Join me on a journey of healing from an eating disorder and Topical Steroid Withdrawal. Strive to love and accept yourself completely by embracing your flaws and living life to the fullest.
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. Join me on this journey of healing and learn how to love yourself to the core and nourish your body with everything it needs to thrive in the process!
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..
Click here for 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 struggled with self-esteem and confidence issues. These manifested themselves through an eating disorder and dysfunctional relationships. As a result, I slipped into a deep depression and dealt with various health issues including allergies, extreme eczema breakouts and fatigue. By the grace of God I was able to recover from the eating disorder by reaching out for help, changing my eating habits, developing a passion for fitness and healthy food and recommitting myself to The Lord.
However, I did say my road to healthy was a long one. 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 the eczema creams 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 please read my blog post entitled Topical Steroid Withdrawal. In July of 2016 I stopped TSW and turned to The Aron Method to find some relief. Check out Why I Went Back To Steroids to learn more about that.
However, I did say my road to healthy was a long one. 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 the eczema creams 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 please read my blog post entitled Topical Steroid Withdrawal. In July of 2016 I stopped TSW and turned to The Aron Method to find some relief. Check out Why I Went Back To Steroids to learn more about that.
Click here to read "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. Learn from my journey and join me on the road to living a healthy, abundant life!
Fun Fact
You may have seen me on the nationally syndicated PBS show Biz Kid$.
What do you get from Just Du Pree?
- Self-confidence
- Learn to love the skin you're in
- Tools to cope with severe eczema
- Tools to heal from an eating disorder
- Healthy recipes
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!