So you made it to the about me page...I'm honored. Keep reading to learn why I do what I do.
I first got the idea to launch a blog after revealing to my father that I was struggling with an eating disorder and was in the process of making lifestyle changes to heal. At the time, I wanted the blog to show how I overcame my health issues and became the model of perfect health. However, my road to healthy, physically, mentally and spiritually, has been a long and winding one. Now I understand that this blog is not about the destination, but much more about the journey. In a society that promotes quick fixes and overnight remedies, I've had to learn through my own experience that true healing does not happen overnight and goes much deeper than physical appearance and ability.
Who Is Just Du Pree?
Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, I've always had a love for the performing arts. As my mom constantly reminds me, even as a baby I couldn't help but dance when I heard Ben Tankard. Praise The Lord for my perceptive mama! She enrolled me in dance class as soon as I was old enough. I was later enrolled at Seattle Academy of Arts and Sciences (SAAS) for middle school and remained there through high school. I relocated to Washington, DC for undergrad to pursue my education in theatre at Howard University. After graduating with a BFA, Summa Cum Laude, with a concentration in Musical Theatre, I began my professional career in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area. I've been in numerous productions including, A Christmas Carole at Ford’s Theatre, Orphie and the Book of Heroes (playing the title character) at The Kennedy Center, The Piano Lesson, Dreamgirls, for colored girls… and various children’s theatre productions. I relocated back to Seattle in 2015 and have since appeared in Dreamgirls (Deena) at Village Theatre, Ragtime (Sarah's Friend) and Man Of La Mancha (Antonia) at 5th Avenue Theatre to name a few. I also started writing and producing my own content which you can check out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GZgBF1AITA&list=PLOaAFZB86Mmrmkkqr7JL3B-tM-qWfMXeL
Upcoming Projects
Kanika in MY HEART IS THE DRUM at Village Theatre
Despite living my life onstage, throughout my childhood and into my adulthood I've struggled with my self-esteem and confidence. These struggles manifested themselves through an eating disorder, being afraid to speak my mind and take up space, and allowing people in relationships to treat me in a less than favorable way. As a result, I've struggled with anxiety and depression off and on throughout my life. Dealing with various health issues, including allergies and chronic eczema, has also played a huge role in my mental and emotional well being. Though I've found much comfort in eating healthier and being physically active, the longer I'm on this healing journey the more I realize that healing is much more than the food I eat and how much I sweat.
Even though the eczema dramatically improved after changing my diet, I was still dependent on topical steroids to keep my skin under control. In October of 2014 I decided that I was tired of being a slave to steroids and vowed to find a way to heal naturally. I unknowingly began Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW) in November 2014. If you are unfamiliar with TSW I explain it in the following blog post: Topical Steroid Withdrawal. In July of 2016 I stopped TSW and turned to The Aron Regimen to find some relief. Check out Why I Went Back To Steroids to learn more about that transition. And to top it all off, I returned to TSW in April of 2019. When they say healing isn't linear they must've been thinking of me. You can learn why I returned to TSW here: Topical Steroid Withdrawal Take Two: Five Month Update. While I've been on the quest for healing since 2014, I wouldn't change my journey, because I've learned so much about myself and grown into a much more confident, secure woman. While it hasn't been easy, I'm finally learning that having balance in all areas of my life is the key to truly being healthy. Not only that, but speaking my mind, living my truth, and TAKING UP SPACE has allowed me to come into myself more each day.
Even though the eczema dramatically improved after changing my diet, I was still dependent on topical steroids to keep my skin under control. In October of 2014 I decided that I was tired of being a slave to steroids and vowed to find a way to heal naturally. I unknowingly began Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW) in November 2014. If you are unfamiliar with TSW I explain it in the following blog post: Topical Steroid Withdrawal. In July of 2016 I stopped TSW and turned to The Aron Regimen to find some relief. Check out Why I Went Back To Steroids to learn more about that transition. And to top it all off, I returned to TSW in April of 2019. When they say healing isn't linear they must've been thinking of me. You can learn why I returned to TSW here: Topical Steroid Withdrawal Take Two: Five Month Update. While I've been on the quest for healing since 2014, I wouldn't change my journey, because I've learned so much about myself and grown into a much more confident, secure woman. While it hasn't been easy, I'm finally learning that having balance in all areas of my life is the key to truly being healthy. Not only that, but speaking my mind, living my truth, and TAKING UP SPACE has allowed me to come into myself more each day.
My Story
Above are some snapshots of my eczema journey from 2012 - 2016.
Everything I have gone through has set me up for this moment to share, encourage, enlighten and connect with others who may be going through the same thing and can relate to my story. Let's learn from each other on this journey to living a healthy, abundant life!
Fun Fact
You may have seen me on the nationally syndicated PBS show Biz Kid$.
Thank you so much for visiting my blog and please don't hesitate to contact me! If you have questions, comments, concerns or you want to book me for a gig (I gotta eat) give me a holler on the contact page! If you don't know where to start on the site, check out some of my top blog posts below. Much love and God bless!