Meet Danielle Dannie G.” Washington-Patterson | Model

We had the good fortune of connecting with Danielle “Dannie G.” Washington-Patterson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Danielle “Dannie G.”, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
As a creative person, I chose this path because it allows me to freely express myself and control the things that I love to do. It is a form of therapy when I model, am involved in creative direction, physically use my energies in the things I am passionate about. I am my biggest cheerleader and the most significant representation of my brand. This lane is mine, and I own it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am proud to say that I have many lanes of talent, and I am as humble as they come. I am a published model and Makeup Artist; I help run a traveling fashion show series and provide creative direction for shoots, shows, and videos. I am working on my master’s degree. Currently, I also study African Traditional Religion. I am a Rootworker. I create candles and spiritual supplies; it took a lot of trials and experience to get to the level that I am at today. I am still growing and always will be; I look at each day as a learning lesson about how to walk in my purpose and possibly leave a trail for others to follow. There have been good times and not-so-good times, I have wanted to give up many, many times, but because of learning to cope and deal with personal trauma, I realize that my story must be told. I must do the work so that someone with a similar background story can exemplify rising above adversity. I have learned that with the dawn comes a new day and a new choice to make in looking at the picture in front of you. Once you have that in mind, you start to realize how precious time is. I want you to know that I come from nothing and will continue to make a way out of SOMETHING. My biggest flex? I’m furthering my education to help and support women and People of Color in exploring their generational trauma. The work is never done; you rest a while and get back to it! I am a product of the inner city and a family on my mother’s side full of determination. I also have a hearing impairment from a tragic accident when I was three years of age, but I do not let what most people consider a disability stop me from experiencing what I love. I wasn’t raised in a nuclear family, but I am grateful for the village in my corner. Life is really what YOU make of it. I am at a point in my life where it’s “Happiness Over Everything.” Keep going and doing what you love.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am all about outings, you can find me in the Grove of my hometown, catching some live music or drag shows. I love the game rooms that are in the Dogtown and Westport areas for adult fun, kid style. I enjoy the beauty of downtown St. Louis in the springtime when the flowers are in bloom, and I can visit the Botanical Gardens. Prior to Covid-19 pandemic, Food Truck Fridays when the weather is warm has always been my favorite. I enjoy experiencing art from other creatives, spending time at Forest Park. As far as food, I take my friends to my favorite spots like Lona’s Lil Eats, Sister Cities Cajun food, Hook and Reel, or my sushi spot, the Drunken Fish. One of the last things I try to explore with my friends are extreme sports such as Bungie jumping, hang gliding, and even rock climbing.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I give a warm shout-out to my grandmother, who passed away from Covid-19 in 2020, my family and daughter; my friend and business partner, Chuck Pfoutz; my spiritual advisors Nicole Travis and Fredricka Turner; as well as my mentor, WK Winston. The influences have been significant, and they have been REAL. I am genuinely grateful for those in my corner during this chapter of my life.

Instagram: danniegisme

Linkedin: Danielle Washington

Twitter: yearofthegem

Image Credits
Raymond Kennedy, Jr.- Shotz by Ray Delan Ellis- Echo Exposure Kimberly Joy- Kimberly Joy Photograpy Travis McGee- Temteck Photograpy