Daz It, Daz All
A bold show from @SLAPtheNetwork where we discuss the unique and vibrant lives of women and non-binary artists, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders through testimony, laughter, and friendship.
Hosted by KC Carnage, touring singer, artist, (and Crochet designer), who believes that when we all stand with one another, anything is possible! You’ll hear real talk, done in a way you won’t get anywhere else.
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Daz It, Daz All
Creator Spotlight: Demetre and Roberto
What happens when community connections ignite unexpected collaborations and personal growth? Join us as we unravel the transformative power of embracing content creation, featuring heartfelt stories and valuable insights from our special guests, Demetre and Roberto. From Demetre's journey of reconnecting with his rich heritage during the pandemic to Roberto's inspiring career shift from restaurant management to content creation amid COVID-19, we explore the pivotal moments that led them to where they are today. Their involvement in Meta's Latinx creator program underscores the importance of inclusivity and representation in the digital world.
Host KC Carnage (@iamkccarnage), Demetre (@your.royal.freshness) and Roberto (@free_freeberto)
Daz It Daz All is written by KC Carnage (@iamkccarnage) and Produced by KC Carnage and Rick Barrio Dill (@rickbarriodill). Associate producer Bri Coorey (@bri_beats), Audio and Video Engineering and Studio facilities provided by S.L.A.P. Studios LA (@SLAPStudiosLA) with distribution through our collective for social progress and cultural expression, SLAP the Network. (@SLAPtheNetwork.com)
If you have any ideas for a show you want to see or hear, email us at info@SLAPtheNetwork.com and as always, you can go to dazitdazall.com and sign up there to make sure you never miss a thing...
See you next show!
Finding community. You know, I think that people are very afraid to talk to the person that's next to them. You know, we go to a lot of these events and often they say, you know, like what Ysa Rae says, you need to look to your left and right and see who is in your community, because oftentimes you do really have someone who can help you out right next to you. You know, I was not a content creator by any means. You know, I came to LA and I was like I'm not doing that kind of stuff, absolutely not. But then hanging out with him, hanging out with his people, you know, I realized that. You know, this is a fun thing to do. So I started like, if you see my earlier stuff, wow, the journey that we've gone through, that's it, that's all. See how you feel, that's it, that's all, that's it, that's all.
Speaker 2:Black excellence at its finest. How that skin glows, she's a true diamond, with the world right out back. She's still smiling, never left that crown till she stayed thriving. That's it, that's all. That's it, that's all. Keep it real. That's it, that's all. That's it. That's all, that's it, that's all. Is that really it, though? What up, what up, what up? Welcome to that's it, that's All. Y'all know me, kasey, your host. We're here an opinionated podcast Through the lens of black women and black creators, and today we got some very, very special guests on the show. My personal favorite creator duo, dimitri Hi and Roberto.
Speaker 2:Hello, hello I'm gonna give you guys a little background about them, but I'm not going to talk too much about them because that's what they're here to do. Dimitri is a dynamic artist with talents in animation, illustration, dance and acting, a social media content creation, um, focusing on natural hair care and food. Um, he also encourages his audience to pursue their passions and authenticity and joy, embodying the belief that one can do what they love and make a living out of it. So that's Demetrio and Roberto. He's a creator who can be seen in front and behind the camera. His personal photography focuses on showcasing the experience of Black, latin and the queer individuals. You may have seen him in Vogue. He works with a lot of brands like Fridays, outshine, my Mochi Shaparo and Vita Coco. And that's Roberto.
Speaker 2:So let's just jump right into it. One of the things I love about you guys is that you guys are black, latin Americans, correct, and you guys use a lot of that in your creations, whether it's vibrant colors, whether it's educating people about your background. So let's talk about that, like tell us a little bit where you guys are from, how you guys became who you are, the men you are today, and let's go with the start there sure?
Speaker 1:um, my name is roberto. I am from new jersey, all day, every day. My dad is puerto rican and my mom is from saint thomas. I came to la in search becoming a restaurant manager, which did happen, but then covid happened and I actually did not embrace being a creator until COVID and this guy actually, but I can talk about that later.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 3:Okay, me I'm Dimitri. I'm originally from New York. My parents are both military. I don't know if I told you that, yeah.
Speaker 2:I'm a military brat.
Speaker 3:Okay, okay, yeah, both met in the military. So my mother's from New York, my father's from Kentucky, so total opposite country city. We ended up moving to Nashville. So I finished high school in Nashville, went to college there. My mother's side she has she's the Puerto Rican side. My father's black. He has like Native American, like his mother like, but I never got to meet her, so I don't know. So black, native American and Puerto Rican on my mother's side. But I didn't get to like immerse myself into that life as like later on, because my grandmother passed away and then, you know, we moved. So I think 2020, like you know, we were stuck in the house. I started like really trying to find out who like my family was and like where we come from and like learn Because people were dying. You know what I mean. So I really started to jump into that life and I love it. I found a cousin in Jersey actually on my 23andMe, so it actually works.
Speaker 2:So definitely try that Wait, do you talk yeah?
Speaker 3:we haven't got to meet in person because every time I go back she's busy or I'm busy, but we keep in touch. Do you guys look alike? I don't think so. I mean, we're the same age actually. Oh, wow, yeah, I know her. So apparently I told my mother about it. She's like, oh, that's like her great aunt's granddaughter or something like that. I don't know, but she knows her great aunt, it's her aunt.
Speaker 2:Okay, well, 23andMe Go get your facts. My 23andMe yeah, about like the importance of creating inclusivity in the world of content creation. I think you guys have done a great job. I know you work with what it was the company called dule dule deletool, deletool, oh meta yeah yeah, yeah, and I see you guys do a lot of Latinx kind of activations and things like that. Yeah, how'd you get into that?
Speaker 3:Yeah, so I'm a content creator, so I signed up or submitted for a Latinx creator program through Meta, which is Instagram and Facebook, and I got it. I got in. So basically, that was basically a program for creators, latinx creators specifically to kind of shine, and they paid us to do content. They also gave us opportunities. Like you know, latinx gear towards Latinx individuals, creators, and once I did that, literally everything kind of like took off in the Latinx world because they're very supportive, that is, a very supportive like like area. So but yeah, even now like the program is still over, but I'm still like involved like heavily. So that's kind of how I got into it, like maybe two years ago specifically.
Speaker 2:So what would you say? Your specialty was in that Like what do you think stood out in your portfolio? That they was like okay, we're going to pick him.
Speaker 3:So what I know stood out was that I was very I'm just very diverse, Like I can fit into so many different categories that they had. They had beauty, which I was doing I can do skin and hair, you know. They had like like for athletes, which I'm a professional dancer, you know, and I do workouts, so it's like sports food, like literally any category I can fit into, so they can literally use me for like anything.
Speaker 2:How about you, roberto? What was your like? How do you take, I guess, what's the? I don't want to follow this question. How do you make sure that you are using your inclusion in your culture, in your work in photography or your you know content creation?
Speaker 1:in your work in photography or your, you know, content creation. Yes, I mean, for me, representation is very important and seeing people like me in bigger spaces. I found that when I do personal projects, when I get creative on my own, what I find drives me the most and makes it most personal is when I can see the person on the other side and then see a version of myself. And when it comes to photography, you know, a lot of times we see all these like other white people or Asian people and all these like fun, kind of like things, but we don't get to see enough of ourselves. So I just was like you know what? I want? To see more of myself. I'm gonna shoot more people that look like me and just really, really represent that. And it's so difficult to find people who shoot black people in a way that is complimentary, so I've made myself, I've made sure that I do that, and so, yeah, that's. You know it's funny because that's what he was saying. So Daletu is like a spinoff of we, the Culture.
Speaker 2:Daletu.
Speaker 1:Daletu oh okay, it's a spinoff of we, the Culture. It was a meta program for black creators. So we have been a part of that, like sort of on the sidelines from that inception. So when Dalit 2 came around and we're like, oh well, we're also Latinx, so let's apply for this as well. But he got it. I didn't. But you know, I've made like a semi-living being his plus one to all these events. No, literally it was like a little group that we had all the plus ones that always show up to all the events with the creators.
Speaker 2:I mean, that's the whole point, right Network.
Speaker 1:I'm in the door. It doesn't matter how I got there.
Speaker 2:What you do once you're in the door is up to you. Like he can only do so, much Exactly.
Speaker 2:I'm not on the face sheet, but I'm still there also a couple of projects that you guys work together on. Um, good food gurus. Now y'all know I'm a foodie, I cook, I go out, I'm making my things, but how? When did you guys start that? Was it like the love of your shared love of food together? He was just like we're just gonna like try this and see how it works. And now it's gotten real. It's gotten real animated. Now it's like he's like dashing across, like where you go, but it's like how did that come about?
Speaker 3:um, so good for the guru started in 2020 again, which a lot of things started. Um, but, yeah, we both like food, we both eat, we both cook, we like to go out and try new food, new things and new foods around the city, whatever city we're in. Um, so, yeah, we just we were taking photos and videos of food. I think think he does Yelp a lot. Let's just start making a page for it and find places and hidden gems in LA and other states like East Coast. When we go back for people to just like, okay, I want to go here. We started that and then, with that, we also added in the charity aspect, because we both do that as well.
Speaker 3:We was like we can just make it through the food page and, just you know, make it like a whole charity, annual charity.
Speaker 2:Okay, what's the name of your annual charity?
Speaker 1:A good giving Christmas a good giving Christmas.
Speaker 2:Yeah, and tell us a little bit about that. Like, how did you? You said you so what's your love for? Like philanthropy separately? Or you just like got up like most of us when it was like you know what, I'm very grateful for my life and I have a lot, and I don't feel like because I know sometimes I go through that like I don't feel like I'm giving back much, so I'll just like go seek out things that I can do, but like to build an actual charity that you have to make them, charity that you have committed to annually. I'm sure it's a lot of work. You guys have a lot of community that you know. Yeah, you their hands. Like what are some of the things that you do or the events that you do in that?
Speaker 1:Yeah. So we both come from very, you know, benevolent families. Like our family is very. They taught us that we need to give back. That is part of who we are. So when we came with the Good Giving Christmas, we were like, okay, what can we do to affect the most change in a very structured way? So we partnered with three different organizations my friend's place, the LGBT center, but the senior part because that was when they needed most help at the time and downtown with my mission, the midnight mission, midnight mission, midnight mission yeah, so you're partnering with them.
Speaker 1:So each year we do this big charity. We have people come over to help us pack our bags and we just give roughly 200, 250 now of bags out to different organizations. But we also partner with Ubatuba. So that is the importance of talking to people when you're in spaces, because Dimitri is very much like the talkative person. So Ubatuba is an acai bowl place in Studio City. Shout out to them. But Dimitri, authentic Brazilian get it right listen, they're like, make sure you know.
Speaker 1:But he would always talk to them and he and then he became best friends with all of them. And then, when we mentioned the um, the charity, they're like, oh, you should hit up our team. And ever since then they've been donating 200, 250 acai bowls alongside with it.
Speaker 2:Amazing.
Speaker 1:This will be year five Year five and we're officially a non-profit.
Speaker 2:Right, y'all been working, y'all been working.
Speaker 3:So hopefully we can do some more community events, because next I want to do a back-to-school thing like a back to school charity as well. Like I want to make that an annual thing where we like to get backpacks and fill them up with school supplies okay, are you guys looking for sponsorships? Always okay.
Speaker 2:So how would one find you guys in that realm and how would they be best to help?
Speaker 3:so, uh, if you're a sponsor, you can find us at goodfoodguruscom Goodfoodgurus on all platforms. Yeah, you can send us an email. We'd love to you know, talk more about how we can help each other honestly.
Speaker 1:Okay, and our email is eatwithgfg at gmailcom, but don't be afraid to jump in the DMs.
Speaker 2:Jump in the DMs. Okay, so like. Okay, so like. So we have the nonprofit, which is very you know it's a serious like. Giving back is serious, especially in our community. I do feel like if we're not helping each other, who is going to help us? And we have to do the due diligence to be able to dig in there and get our hands dirty and do the work. Now, in the content creation side of things, that's usually some fun stuff, you know, a lot of tedious stuff, but like, how would one like, if they want to be a creator, what would you say to them as far as like, how to just dive in and do it other than just do it?
Speaker 1:I could jump in that go ahead yeah, um, finding community.
Speaker 1:You know, I think that people are very afraid to talk to the person that's next to them. We go to a lot of these events and often they say, like what Issa Rae says, you need to look to your left and right and see who is in your community, because oftentimes you do really have someone who can help you out right next to you. I was not a content creator by any means. I came to LA and I was like I'm not doing that kind of stuff, absolutely not. But then hanging out with him, hanging out with his people, you know, I realized that. You know this is a fun thing to do. So I started like, if you see my earlier stuff, wow, the journey that we've, that we've gone through. But you know, it's just practicing, practicing and having fun with it yeah, I didn't know you were done.
Speaker 3:Um, yeah, it's definitely. Uh, I mean, of course, you know you just have to do it, but some people don't, aren't like self-starters, so it is important to have like people around you that, or just surround yourself with people that are doing just what you want to do, or like you know you never be, like you know they'll never be the smartest person in the room, kind of thing. Um, you know, put yourself out there and like, do the work because it is hard work, and I know some people are. I'm just gonna, like you know they'll never be the smartest person in the room, kind of thing. You know, put yourself out there and like, do the work because it is hard work. And I know some people are like I'm just going to, like you know, be a content creator, influencer, but it's like it's a lot of work, like it literally is.
Speaker 2:What are some of the challenges, Like what are the things that you talk about work? What are the people looking for?
Speaker 3:What do I want to do? This idea is it something that you were influenced by? Yeah, so as far, okay. So, first of all, um, consistency is hard, like you know, to get up every day and like, uh, equipment, getting equipment. Some people don't have the money to get it, but then again it's like they spend their money on things, little things, that can add up to be that tripod that you need it. You know what I'm saying. Like you can go without, go a month or something without coffee, getting coffee or whatever you know. I'm saying you can, like you have to save your money and get your equipment.
Speaker 3:Um, it doesn't have to be a lot of equipment, just stuff to help you film on your own. So I would say, a tripod, um, get you. You can use your phone. You'll need an expensive camera to start off with. Um, even, like you know, reaching out to, to brands to work with, until they start reaching out to you, because that's what happens usually. You got to reach out, kind of, get yourself out there, get yourself seen, collab with people, because you want people to see you as well. Um, you want people, more than your audience, to see you. So, you know, I would like hit you up. Hey, let's do something together so your audience can see me, my artists can see you. You know, just like getting I mean all that in itself scheduling your day out correctly so you can get these things it's just like a lot of small things, that can actually be a lot of work.
Speaker 3:You know what I'm saying.
Speaker 1:Yeah, and to add on to that, always remember that you are the brand. So if you do not do something that you actually like doing, people are going to recognize that. So don't pick up all these different hobbies and stuff just because you think that's going to like get you the most clicks. Like people gravitate more towards like the authenticness of their creators.
Speaker 2:That makes sense. That makes sense. Yeah, I was like so do you like? I guess you suggest, because I guess with a lot of people it's funny that you said that you know, start with your phone. You know research your camera, your phone, you know research, you start researching these things and a lot of creators say that they say, start with your phone, like you can get a lot, and these iPhones is getting better and better as far as like camera and stuff is concerned. So a lot of you guys that are out there worried about whether I'm going to do good or I don't have, you should just start and, you know, take their advice. But before that we're going to, before we get into the rest of the show, we're going to play a game, because I like games, and we're going to play Lyrically Correct, yeah.
Speaker 1:Did I say it right, yeah, no, I didn't feel right coming off my mouth Lyrically, lyrically.
Speaker 2:It's lyrically Lyrically, yeah, lyrically it's lyrically Lyrically, yeah, lyrically.
Speaker 3:Oh, that's not.
Speaker 2:It's lyrically.
Speaker 1:Yeah, we can have another game too.
Speaker 2:Lyrical yeah, yeah, Because it's two L's here. It's lyrically. Lyrically Okay, I was like that, don't sound right off my tongue, all right. So we're going to play a game here today Lyrically. Here we go, and this one is a music trivia game which is 90s R&B expansion pack. So we're going to see if Roberto and Dimitri know their music.
Speaker 2:Let's get it Y'all ready. Yeah, okay, okay, alright, this one, keep your answers to yourself at first, and then I'll ask you guys individually. Okay? According to Janet Jackson, this is oh sorry, this is a multiple choice question. According to Janet Jackson, this is a multiple choice question. According to Janet Jackson, how was the weather when he stared into her eyes? A a sunny day. B dark and cloudy. C thundering rain. D hot and humid. You guys got your answers, sure, I have no idea.
Speaker 1:I'm going to say C. Okay, what would you say? Your answers Sure I have no idea.
Speaker 2:I'm going to say C. Okay, what would you say?
Speaker 3:The one that's Thundering Rain.
Speaker 2:Oh, you got it In the thundering rain.
Speaker 1:Okay, okay, you guys got it you guys got it Damn. I love Janet too All right, this is another Janet.
Speaker 2:Jackson one. This is a correct answer. Like you got to know the answer.
Speaker 3:Okay.
Speaker 2:All right, janet Jackson says he came along to be Wait, why are they rolling here like this? Blah, blah, blah. Janet Jackson says he came along to be the one on which Monday. I'm stumped All right, I'll read it again. Janet Jackson says he came along to be the one on which Monday? I don't know that one.
Speaker 1:The third Monday. Oh, okay, what song is that I?
Speaker 2:don't even know what that's what he said.
Speaker 3:I don't know it. Don't give you the song.
Speaker 2:It don't give you the song. It says third Monday.
Speaker 3:Okay, this one's a little different.
Speaker 2:Yeah, it says third Monday, Okay, okay, do you know what today is?
Speaker 3:Yes, your anniversary.
Speaker 1:Hey, I was thinking in my head and I was like wait, what's that?
Speaker 2:I was like he said yes, it's our anniversary, duh. Okay, this is another multiple choice, oh my gosh. All right. Which artist did H-Town say they were listening to while making good love all night long? A Smokey Robinson. B Otis Redding. C Marvin Gaye. D Sam Cooke.
Speaker 3:Should we answer now? Yeah, if you have Marvin Gaye.
Speaker 2:Just the point system. Alright, we're gonna do two more of these.
Speaker 1:Let me pick a good one, was it right?
Speaker 3:yes, okay alright, I'm gonna let you answer first now no.
Speaker 1:I thought I'd do better than this you probably need pop.
Speaker 2:Alright, we're gonna do the last two he needs pop music he needs pop music you need the pop expansion pack. Okay if there's not one out there they're simply requesting a pop expansion pack. All right, cisco, from Drew Hill said he would swallow you. Like which type of candy? A Skittles, b Hershey's Kisses, c Reese's Pieces, d M&M's.
Speaker 1:I really don't know that one Try.
Speaker 2:Okay, I'm going to read it again. It's a Cisco song from Drew Hill. He said he would swallow you. Like which type of candy? A Skittles, b Hershey's Kisses, c Reese's Pieces, d M&M's.
Speaker 1:I'm going to say Hershey's Kisses. I'm going to say Hershey's.
Speaker 2:Kisses. I'm going to say Hershey's what Y'all know. This one Follow you like Reese's Pieces. Come on, girl. You know what I mean. I ain't Guess who wasn't a Jew Hill fan.
Speaker 1:I'm sorry, is this like the early 90s or like the later 90s?
Speaker 3:Just whatever Jew Hill was, so it they came back again and had, like the recent yeah, I know no, Cisco came back by himself.
Speaker 2:Yeah, that's right, he didn't come back. He didn't come back with Drew.
Speaker 1:I need like 98, 99. All right, this is just the middle cards All right?
Speaker 2:If no, I don't like that one, we're going to go into the box. So how am I feeling about this? Lyrically clarect right now Y' Okay, let's do this one. This one's an easy one. We'll end it with this one, okay, what is the feeling that Cisco from Drew Hill just can't?
Speaker 1:turn loose.
Speaker 2:You got me. Jermaine Dupri was on this remix, so I'll read it again. Wait, what is the feeling that Cisco from Drew Hill just can't turn loose?
Speaker 1:Now I can get the song right there on my head. Welcome to Atlanta. It's not right there.
Speaker 3:Yeah, I don't know this one that somebody else get next to you.
Speaker 2:Oh, okay, yeah, I was like this one.
Speaker 1:I was like wait.
Speaker 2:I need one more, you need one more, I need was like wait, I need one more.
Speaker 1:You need one more. I need one more, you need one more.
Speaker 2:Okay, this is the last one for real, for real, this time you want a multiple choice.
Speaker 3:He doesn't want Drew Hill though.
Speaker 1:I don't want Drew Hill okay, I don't know whatever it is, it's not Drew.
Speaker 3:Hill. She said I don't know who the artist is okay, we'll do this one if you don't get this one, all right, let's go.
Speaker 2:Okay, how long did Tevin Campbell want to talk?
Speaker 3:I'll let you go first. You can redeem yourself.
Speaker 1:I don't know you need to try. You know this, you know this Is it all night long.
Speaker 2:How long did Tevin Campbell want to talk?
Speaker 1:Oh, for a minute. Yes, ding, ding, ding.
Speaker 2:That is our conclusion from Lyrically Correct.
Speaker 1:See, I know these songs. He gets his card back. He gets his card back.
Speaker 2:He gets his card. He's like. You need to try.
Speaker 1:You need to try this. One's easy. Oh my God, I'm like hot now.
Speaker 2:All right, guys. I just want to say thank y'all so much for coming and sharing your thoughts on, you know, being inclusive in your fields. I also like to leave a message at the end of my show, always because I do believe that you know your experiences can help others, especially the little Latinx, black little boys growing up, black little girls. Latinx are thems you know, we're all here. What would you say to you? Know the audience, your younger self, about being who you are and using that in your work?
Speaker 1:um, I would say that there is no right and wrong path to where you're supposed to be, that you should embrace every step of the way and embrace everyone along the way. That feeds your soul and that sees you for who you are, and you should just trust that whatever is going on in society has no direct reflection on you. You are your own person and you need to be strong within yourself and not listen to these outside forces.
Speaker 2:You thought that that was written in a diary somewhere. That was nice. Just call me Alicia.
Speaker 1:See, felicia was on there. Ooh, felicia, it's too late. No, alicia.
Speaker 2:Alicia, felicia and Alicia Okay.
Speaker 3:Do you hear you? I would say to my younger self you know, this world is not necessarily set up for us to succeed. There's not a lot of spaces for us to be in, but we need to make our own space. Don't be afraid to make your own space. If you don't see yourself in that space, make it yourself, because there's so many people that would that belong in that space as well and just need somebody to kind of like pave the way.
Speaker 2:Awesome. Well, thank you guys for coming. Dimitri Roberto, Please let them know where to find you guys, all your organizations, where you're at your tags, all of that, Cause they need to know.
Speaker 3:Right, you can find me on Instagram at yourroyalfreshness. In my bio I have all my pages um, including good food gurus with roberto. I have my tighten up page, my cartoon page. Um. I have my pin magic page, which I make pins. Everything's in my bio um.
Speaker 1:Also my website um dimitri durhamcom and um yeah, send me a message cool um, and I am on instagram at free, free underscore burdo and at pt camera guy well, there you guys have it.
Speaker 2:Um, if you guys enjoyed the show today, please like subscribe. Leave those comments in the box. Their information will be on our page as well. If you can't find them, let us know if you're looking to give back, and it's a great way. Their charity is amazing. I've been there myself to help out. Get in, get deep, do what you need to do and just be you and that's it.
Speaker 1:That's all.
Speaker 2:That's it. That's all is written by me, Kasey Carnage, and produced by myself and Rick Barrio-Dill. Associate producer Brie Corey. Assistant producer Larissa Donahoe. Audio and video engineering and studio facilities provided by Slap Studios LA, with distribution through our collective for social progress and cultural expression, Slap the Network. If you have any ideas for a show you want to hear or see, please email us at info at slapthepowercom and, as always, go to that's it, that's allcom and sign up there to make sure you will never miss a thing. See you next show.
