Deniella
“She is not the opposite of man. She is not inferior to a man. She is not to be compared to a man. She is her own entity.”
She is courageous and resilient. Deniella has had to make sacrifices while pursuing her passions, but she doesn’t let anything - even fear - get in her way. She fights for her dreams and always hangs on to her spirit. Meet Deniella. This is her story.
Deniella, on set and in front of the camera (her happy place)
P: Please introduce yourself!
D: My name is Deniella Alexis. Born in the Philippines and based in Toronto, Ontario. I’m a model, actress, creator and proud dog mom! I may be tiny in person, but my spirit is unearthly.
P: Please describe or define yourself in your own words.
D: Bold yet sensitive. A benevolent fairy with a fiery personality. A goofball with an absurd sense of humour. An astrology enthusiast. An advocate of principle. Gregarious. Auspicious. Tenacious.
P: What is your favourite thing about yourself?
D: Despite my small stature, I remain resilient. In the face of adversity, my unfathomable valour permits me to attain my goals and aspirations, speak my truth when necessary, and conquer fear on a daily basis.
P: Tell us a story. Have you had an experience that has defined you or made you stronger?
D: Leaving home at the age of 18 was a pivotal experience to my transition into adulthood. It forced me to look introspectively and recognize aspects that need healing. The time away from family allowed me to reflect on what those relationships meant to me. It redefined the importance of communication and understanding within my relationships. I learned independence, which gave me the drive to pursue my passions. I became a Canadian citizen and started my modelling career. Although it was difficult to be away from home, I look back at the situation now as a defining moment that helped shape the woman I am today.
P: What is one piece of advice you’d give to your younger self?
D: Be kinder to yourself babygirl. That voice in your head is your cruelest critic. Be mindful of the words you speak to yourself. If you don’t know it already, I am proud of you, of what you are, and what you will accomplish.
P: What does being a woman mean to you?
D: To me, being a woman is actively changing the narrative on the word itself. She is not the opposite of man. She is not inferior to a man. She is not to be compared to a man. She is her own entity. Being a woman in a man’s world is terrifying. Having to be extra cautious of the worse-case-scenario whenever you’re alone. To be objectified based on your physical appearance. To continually chase society’s beauty standards. To constantly fight for our feelings and opinions to be validated without being called “crazy” or “too sensitive”. To continuously be scrutinized for our decisions in marriage, children and profession. To carry the responsibility of being a homemaker. To never feel enough.
But womanhood also comes with power. It’s an unspeakable energy that radiates understanding, wisdom, and compassion. Our nature to put others first allows for eye to different perspectives. We are nurturing. We are resilient. We are divine creators.
P: Who is one woman that inspires you? What would you say to her if she were here now?
D: Miss Jhene Aiko! You don’t know it yet, but we’re meant to be friends! Let’s smoke, meditate to your singing bowls and have a debate on dogs vs. cats. I’ll send Big Sean far far away for some much needed girl time.