Defining Fierce; My Interview with Young Modeling Sensation… Diva Davanna

They call her “Fashion’s Youngest Superstar”.  And at eleven years… young, she is!

But in my opinion, Diva Davanna is Fashion’s Superstar… period.

Diva Davanna has been modeling since she was just four years old, winning many awards along the way, and has appeared on The Tyra Banks Show as well as America’s Next Top Model.

Diva Davanna

Davanna is a regular sensation on runways across the nation–with over two million hits on YouTube–and I’m so excited to have her in The LOVE Spot today…

Watch this clip for a glimpse of Diva Davanna…

“Davanna is way fiercer than any supermodel we have ever seen.”

Tyra Banks

~Tyra Banks

I agree with Tyra.

You may think you know what fierce means, but if you haven’t seen Diva Davanna you really don’t know the definition. Trust me. She owns the word.

Read on to check out my interview with this young modeling sensation:

PMB:  Diva Davanna is in the BUILDING! I’m so excited to have you here  at “The LOVE Spot”. Thank you for stopping by.

DD:  Hi! (smiles) Thank you for having me.

PMB: So do you prefer being called Diva Davanna? And is that your real name? And if not, how did you come up with it?

DD: You can call me Davanna. That’s my real name. My mom gave me the diva part…lol

When I was about 3 I would always go with my mom to her fashion show practices (because she used to produce fashion shows) and I would always get on stage and practice with the other models.

I’d put my hand on my hip and so my mom would always say you are such a diva.

Diva Davanna

PMB: That is too cute! Ha ha I can picture that whole scene.

When I think of a “diva” I really think it is about owning your own confidence. To me, being a true diva is really something to be proud of. Tell us your definition of a true diva.

DD: To me, a diva is smart and knows how to carry herself.

She always look nice when on the runway and knows how to pose and walk with confidence, but also knows how to have fun.

PMB: I totally agree! Now tell us more about you. How old are you now and when did you start being a “diva”?

DD:  I’m 11 yrs old, I turn 12 on Nov 30th…

And, well, like I said before my mom used to produce fashion shows and I always wanted to be on stage like the other models. I liked to see them all dressed up.

So my mom decided to produce her first fashion show for kids and I really wanted to be in it. I wanted to get dressed up and be on the runway.

But when the day came to do the show I got so scared. There were so many people in the audience!

So when it was time for me to come on stage I only came out for a moment before I ran back off crying.

Then, when I saw my twin sister Dejohnna walk on stage and the way that people were clapping and the way that they loved her, I wanted to go back out there.

So I did. And it was a lot of fun.

PMB: I love hearing that story.

And it’s nice because someone somewhere may read that and remember it should they ever be scared in their first attempt with something.

It can be so scary for all of us but sometimes if we just let go of the fear the fun comes… just like it did for you.

Okay, now I first saw you on The Tyra Banks show, And, as you know, I have been such a huge fan of yours ever since.

Please tell us how your appearance on Tyra came to be and what that experience was like for you.

Were you nervous? And what was Tyra like?

DD: My mom first got an email from the Tyra show people saying they wanted to have me on their show.

At first my mom thought it was a joke and that somebody was playing a trick on her…lol

Then they called my mom’s cell phone and left a message. When my mom called them back, she knew it was really The Tyra Banks show calling us for real.

So, after my mom called, they set up everything for us to come on the show.  I was so nervous and scared. I couldn’t believe that I was going to meet a big super star like Tyra Banks.

What was Tyra gonna ask me? Was she gonna like me?

I just wanted to cry, I was so scared.

But when it was time for me to walk the runway I felt good. And I wasn’t nervous to do that.

I had a lot of fun meeting Tyra Banks and she was so nice to me.

PMB: Tyra is a living icon in the modeling world and it was so awesome to watch the show and see just how sweet she was to you. I could tell that she adored you.

How exciting that you were not only on her show but also that she invited you to appear on America’s Next Top Model to show the girls how to walk. Incredible.

At such a young age you’ve already accomplished so much. What are some of your favorite accomplishments?

DD: My biggest accomplishment so far is no longer being scared to talk to people in public anymore.

I used to always be really scared to talk to people and would sometime want to cry. I am so much better about that now.

Diva Davanna

Another accomplishment that I am proud of is having made a difference in the lives of a lot of young girls, especially the ones who want to model and be a diva.

I have so many little girls that send me emails and write on my fan pages saying they love me and what I do.

Often, they tell me that I made them want to be a model. Some of them say that they thought that they couldn’t be a model because of how small they are, but that I inspired them. That makes me so happy.

Another of my favorite accomplishments is having been on different TV shows like the Tyra Banks Show, Americas Next Top Model, Jerseylicious, MY9News, and being invited to American Idol and The Fashion Show (with host Iman).

Here is a clip of Diva Davanna’s appearance on America’s Next Top Model (she appears around the 1:18 mark)

There are so many things that I have done and I’m really so happy to have had the chance to do them.

PMB: Wow. Not only The Tyra Banks Show but also on The Fashion Show with Iman!? That’s incredible.

That’s like wanting to be a movie director and getting to hang out with Steven Spielberg. Amazing!

Iconic Supermodel, Iman

And as a diva, I know you have big plans for your life. What are your specific goals for the future?

DD: Well I’m a good student in school so I have to keep that up so I could get in a good college.

I want to study  business in college because I want to have my own accessories line someday. I’ve been making some things already!

I make earrings and bracelets and pretty stuff for girls. And so I want to know a lot about running my own business.

My accessories line is going to be called DE’VAH Accessories.

PMB: Okay, now that’s another sign of a true diva, one who creates her own opportunities. I can’t wait for the line to launch so I can purchase some accessories for all the Little Divas in my life

Now, watching you walk—and those little signatures, that pose after a turn and the reverse walk, that you do—is just too much! LOL I get such a kick out of it.

Who taught you how to own the runway the way you do?

DD:  When my mom used to produce fashion shows, her best friend did the make-up for all the models. His name is Timotheus Smart and he was also a runway trainer.

Timotheus, when he wasn’t producing his own fashion shows, would be at practices for my mother’s fashion shows. So, anyhow one day he saw me walking and told my mom, “Davanna has a fierce little walk to be so young.”

Then he said he wanted to work with me on my walk.

He said he wanted me to really know how to walk and turn and really be a diva on the runway. So he started training me and that’s how I got my training and polished my walk.

Diva Davanna walking on ANTM

PMB: Well, shout out to Timotheus from me! He has done an amazing job with helping you to refine your God given gift.

Check out some of Diva Davanna’s videos on her You Tube page.

So, who are your fashion icons? And which models do you admire most? Tell us why.

DD: I really like Tyra Banks. She started modeling at a really young age just like I did. And from watching her shows, Tyra is really good at teaching others how to be an extraordinary model and a true diva.

Naomi Campbell is another of my favorites. Some people compare me to her and that makes me feel so special and happy. When Naomi walks the runway she’s so fierce and the crowd loves her.

Naomi Campbell

Heidi Klum is my favorite, too. I like how she smiles on the runway and has a lot of fun with the crowd as she walks.

Heidi Klum

Also, Chanel Iman is really a diva! I like to watch her model because she is so pretty and her walk is really nice.

Chanel Iman

PMB: You definitely picked the best of the best and I agree with your choices.

You know, I can definitely see why people compare you to Naomi. No one owns their walk the way Naomi Campbell does and I see that in you, too.

Who is your dream designer to work for and why?

DD:  Vera Wang. I tell mommy all the time that I would love to model for Vera Wang. Her collections are so beautiful.

I also really like Alexander McQueen’s house. I wish I had the chance to meet him before he passed. He was such an amazing designer.

PMB: I am so impressed! Vera Wang is amazing and I have no doubt that you will model for her someday.

And Alexander McQueen, I’m sure, would have loved to know you.

Click to watch Diva Davanna in IMTA’s tribute to Alexander McQueen. Three words for ya… Eight. Inch. Heels.

Okay, Davanna… A thought just occurred to me…

I often judge national beauty pageants, though I prefer the “natural” pageants that allow young girls to still be young girls. Have you ever considered doing pageantry?

And also, what do you and your mom do to make sure you are still presented as a young girl in a very grown up world?  

DD: I have done about 3 pageants before. And I won two of them.

Pageant winner Diva Davanna

But I don’t really like pageants that much because you don’t get to really model and modeling is what I like most to do.

As for staying young despite modeling in a grown up world, we keep it balanced in a lot of ways…

I go to a regular school, a charter school, and in school I have gym twice a week. I sing with the school chorus. And I’m active in my church.

I’m also a proud Girl Scout and we have so many fun outings! We go camping, skating, amusement parks, swimming… I have friends that come over for sleep overs, things like that…

And, when I’m not modeling in shows, I ride my bike or go to the park.

Oh, and we have family night. We go to the movies or go to my favorite restaurant, Apple Bees! LOL

PMB: Oh, too cute! I love Apple Bees, too! They have great food in such a fun, family atmosphere.

So you go to an actual school? I guess I just wonder what it would be like to see Diva Davanna walking down the hallway at school. Haha

Diva Davanna

Now, seriously, how is your life at school different from your life in the spotlight?

And how do your friends treat you now that you’re so successful?

DD: Yes, like I said, I go to a charter school in New Jersey. A lot of my school mates don’t even know that I model.

I don’t talk about my modeling in school. My teachers don’t know either. So, when I do my shows on the weekend I don’t mention it. Or, if I’m going to be on TV I don’t tell my school.

That’s why going to school is normal for me.

When I go to school I have to wear a uniform and my hair is sometime in a pony-tail or braids so I don’t look like the “Diva Davanna” that most people know me as.

My mom always tells me that school and church are separate from modeling, so that’s how it’s been.

PMB: You know, I really think your mom is a sweetheart, but based on what you are telling me I can tell, too, that she is also very wise. I totally get where she’s coming from and am glad that you are following her advice on how to keep that balance. Good for you!

So, when you aren’t modeling and being on television, what does Davanna do for fun?

DD:  Well like I said before I’m a Girl Scout and I love the outings with them.

Besides sleep overs, going to the movies, Apple Bees, the park, and riding my bike…

I love to play my Wii games, my DSI games and work on my jewelry for DE’VAH Accessories, the jewelry line that I mentioned I will have out soon.

PMB: A true diva has fun on the playground but also loves her jewelry! Ha ha

Diva Davanna

What are some of your other favorite things?

It can be anything… television show, movie, singers, food, games… Whatever comes to mind. 

DD:  Shrimp. I love shrimp! I could eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner…lol

And I love chicken tenders and French fries, those are my favorite dishes to order when we go out to eat.

Hmm…

I love to go to the moves and play my video games…

My favorite shows on TV are anything with fashion. I love Americas Next Top Model, Style Network…

PMB:  This girl loves her shrimp! ha ha That is so cute.

Okay, so if you could have one wish for the world right now, what would it be? And tell us why? 

DD: I wish all the single mommies could get a special gift everyday to make them smile.

My mom is a single mom and my aunt is, too. They always work so hard and I think a daily gift would make them smile.

PMB: I can think of so many single mothers who not only deserve your wish but would love you for thinking of them, Davanna. That is sooooo sweet of you!

Listen, I know the runway awaits you and so does Hollywood, but before you go…

As is tradition here in “The LOVE Spot”, please tell us your definition of love.

DD:  Love to me is doing something you love and holding on to it. Like I love to model so I want to keep doing it for a long time.

Love is having your family around you when you need them.

And my mommy taught me to love God, which I do… a lot. He blesses me so much.

PMB: That is lovely, Davanna. You are such a special young lady, very blessed indeed.

And so who, or what, do you love? Give us three things and tell us why.

Diva Davanna

DD:  I love my Mommy. The love she gives me is the best love a mommy can give.

I love my two sisters–Ashley and Dejohnna–and my family and the people around me because they are always there for me.

And I love to model. It’s what I was born to do.

Davanna as a baby--"born to be a diva" (c) Carrie Booker

PMB: Yes, you were! And modeling, like all of the things you mentioned, loves you back!

Any shout outs before you go?

DD: I love you Mommy (Carrie Booker)! Thank you for letting me follow my dreams and being there with me for all my shows.

Thank you Ashley for being my big sister and being there for me!

Thank you Dejohnna (my twin sister) for always being there for me and always helping me get my stuff together for my shows.

I also want to thank my Granny (Corine Booker) who always made time to travel with us to see my shows.

Thank you Grandma!

Also, I want to thank Timotheus J. Smart for being my best friend and teaching me so much from the age of 3 and making my diva outfits & shoes for the runway. I love you Timmy!

I want to thank Mr Anthony Pierre, who always found the time to go to so many of my shows to video tape me for  YouTube so that my fans can watch me! Thank you Mr Anthony.

And I want to thank Mr Joe Clarke for taking such fabulous pictures of me over the years. And for being such a good friend.

PMB: Sounds like you have an amazingly supportive team behind you, Davanna! No one makes it alone and I think it is simply fantastic that you gave these shout outs. A true diva always shows appreciation.

And anything that we didn’t cover that you want your fans to know?

DD: Just thank you for supporting me! And please continue to support me.

And be sure to look out for my accessories line DE’VAH, Accessories by Diva Davanna!

PMB: Alright now! That’s what I’m talking about, diva!

Last thing, how can your growing nation of fans keep up with you? Please share with us any links or contact information.

DD: You can always follow me by going here to my website.

By visiting my website you will find links to my Twitter, my Blog, My Facebook, and fan club. 

PMB: OK. Great!

Thank you again, Diva Davanna! I am such a fan!

DD:  Thank you! And thank you so much for having me as a guest today (smile)!!

PMB: Well, ever since I saw Diva Davanna on The Tyra Banks show I’ve known that the fashion world had someone special on the rise, so I want to do my part to help spread the word about Diva Davanna.:)

By the way here is the clip from that show.

And so, there you have it friends…

I am so excited and honored that Davanna was kind enough to stop through The LOVE Spot this week.

Davanna is so lovely and amazing and so sweet and talented. I hope she will continue to keep God first and listen to her mother’s loving advice. (Carrie you are amazing, too!).

Davanna, I hope you never EVER stop believing in your dreams.

Love to you Davanna and Carrie and the rest of the Diva Davanna family. Like so many others, I am rooting for you and here for you if you need me!

xoxo,

Philana Marie Boles

P.S. In addition to Diva Davanna’s website (www.divadavanna.com), here is a fun and informative roundup of web-links for her team:

Timotheus J. Smart (www.beautybytimotheus.com)

Mr Anthony Pierre (www.pmvvideo.com)

Mr Joe Clarke (www.joeclarkphotography.com)