Danela Butler

Introduction and Finding Identity Through Art

Taryell Simmons: All right, Rise Urban Nation, what do you do when life hands you pain, heartbreak, doubt? Do you bury it? Do you run from it? Or do you create something beautiful from it? Because the truth is, some of the most powerful art in the world comes from the deepest places within us. Welcome back to Rise Urban Nation, ladies and gentlemen, where we unite, uplift, and ignite stories that move culture, shift perspective, and inspire purpose. I'm your host, Taryell Simmons, and today's guest is someone who's taken her life experiences and turned them into art through acting, poetry, and storytelling that makes people feel, reflect, and heal. Please welcome Danela Butler to the stage, ladies and gentlemen.

Danela Butler: Thank you so much for having me.

Taryell Simmons: Let's talk about finding identity through art. You're an actress, a poet, a storyteller, and someone who's been creating since you were young. When did you first realize that creativity was your outlet?

Danela Butler: I grew up shy, and I'm still shy even to this day. I didn't really feel I could say the things I wanted to say or behave a certain way without feeling judged. Art, whether it was performing arts or writing poetry, was my way of escape, being in my element, creating something out of nothing, and allowing me to express what I couldn't say in real life.

Early Inspiration and Developing the Craft

Taryell Simmons: You started writing poetry at a young age, around nine. Take us back to that. What were you expressing back then?

Danela Butler: I was inspired by a boy I had a crush on. I sat down at my grandma's computer and typed what I felt about him in the moment. It was going to be a secret hobby, but my grandma found it, read it, and loved it. She told me I had a gift and told my parents. My parents started buying me notebooks over the years, and it's been a done deal ever since.

Taryell Simmons: What drew you into acting and performing?

Danela Butler: Acting came even sooner, around age five. I was a Disney fanatic acting out movies and musicals. Little Shop of Horrors was the first musical I ever watched. That sparked a love for performing arts. I started doing it professionally at thirteen, and I'm still balancing both acting and poetry.

Taryell Simmons: Acting is like poetry in motion. When Denzel Washington performs, he gets into his zone of genius and ad-libs with complete authenticity.

Danela Butler: When he did Training Day, he insisted on shooting in the neighborhood for authenticity and asked permission from local leaders out of respect. Actors like Denzel are like an empty canvas with every character. You see bits and pieces of him, but the characters are never the same.

Navigating Industry Challenges, Rejection, and Mental Health

Taryell Simmons: How did growing up in Seattle shape your creative voice?

Danela Butler: Seattle has a rich arts and theater community. The stages, paintings, and sculptures create a unique scene that people often overlook.

Taryell Simmons: When did you realize this was a calling, and what challenges have you faced?

Danela Butler: When something keeps tugging at your soul no matter what, that's a calling. As Prince said, sometimes it takes ten years to be an overnight success. In terms of challenges, sometimes you don't even get a no anymore; you get ghosted. You have to remember that if a door didn't open, God has something else in mind.

Taryell Simmons: How do you protect your mental and emotional space?

Danela Butler: Jesus and therapy. You have to take care of your mental health and keep your cup full so you can pour into others. Greatest pains often make the greatest masterpieces.

Taryell Simmons: What are your thoughts on AI and the entertainment industry?

Danela Butler: AI is both a blessing and a curse. While it can assist in drafting concepts, it cannot replace the soul, warmth, and genuine human expression that actors bring to a story.

The Actor as a Vessel, Empathy, and The Pearl

Taryell Simmons: What does it mean to you to be a vessel as an artist?

Danela Butler: Being a vessel means being a mirror. It means inviting the audience into another world and unlocking their imagination. Acting is about being the character, surrendering to their reality, and building them like a human sculpture.

Taryell Simmons: Tell us about your poetry book, The Pearl: Unveiling the Strength Within.

Danela Butler: The book is structured around the four stages of a pearl's journey: breaking, molding, shaping, and polishing. It addresses life experiences, faith, family, and overcoming depression.

Taryell Simmons: Why are empathy, humility, and perseverance so essential?

Danela Butler: This work is about helping others find their breakthroughs. As a co-actor once told me, art is not for the pockets, it's for the soul. Humility is not weakness; it is a superpower. Perseverance means constantly working on your craft so you are ready when opportunity arrives.

Representation and Cultural Storytelling

Taryell Simmons: Why is representation and telling our own stories so vital?

Danela Butler: Representation matters deeply. When young people see someone who looks like them, they realize what is possible. We cannot wait for others to greenlight our stories; we must write the scripts, direct the projects, and tell authentic stories that reflect the full breadth of our lives.

Taryell Simmons: Where can people connect with you?

Danela Butler: Visit https://danielabutler.com to find my book, and follow me on Instagram at https://instagram.com/daniela_butlerofficial. Keep God first and keep creating.

Taryell Simmons: Thank you for joining us on Rise Urban Nation. Keep uniting, uplifting, and igniting.