by abby crabill
photo by artsybastards
hair/makeup by carisa arellano
Tennessee native Dina Renee has explored all different aspects of the arts from a young age. The musical influence of her older siblings inspired her to teach herself music, beginning with the piano. Through this she found her gift for music.
Now, Dina is still heavily involved with many different artistic endeavors. Along with creating music, she has also created the Hollywood Pastel Palace, a photoshoot spot in Los Angeles, California.
Dina is heavily focused on inspiring others through her art, while continuing to grow by pursuing her own dreams.
What was it like teaching yourself to play the piano at such a young age?
Dina: “I just remembered I could hear something by ear and I wanted to recreate it. I also was trying to prove to my parents that I had a gift for music. I remember when I finally begged my mom to take me to get lessons from my sister’s teacher, she was dumbfounded. She told my mom she has never seen a student like me in 20 years of teaching. I had learned every song by ear on my older sister’s level just to prove myself. I think that day my mom finally recognized I had a gift for music.”
What is it about the arts that has drawn you in and kept you pursuing them all this time?
D: “I think I just really want to inspire people and also feel inspired to keep going… to keep living. Music has always been the one thing to help me feel something and to help me with my depression and anxiety. I want to help others too and I do feel being an empath I have a story to tell.”
Can you tell me a little bit about your single "Can't Let You Go?”
D: “It’s a song about not giving up on someone that you love even though it’s toxic to you. Giving someone another chance over and over again without even realizing the consequences.”
Besides music, you also created Hollywood Pastel Palace. Can you tell me a little bit about that?
D: “I wanted to create a photoshoot spot that inspires people to see their colorful selves. It looks like a Barbie house and is a photoshoot spot where people can film their music videos or also take photos. I also do photography so I love creating here. It means so much when people get excited about my place because I decorated it all myself.”
Which do you prefer, music or photography? Why?
D: “Both. I think they go hand and hand. Obviously if I had to pick one it would always be music, but I get such joy in capturing photos of others whenever I can.”
What inspires you to create?
D: “I just want to make people happy and I want to celebrate people.”
From music and makeup to photography and CEO, how do you balance all of the positions you take on in the industry?
D: “I really am always working. I’m never not busy and sometimes I think I should try to take a day to just do nothing at all.”
What advice do you have for anyone who is afraid to take that leap towards their dream?
D: “Do it now. Don’t wait and don’t think you’re not ready yet. You’ll always make mistakes in the beginning but you won’t become an expert at anything until you start trying.”
What do you hope that the future has in store for you?
D: “I would love to sign a record deal and tour all over.”