We had the good fortune of connecting with Destiny DeWeese and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Destiny, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
When I first started my journey in social media I was 15 and also had a part time job. I would spend most of my downtime at work thinking about creating content.

Fast forward a couple years I was 17 working 3 jobs, freshly moved out, months before Covid hit and all I could think about was being successful in creating content to make an income. Filming ‘a day in my life’ videos trying to be relatable.

Nothing seemed to be taking off, my motivation dropped, lots of negative things were happening in my life. I tried different niches, until I found UGC.

Creating content for brands and getting paid for it was my dream. I had made it! I quickly realized it was a very inconsistent way of making money. Since working with several brands in different industries I realized I needed something more. Something that would make money while I sleep or spend time with family.

Digital Products were the next step and being able to have balance back in my life felt so amazing. I can now travel freely without feeling stressed about having to use PTO or finding someone to cover my shift.

I think the balance is so much better for my mental health and well being. Having the stress of money always hanging over your head in exchange for time is never a good feeling.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art revolves around photography and videography, capturing moments that tell compelling stories. What sets my work apart is my focus on the authenticity of each moment. I strive to capture raw emotions and genuine interactions, whether it’s through a still photograph or a dynamic video.

I’m most proud of the connections my work fosters. Seeing how my photography and videography can bring people together, evoke emotions, and preserve memories is incredibly fulfilling. I’m excited about exploring new techniques and pushing the boundaries of my creativity to deliver even more impactful visuals.

Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy. It required a lot of dedication, continuous learning, and resilience. I started with a passion for visual storytelling and turned it into a profession through persistent effort and a willingness to adapt.

I overcame challenges by embracing them as opportunities for growth. Every setback taught me valuable lessons and pushed me to refine my skills. Building a strong support network of mentors and peers in the industry also played a crucial role in overcoming obstacles.

One of the key lessons I’ve learned is the importance of staying true to my vision while being open to feedback and new ideas. Consistency and persistence are vital, but so is adaptability. I’ve also learned that building meaningful relationships with clients and collaborators is essential for long-term success.

I want the world to know that my brand is dedicated to capturing the essence of every moment. My journey is one of passion, perseverance, and a deep commitment to visual storytelling. Through my photography and videography, I aim to create lasting impressions and connect with people on a profound level. My story is one of continuous evolution, driven by a love for the art and a desire to make a positive impact through my work.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1: Arrival and South Beach

Morning: Pick up your friend from the airport and head straight to South Beach. Start with a relaxing walk along Ocean Drive to admire the Art Deco architecture.
Lunch: Enjoy a meal at Joe’s Stone Crab, a Miami institution known for its delicious seafood.
Afternoon: Spend the afternoon on the beach soaking up the sun and taking a dip in the ocean.
Evening: Head to Lincoln Road Mall for some shopping and people-watching. Grab dinner at Juvia, which offers stunning rooftop views and a fusion menu.
Day 2: Explore Downtown and Brickell

Morning: Visit the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) to see contemporary art exhibits.
Lunch: Have lunch at Komodo in Brickell, known for its chic atmosphere and Asian-inspired cuisine.
Afternoon: Explore Brickell City Centre for more shopping and maybe catch a movie at CMX.
Evening: Head to Sugar, a rooftop bar in Brickell, for cocktails with panoramic views of the city.
Day 3: Little Havana and Wynwood

Morning: Start the day with a Cuban coffee and pastry at Versailles in Little Havana.
Midday: Take a walking tour of Little Havana, visiting landmarks like Calle Ocho and the Domino Park.
Lunch: Enjoy authentic Cuban cuisine at El Exquisito.
Afternoon: Head to Wynwood Walls to see the vibrant street art and murals.
Evening: Dinner at KYU, a trendy Asian barbecue spot in Wynwood. After dinner, explore the Wynwood nightlife at places like Wood Tavern or Gramps.
Day 4: Day Trip to Key Biscayne

Morning: Drive to Key Biscayne and start with a visit to Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. Climb the historic lighthouse for fantastic views.
Lunch: Picnic on the beach or eat at the nearby Boater’s Grill.
Afternoon: Relax on the beach or rent bikes to explore the island.
Evening: Return to Miami and have dinner at La Mar by Gastón Acurio, a waterfront restaurant with amazing Peruvian cuisine.
Day 5: Coconut Grove and Coral Gables

Morning: Stroll through Coconut Grove and visit the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.
Lunch: Have lunch at Greenstreet Café, known for its delicious brunch and outdoor seating.
Afternoon: Head to Coral Gables to explore the Venetian Pool and the beautiful Biltmore Hotel.
Evening: Dine at Caffe Abbracci in Coral Gables for an Italian feast.
Day 6: Everglades Adventure

Morning: Take a day trip to the Everglades National Park. Start with an airboat tour to see the alligators and other wildlife.
Lunch: Enjoy a picnic in the park.
Afternoon: Continue exploring the park with a guided nature walk or canoeing.
Evening: Return to Miami and have dinner at Joe’s Take Away for a more casual, yet still delicious, meal.
Day 7: Relax and Reflect

Morning: Start with a leisurely breakfast at The Front Porch Café in South Beach.
Midday: Spend the day relaxing at the beach or by the pool at your hotel.
Lunch: Grab a light lunch at La Sandwicherie.
Afternoon: Reflect on the week while strolling through the Miami Design District, maybe visiting some last-minute shops or galleries.
Evening: For the final night, have a memorable dinner at The Bazaar by José Andrés, enjoying the eclectic menu and lively atmosphere.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My mom always gave me any resource she could. She sends me inspiration to this day to be a better person and creative.

My best friend and Co-Owner Amelia Mirabello has pushed me to be the best I can be. She never fails to support any idea I have.

Website: https://beacons.ai/virtual.destiny

Instagram: https://Instagram.com/virtual.destiny

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/destiny-deweese-bb448525b/

Twitter: https://x.com/_virtualdestiny

Youtube: https://youtube.com/_virtualdestiny

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.