Today we’d like to introduce you to Deja Alex.
Deja, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was born in Brazil and moved to San Diego in 2005 after getting married to my back then Canadian fiancee. We’re both immigrants who explored all the opportunities offered in California. I’m a Registered Nurse who worked for Kaiser Permanente Department of Pediatrics for nine years and finally had a chance to pursue my passion for Acting.
While I was practicing a Ballroom Samba routine at Champion Ballroom about five years ago, a filmmaker invited me to participate in a local commercial for the studio. I had no experience on camera and had a blast being part of it. The same director recommended me to take on-camera classes and since the teenager dream has become a reality.
I’ve been represented by Elegance Talent here in San Diego and able to collaborate with many local projects, Orange County, and Los Angeles.
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’ve finished all my education back in Brazil and before moving to the US, I was working as a Public Health Nurse in the Amazon. It was one of the most rewarding missions in my career. I’ve left home very young to go to the University despite being an only child, my mom always knew that I had big dreams and let me fly as high as I could.
I was afraid but I’ve been raised with a good foundation of hard-working, honest, and not taking anything for granted. I’ve prepared myself for the opportunities by staying focused on my education and didn’t give in to fear when it was time to leave my country and explore the world.
I always had this curiosity for exploring new cultures, languages, foods… my attitude of gratitude and humility before visiting or moving to another country has helped me tremendously. I never say no when someone offers their traditional dish or beverage and from there we can start the most interesting conversations.
Actually, it’s how I met my husband. He flew to my hometown Sao Paulo on a business trip and I was attending a Pediatrics conference at the same hotel. During lunch time, they were serving the traditional Brazilian stew made with black beans. He was behind me in the buffet line and asked me if I could describe the particular dish. Who would guess that after 15 years, we would still be together with many stories to tell.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into your business story. Tell us more about the business.
As an actress, I first worked my first jobs in print and commercials, you can see me in local ones for Balboa Park Tourism department and iWell app among others. A couple of years ago, I’ve decided to take my training to the next level under Terry Ross at Acting Professionally San Diego. Last month, I had the pleasure to participate in my first international independent film shot in Umbria, Italy.
I live life to the fullest and not afraid to take on new challenges. I love what I do and being on set, it doesn’t matter if it 2 a.m., what the casting director expects from me, it will be delivered.
It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
I always use ePronounce app since I’m a non-native English speaker and helps me a lot, especially when there are unexpected changes in the script. I’ve finished reading Becoming by Michelle Obama what reinforces the belief of maintaining grace under pressure.
Contact Info:
- Email: djasandiego@me.com
- Instagram: @djavoyage
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dejaalex
Image Credit:
Beach shots by AmorPhotos.com
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