Meet Trailblazer Djidade Linnear

Today we’d like to introduce you to Djidade Linnear.

Djidade, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I worked a part-time job at a clothing department store during my first few years of college. I was ringing up clothes when I was approached by a photographer about modeling. At this time, I had no experience whatsoever. She gave me her business card and expressed her interest in working with me.

During this time in my life, I was struggling with grieving the loss of my grandmother, my best friend. Her health had declined rapidly, and she passed unexpectedly. It was such a hard loss and my life changed drastically. I was in the beginning stages of healing and building myself back up. I knew that at this point in my life it was time for me to go after what I wanted no matter how scary it seemed or how crazy it sounded to others.

I decided to contact the photographer to set up a time to have a photoshoot. My first photoshoot was amazing and was published in The Editorial QC Magazine! It really showed me that anything was possible and to never limit myself. Shortly afterwards, I started going to auditions around Colorado to be casted for brand ambassador positions and fashion shows.

I’ve worked with a variety of talented designers and photographers, all who advocate for diversity in the fashion industry. I’ve had my fair share of yes’s and no’s, but I am always motivated by each rejection to keep moving forward to receive that yes tenfold. I choose to belong!

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I had to overcome a lot of self-doubt and fear. There were times when I second-guessed myself. There were times when I felt COMPLETELY stuck. I wanted to give up but knew that I couldn’t slow down.

So, I kept going, even when I wasn’t sure what would happen next. It was never easy, but I held onto hope that things would get better. I started to manifest positive changes into my life.

I believe the challenges that I have faced are for a purpose, to transform me into something so much greater.

My advice for young women is to remain true to yourself!! Surround yourself with positive people who will support you and your vision. Dream BIG!!! Be kind to yourself and allow yourself enough room to learn from any mistakes along the way. Most importantly, give yourself permission to succeed and live the life that you truly want. Don’t think that any dream is too big to be achieved, you are without limits!

Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a creative – an artist, DJ, and writer. I am also an editorial, commercial, and runway model. I work with different brands, designers, and photographers, doing anything from high-end fashion, to modeling holistic health products by local brands.

I use my platform as a way to uplift and inspire others, promoting self-love for one’s true authentic self. Unfortunately, the fashion industry can lack diversity and representation, so I truly enjoy working with brands and photographers who push for inclusion. Beauty isn’t limited to one specific type of person!

So much of the media coverage is focused on the challenges facing women today, but what about the opportunities? Do you feel there are any opportunities that women are particularly well positioned for?
There have been some changes in regard to the opportunities for women and women’s rights. I think that these changes are a step in the right direction, however, with women in 2019 still being underpaid and lacking the same rights compared to that of her male counterpart, I definitely believe that there is room for improvement.

While creating these opportunities, it is critical to make sure that there is representation and diversity within leadership roles. I think that people should have someone to inspire and empower their community and show that success is never limited to a particular kind of individual.

Contact Info:

• Email: bookdjidade@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DesiredAdmired/

Image Credit:
Ash Taylor, Agnieszka Wormus, Nicholas Jay Photography

Getting in touch: VoyageDenver is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.