Today we’d like to introduce you to NeCole Dash.
Hi NeCole , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
**Meet NeCole Dash: Creative Director, Photographer, Model, DJ, and Founder of Stay Artsy Please**
For NeCole Dash, creativity has never been confined to a single medium. Whether she’s capturing powerful images behind the camera, stepping in front of the lens as a model, energizing a crowd as DJ Sumbdy, or building opportunities for artists through Stay Artsy Please, her work is rooted in one mission: creating spaces where people feel seen, inspired, and connected.
Born and raised in Detroit, Dash’s creative journey began with a deep appreciation for storytelling, culture, and self-expression. Over the years, that passion evolved into a multifaceted career spanning photography, creative direction, modeling, media production, event curation, and music. Rather than choosing one path, she embraced them all, believing that creativity is most powerful when it has the freedom to evolve.
With a background in Marketing Communications and Film Studies, Dash founded **NeCole Dash LLC** to help artists, entrepreneurs, and organizations bring their visions to life through photography, branding, content creation, and creative strategy. Her work is driven by authenticity and connection, focusing on stories that inspire, empower, and leave a lasting impression.
In addition to her visual work, Dash performs as **DJ Sumbdy**, blending influences from Detroit club culture, hip-hop, Jersey club, R&B, house, and electronic music to create experiences that bring people together. For her, music is another form of storytelling—one that creates energy, movement, and community.
Recognizing a need for more creative support systems, Dash launched **Stay Artsy Please**, a platform dedicated to empowering artists, entrepreneurs, and visionaries through events, networking opportunities, educational programming, media initiatives, and collaborative experiences. Through Stay Artsy Please, she is building a community where creatives can connect, learn, grow, and thrive together.
“I don’t believe creativity belongs in one lane,” says Dash. “Whether I’m behind a camera, behind the decks, or building community through Stay Artsy Please, my goal is the same—to create experiences that make people feel seen, connected, and inspired.”
Inspired by Detroit’s resilience, innovation, and rich artistic legacy, Dash continues to push creative boundaries while uplifting the communities around her. Her journey is a testament to the power of embracing every part of who you are and using your gifts to create opportunities for others.
Today, NeCole Dash is more than a creative entrepreneur—she is a storyteller, community builder, and cultural curator dedicated to helping people transform their vision into reality.
At the heart of everything she does is a simple belief: art has the power to change lives, and everyone deserves a space where their creativity can flourish.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the biggest challenges in my journey has been learning how to rebuild while prioritizing my health. Since 2015, I’ve lived with a disability, which changed the direction of my life in many ways. There were periods when I had to step away from creative spaces, opportunities, and relationships to focus on healing and personal growth. Making that decision meant losing visibility, momentum, and in some cases, support systems that I had worked hard to build.
At the same time, I’ve remained committed to my education and continue pursuing my college degree. Being a nontraditional student while managing a disability has required persistence, patience, and determination. My path hasn’t looked like the traditional timeline many people expect, but I’ve learned that success isn’t defined by speed—it’s defined by resilience.
There were moments when I felt like I was starting over. I had to rediscover my confidence, rebuild my network, and find new ways to pursue my creative goals with limited resources and support. Those experiences taught me how to adapt, advocate for myself, and keep moving forward even when progress felt slow.
Today, those challenges are a major reason why I created spaces like Stay Artsy Please. I understand what it feels like to need community, encouragement, and opportunities. My goal is to create environments where artists, entrepreneurs, and creatives feel supported, valued, and empowered to continue pursuing their dreams regardless of the obstacles they face.
My story is still being written, but one thing I’ve learned is that setbacks do not define us. The way we rise, rebuild, and continue creating does.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
NeCole Dash LLC is a creative media and branding company built around storytelling, culture, and artistic expression. I specialize in photography, creative direction, brand development, multimedia production, and helping individuals and organizations bring their vision to life through visual experiences. My work lives at the intersection of art, fashion, music, community, and identity.
I’m known for creating spaces and content that allow people to feel seen. Whether I’m behind the camera, developing a brand strategy, producing an event, or creating media, my goal is always to capture the heart of the story—not just the image. I’ve worked across creative industries including fashion, entertainment, events, and community-based projects, collaborating with artists, entrepreneurs, and organizations to elevate their presence.
What sets NeCole Dash LLC apart is the personal connection behind the work. I don’t believe branding is just about aesthetics—it’s about understanding someone’s purpose, their journey, and translating that into something meaningful. My background in marketing communications, film studies, photography, and creative production allows me to approach projects from both an artistic and strategic perspective.
Brand-wise, I am most proud of building something that represents resilience, creativity, and authenticity. My journey has not been a straight path—I’ve overcome personal challenges, stepped away from the industry at times to focus on healing and growth, and continued creating despite obstacles. Coming back stronger and continuing to build my vision has been one of my greatest accomplishments.
Through NeCole Dash LLC and my other creative platforms, I want people to know that my brand is about more than photography or content—it’s about creating opportunities, amplifying voices, and celebrating the stories that make people unique. I’m passionate about building a creative community where artists, entrepreneurs, and visionaries can connect, collaborate, and grow.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Luck has played an interesting role in my life and business, but I personally believe that what some people call luck is often God’s timing, guidance, and preparation. I’ve seen doors open at moments I didn’t expect, met people who became important parts of my journey, and experienced opportunities that reminded me I was walking in my purpose.
My journey has also included seasons of challenges, where I had to step away, heal, grow, and rebuild. At the time, those moments didn’t feel like blessings, but looking back, I can see how God used those experiences to strengthen me, shape my creativity, and give me a deeper understanding of resilience and purpose.
I believe every challenge and opportunity has helped prepare me for the vision I’m building with NeCole Dash LLC. My faith has taught me patience, perseverance, and the importance of staying true to who I am even when the path isn’t always clear.
The greatest blessing has been realizing that my creativity is a gift, and I have a responsibility to use it to inspire, connect with others, and create meaningful experiences. I don’t believe my journey has been perfect—I believe it has been purposeful.
Pricing:
- Check out the Agency Im under Thee Element LLC for booking my Photography Service www.TheeElements.com
- Check out www.DJSumbdy.com for Youtube Mixes and inquires about booking
- www.NeColeDash.com for more or updated work
- Head to www.StayArtsyPlease.com for upcoming events and meet ups
- Follow @Nec0leDash or @TheeElements on instagram for Specials and to stay in the Mix!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.NeColeDash.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nec0ledash
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NecoleDashPhotography
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/necoledash/
- Twitter: https://x.com/necoledash
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@necoledashproductions
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/necole-dash-photography-ypsilanti-3?osq=Necole+dash
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/necole-dash
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@necoledash
