Dena Cali – The KTL Interview

So the 10 people who read this blog on the regular know who Dena Cali is from an earlier post. But, for those of you that are new, Dena is a LA media mogul and homegirl of the KTL crew. With a non-profit that she founded, a budding acting/modeling career, and a business grasp on women’s beauty products, Dena Cali should be on everybody’s radar. Its not too often to see such an attractive, young woman taking over the game with every opportunity presented to her.

KTL got a chance to pick the brain of one of the smartest, business-savvy women that is looking to take over the world. And she’s got a good look about her, too! See what she has to say about French Fries, DJs, and her favorite things. Hopefully, we will see her make a cameo at a KTL event soon! Full interview after the jump….

KTL: Starting this off, let’s get honest. As cool as we think we are at KTL, deep down we are just hip-hop nerds that love good music and watched way too many movies. What would your friends say that you are the biggest geek about?

Dena: I sometimes sleep with my stuffed animal. No matter how serious life can get, I believe you must always be able to cater to the little girl inside.

KTL: Obviously, you are taking over the world with your business ventures and modeling/acting career. You are a poster-child for the millennial hustler. What Hip-Hop individual do you feel you are most similar to your attitude and hustle?

Dena: Russell Simmons. He is an entrepreneur who has found a way to balance his business endeavors and spirituality. He is an inspiration to so many.

KTL: On the topic of guys, what personality trait gets you most in trouble with men?

Dena: My independence and intelligence.

KTL: Although, mostly guys read this blog, let’s take a moment to have you explain your organization and what its about to our readers. It hit a certain note with me b/c my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer a few years back.

Dena: My non-profit organization is called The Foundation for Living Beauty and we cater to the emotional needs of women living with cancer. Our mission is help women regain their senses of emotional stability, self worth and inner and outer beauty after dealing with the taxing effects of cancer and chemotherapy. {Franchise note: visit www.livingbeauty.org for more info.}

KTL: My research showed that you were an all-star on the court when you graduated from La Salle High School. Ballin’! Any thoughts about going to college?

Dena: Although I did not graduate from college, I am a firm believer in higher education. Obtaining success in life is about creating options for your self. If plan A doesn’t work out, you always know you have something else to fall back on.

KTL: Since we “keep it real” on Know The Ledge, I’ve had to admit on several occassions my guilty pleasures and our embarrassing facts. For example, my constant rotation of The Dream and Justin Timberlake joints on the iPod. What is your guilty pleasure of the moment?

Dena: I eat French fries almost everyday. I am obsessed.

KTL: Nice! Welcome to the club. The KTL sense of humor is big part of our lifestyle and blog. We feel its an important part of life. Tell us who your fav comedian is.

Dena: Richard Pryor. His work carried a slightly dark undertone dealing with issues and topics many comedians might not want to touch on. He was genius.

KTL: Switching gears here. Tell us about an awkward or uncomfortable situation on the set of a video, interview, or model shoot. Anything NSFW is ok and better for us!

Dena: I was kind of nervous about the desert seen in the Moving Mountains video because the script read “almost naked.” I am by no means a “video girl,” and even though I have done a few, they have been because I liked the body of work and felt it was respectful and classy. I must have asked the director 10 times to make sure I wasn’t going to be naked. I think I was getting on his nerves.

KTL: I think it came out artistically and beautifully. At the end of it all, what do you want to be remembered for?

Dena: My humanitarian efforts and the change I have made in peoples lives through my work

KTL: I can definitely feel that. With all that you got going on, you gotta have good people around you. My brothers are the people who keep me centered when either I get a big head or need some motivation. Who is the person in your life that keeps you in check and keeps it real?

Dena: My mother. She is a phenomenal woman who always offers me real life perspective with no sugar coating.

KTL: Alright… list time! Name 5 movies, albums, or books that changed your life.

Dena: The Four Agreements- Don Miguel Ruiz

The Anatomy of Peace-The Arbinger Institute

Lauryn Hill- The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill

Jay-Z- Reasonable Doubt

De La Soul- 3 feet high and rising

Prince- The Hits/ The B sides

KTL: You’ve done so much and have a lot to be proud of. What have you crossed off your “Goals in my life” checklist?

Dena: I always wanted to own my own business since I was a little girl. With the success of my hair care company, Dena Cali Inc. I am living this dream.

KTL: Living in the Bay now, I am definitely have become more homesick for LA. As a matter of fact, I actually use to live in Pasadena in my earlier years. Tell us about “your” hometown. What’s better Old “Old Town Pasadena” or New “Old Town Pasadena”?

Dena: I think I prefer Old “Old Town Pasadena.” Many chain stores have opened there now making it very hard for small business owners to be able to afford the rent. I believe we need to support our local small business owners. I am in support of a movement in Pasadena called Buy Local Pasadena. http://www.buylocalpasadena.org/

KTL: Tell us something that is not on your Wikipedia page that people should know.

Dena: I used to be a rapper.

KTL: Really? Staying on the topic of music. What things do DJs do that you hate?

Dena: Play my old 12-inch when they see me in the club.

KTL: Thanks for your time and maybe I’ll see you at one the KTL parties or my DJ gigs!

Dena: I am always in and out of town, but let me know when you are here and I will let you know if I will be around.