even watching America’s Next Top Model had gone out the window the minute I encountered a few individuals who weren’t very welcoming. Those individuals had mean girl energy, and as a result, I was afraid of stepping out of my comfort zone.
I remember wanting to not step out anymore because those individuals reminded me of how I used to be bullied in high school. However, I remember calling my favorite Cousin Sheron Douglas, and telling her how I didn’t want to even attempt to model anymore. She gave me the motivation and courage I needed to keep pushing forward. One thing Cousin Sheron always told me was ” I love you, little cousin, keep being you and forget what the next person has to say. When you’re on your way to the top, you’re not worried about anybody but Dasia. Ever since you were a baby, I always knew you would be the one to shine, and Granny would be so proud!”
Hearing my cousin say that not only brought tears to my eyes but it also opened my eyes to remember all the things Granny used to say to me growing up. She would say things like “Dasia, you are a light baby, and no matter what, I want you to use the gift God gave you. Remember that you are a light, and you will continue to shine regardless of what anyone says as long as you continue to be genuine and continue to put your faith in God.”
It’s like the conversation I had with Cousin Sheron, and the flashbacks of the pep talks Granny used to have with me were the wake-up calls I needed. I went to therapy to heal any childhood trauma I may have had as well as mentally prepare myself before making my positive mark in the modeling scene. As I progressed over time, I learned to forgive the individuals who were mean girls to me and I continued to strengthen my relationship with God even more.
Another challenge I continue to face is transportation and finding a workplace that works with both my modeling and schooling schedule.
When it comes to transportation, I travel to all of my shows, events, casting calls, and even photoshoots via Metro busses and the Metrolink. Sometimes the trip requires multiple busses and a train while other trips require multiple busses and thirty minutes to an hour walk. There are even times were I have to leave my house three hours in advance to make it to any call times I have for a runway show. Any spare time I have overall, I use that time to work ahead in all of my classes for school, and to both study and research different modeling techniques to critique myself.
Now regarding finding a workplace that works with both my modeling and schooling schedule. The problem surprisingly wouldn’t be my modeling schedule. It was often my schooling schedule that would be a problem for my jobs. I even volunteered to come straight to work after school. However, a lot of jobs didn’t like that, and instead of letting this obstacle get me down, I was determined to make things work. So as a result, I switched to online school while managing to both work and model as well. At times it can get pretty tiring, however setting up a schedule and sticking to it, has allowed me to be able to work, model, and attend school. I continuously thank god every day for the strength he gives me to continue to move forward.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Throughout the Saint Louis area, I am known as Pretty Girl Das or Das the model. Although I am known for modeling, I also love to write books as a hobby on an app called Wattpad, as well as sing & dance in the mirror, and I love to watch Disney, Marvel, Anime, Horror movies & Romantic-Comedy movies.
As I have progressed and elevated in my career thus far, I have become super proud of myself for never giving up no matter how hard things get, my blessings, and I am very thankful to God for allowing me to continue to make history & achieve so many things.
Coming into the modeling scene, I knew I was going to automatically stand out due to the light and genuineness I have within myself. If I had to say what sets me apart from everyone else, I would say various things. I like to describe myself as the mysterious underdog. My definition of a mysterious underdog is someone who is often overlooked or underestimated and as a result, is referred to as someone who is ruled to unlikely be unfit for the job.
My reason is that sometimes individuals would look at me and completely underestimate me or automatically label me as someone unfit for the job. As a result, I don’t let it get to me, I instead continue to practice and critique myself to help myself become better. It’s like Silk Sevell always tells me “Das, if someone doesn’t see you, make them see you. The world needs eyes on who Das is, and it’s time for you to give them what they want. Go be the Das I know you can be.”
I would sometimes reference similarities between yourself and the anime character Yugi Muto from the anime Yu-Gi-Oh. Like myself, Yugi Muto was new to the world of Duel Monsters, and he was often underestimated as the underdog because no one knew who he was at the time. It wasn’t until Yugi defeated The King Of Games himself Maximillion Peagus, and he went from being the mysterious underdog to The King Of Games.
Along his journey, Yugi like myself always remained genuine and humble. He used all the teachings his grandpa taught him and he studied the game of Duel Monsters. Yugi’s faith in”The Heart Of The Cards”, also played a part in his continuing to elevate.
In the end, by continuously believing in myself, and showing up to every event show, and photoshoot this allows me to continue to shine and elevate non-stop.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Along my journey in the modeling scene, I have been surrounded by supporting family members as well as encouraging individuals who are great examples of good people in the world.
Both of my parents: Candice Harris and Corey Harris Sr., have raised me to be a strong-minded intelligent woman who has continuously accomplished anything I set my mind to.
My creative circle of friends: Jamal The Comedian, Mara Davis, Brittany B, Chyna Brown, A-Ron Johnson, and Tee S. Robinson have all helped me practice my model walk, poses, and mannerisms, and even allowed me to bring my visions to life. I am truly grateful for every one of these individuals, they have continuously motivated me to keep going as well as check on both my well-being and my mom’s well-being as well. These individuals also make sure to invite me to different events and even make sure I’m in the same room with other amazing individuals. Thank you guys for everything you have ever done for me, and may you guys continue to elevate and succeed.
My Siblings: Corey, Dj, and Mya, being the oldest sometimes has its pros and cons. As the oldest, you sometimes have more responsibilities than your younger siblings. I am forever grateful for them always being there for me, the bond we share, and even for being their big sister who has set a great example for them. Of course, being playfully teased by my brothers helped me positively overcome a lot of things. I just want to thank you guys for everything.
My friends: Jonni, Daysha, Carissa and Marqia- I couldn’t ask for a better group of friends. Thank you guys for being there for me during my times of struggle, getting me out of the house, hearing me vent overall, and always being so encouraging. You guys are amazing and being your friend for ten-plus years has been amazing. Here’s to many years of positivity and friendship!! May you guys continue to shine and elevate!
My Cheerleaders
Cousin Sheron- You are not only my favorite cousin, but thank you for always praying for me, being so supportive, always calling to check on me, and always believing in me since day one. I love you and I am truly grateful for everything you do for me including inviting me out. Words can’t even explain how grateful I truly am for you and we made it cousin!!!
Granny: Words can’t even explain how much I miss you, and I wish you were here to see everything I have accomplished so far. I know you are truly watching down from heaven smiling at me and proud of my accomplishments. Thank you for always believing in me, praying with me, reading scriptures with me and even teaching me about my favorite important figures in the bible: Joseph (The Coat Of Many Colors), Job, Deborah, Esther, and Moses. Whenever I need motivation, I go back and read the story of these individuals!! Thank you for everything Granny, and I love you!!!
James Lion- Thank you so much for being an encouraging friend, offering words of encouragement, and even making uplifting songs. Your Songs: Boulder, Rabbit Hole, Won’t Go Down and These Days are some of my go-to songs whenever I need an uplifting message. I also appreciate you for rooting for me! I am super proud of everything you have accomplished! Thank you for being so kind and I am so grateful to know you. I appreciate the support and may you continue to elevate. Keep Going!!!
Silk Sevell- Sevell, there are so many things I want to say thank you for. You are truly very inspiring, and you have a great heart. Thank you so much for everything you have done for me, always willing to help me, and offering words of encouragement. More importantly, one of my favorite memories I have is the day I told you I was nominated for Model Of The Year. You called me every day to not only congratulate me but also noticed I was very nervous and instead of brushing past it, you allowed me to talk about it. That moment on the phone you told me “Das, think about your favorite celebrities: Eva Marcille, Janet Jackson, Cab Calloway, and even George Michael. Do you think there ever was a time when they weren’t nervous? Das, it’s okay to be nervous but you’re Ms.Model Of The Year! Regardless of if you win or not, I am incredibly proud of you, and I know you are going to continue to do great things.”
That conversation alone brought tears to my eyes, and ever since day one overall you literally called me every day, texted me, and even before you were up to perform you made time to wish me luck on my shows, photoshoots, and anything else I had planned. My granny always told me that God puts angels on this Earth for a reason and you are an angel. I am forever grateful for you Sevell, and it’s only up from here. The world needs to know Silk Sevell, and May God continue to bless you as well as elevate you!!
Lastly, Thank You to everyone who has supported me along my journey, I am incredibly grateful for you guys!!! Please be sure to be on the lookout for PrettyGirlDas 🌸!!
Thank You Guys So Much Again Voyage STL for this amazing interview!!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prettygirl_.das/profilecard/?igsh=MW…
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1KF9MQvpxE/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- LinkedIn: https://linktr.ee/prettygirl_.das
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@dasmode22?si=X1lrmcPwYtVzo-Aa
- Other: https://www.wattpad.com/user/Dasmode21?utm_source=ios&utm_medium=link&utm_content=share_profile&utm_campaign=invitefriends&wp_page=home&wp_uname=Dasmode21
