Hey! Tell us a bit about yourself.

Hi! My name is Ron Dadon and I’m a musician and photographer based in Los Angeles, CA. I love spending my time writing music and painting! I’m addicted to Trader Joes plantain chips, and I have a film camera on me literally at all times. I dream of one day owning a lil pup with my boyfriend and spending way too much time traveling the world! But for now, I’m taking in this beautiful city and taking advantage of all the creative opportunities that come my way.

Tell us a bit about how you got into music. Was it instant for you?

Music is everything! I definitely decided I wanted to be a singer at a really young age and fell in love with performing instantly. However, as I got older I kind of pushed it to the side due to other interests (ahem, photography, ahem) and have just recently picked music back up in the past year or so. I began writing songs again and pushing myself to play shows all over the city which rekindled the music spark in me! Since then, I’ve been in the studio a lot and am planning to release a plethora of new singles in 2019.

Who are your influences in the musical realm?

Okay so my answer to this question is kind of all over the place because I love so many types of music! On one end of the spectrum, I love Bjork, Fiona Apple, and Alanis Morrisette, and on the other side Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish and so many other powerful female musicians. I love how they’re all completely different artists and that’s what I want my music to feel like. A unique blend of everyone that I love.

Let's be honest. Is it ever intimidating to have ALL EYES on you? How do you remain fully composed & confident?

To be honest, I really don’t have all eyes on me lol! I feel like I’m in a great place right now because I am making work that people actually see, something I am so grateful for, but I’m not at a place where I feel like I’m always being watched and judged. I think that comes with eventually becoming a true name/face, but I’m perfectly happy getting recognized the couple of times that I do per year! That being said, I’m working on becoming the person that I want to be one step at a time, trying to prepare myself if there ever is a time where I need to be watchful of my image. As for confidence, I believe that it just comes with time and experience — it’s having belief and pride in your work and yourself. I’m also a firm believer in faking it ‘till you make it!

You also are an insane photographer... How did this passion start up for you?

Aw, geez, thank you! My two passions have always been music and photography. Originally, my mom bought me a little digital point and shoot when I was five which I loved to death. I began to take photography seriously in high school. I used to have little photoshoots with my friends in obscure locations all over town and over time, right around my sophomore year. The passion just grew into a career for me. Brands began to notice my work and eventually began hiring me to shoot for them! It’s been crazy and I’m so thankful.

Best self-care ritual when you begin to feel overwhelmed?

Talk. It. Out. Communication is everything. I am so lucky to be surrounded by so many amazing people. When I start to feel overwhelmed I usually just word vomit to my boyfriend or my mom and I always feel so much better afterwards. Talking about your feelings is so important! I hate keeping things bottled up. I also love turning my phone off and taking a long shower. It just gives me some time to think and spend quality time with myself. I always seem to forget to breathe when I’m overwhelmed so being with myself and talking to the people that I love really helps calm me down.

You are clearly an advocate for pre-loved fashion, when did this start for you?

YES! I adore thrifting and seeing what I can find for a steal! I’ll also occasionally splurge at a vintage show, but most of the time you can find me at the local Goodwill digging through piles of pre-loved (or not so loved) clothes. I actually started thrifting toward the end of high school, honestly I really wish I’d discovered it sooner. I could’ve had such a stylish wardrobe when I was 14, haha! I guess I just love finding pieces that designers don’t make anymore and I’m obsessed with the corset fit that a lot of vintage dresses have. They’re so much more fun than the dresses today and I feel like a princess whenever I wear them! Also, knowing that an article of clothing has such a unique history behind it makes the piece all the more special to me. I’m addicted and I’ll never stop!!

How do you continue to take opportunities to grow all the while remaining true to yourself?

I try to always say yes to opportunities that I’m excited about. One thing I’ve learned over time is that if it doesn’t excite me from the beginning, it’s probably not worth it. This ensures that I only take on things that help me grow closer to the person I want to become. Also, knowing your worth as an artist is the most precious thing you can learn, and this makes sure that you don’t sell yourself out — a very efficient method to turn yourself into someone that thinks she’s better than everyone else. There will be people out there who try to take advantage of your talent and disguise it as an “opportunity.” Your time is valuable and learning who to give that time to is important. So, say yes to opportunities but make sure they’re opportunities first! Then you’ll thrive!

And lastly, as we're nearing the end of 2018 taking a moment to look back at yourself only a year ago, what are you most grateful for?

I am so grateful to be able to live my life with no creative limitations and alongside the people that I love. I can create whatever I dream and I know that this year was just the beginning of all that I’ve been working towards. I have so many things lined up for 2019 and I am so beyond excited to share them! Follow Ron's life on Instagram!@ron.dadon Check out her photography!@ronathann Photo credits by @kassidyrenee SHOP WHAT'S CURRENTLY IN RON’S MAKEUP COLLECTION: Artist Lip Gloss Innovator Lip Gloss Laugh Lip Balm Already There Luminous Blush Polished All Over Shimmer Pearl Finishing Dust Blender Bamboo Face Brush