this is

her understanding of family, heritage, and the many pieces that make up a person. That same year, she moved to Chicago and began building a new chapter of her life. It was during this period that she learned that her biological name was Irena. Another piece of her identity that had been waiting to be discovered. The experience gave new meaning to her understanding of family, heritage, identity, and the many pieces that make up a person.

Chicago became a place of transformation. Coming from a small town in Indiana, she found herself immersed in a world that felt entirely different. Surrounded by artists, entrepreneurs, fashion, history, and a community with a deep appreciation for creative expression. She began exploring different sides of herself, walking in fashion shows, modeling for photographers, working as a brand ambassador, restaurant manager, learning firsthand what it meant to hustle, build relationships, create opportunities, and make a living through her own abilities.

These experiences taught her that creativity could also be a business, and that building a life for yourself requires both imagination and determination. Chicago challenged her to become more independent, confident, ambitious, and willing to step outside of what was familiar.

Over time, art became more than something to observe. It became a language through which she could explore identity, memory, beauty, history, and human connection. What began as curiosity gradually became a deeper understanding of how creative work can capture a moment, preserve a story, and allow people to see themselves (and one another) in new ways.

Her journey has taken her into spaces where contemporary creativity meets historical storytelling. She has collaborated with artists and institutions on projects connected to American history and public art, experiences that have strengthened her belief in the power of creative work to preserve stories that might otherwise be forgotten.

Deandrea is particularly interested in the relationship between the individual and the larger story how one person's experience can connect to family, culture, history, and community. Her own life has taught her that identity is not always something we simply inherit. Sometimes, we discover it. Sometimes, we rebuild it. And sometimes, we create it for ourselves.

Today, she continues to build a life centered around creativity, exploration, and meaningful connection. Her work and personal projects reflect an ongoing curiosity about people, places, history, and the stories carried within us.

Her story is still unfolding.

And perhaps that's the most important part: she has learned that you don't always have to know exactly who you are when you begin. Sometimes, you discover yourself by having the courage to keep moving



At the heart of her journey is a simple belief:

We are all becoming.

And every chapter where we come from, where we've been, and where we're going becomes part of the story we leave behind.