Today we’d like to introduce you to Deora Clairé.
Hi, Deora Clairé. I’m 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.
I have always dreamed of being a professional singer. Growing up, I enjoyed singing in church on Sundays and in my high school choirs. I loved it! Performing and expressing myself through singing and writing songs was an excellent outlet. Since elementary school, I would put my feelings and firsthand experiences into my songs when I learned how to write. Of course, my songs were simpler and relevant to first loves and growing pains back then. However, as I grew up, my writing became more developed.
My first EP is an excellent example of that. I released it in September 2018 after overcoming the fear of failing while chasing my dreams. It has 3 songs with varying topics: relationship breakup, inspirational anthem, and social good. This release empowered me to keep going. To my surprise, though, in the summer of 2019, the pursuit of my dreams came to a halt when I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, a mental illness where you experience manic episodes and depression. This diagnosis was a result of a severe manic episode triggered by breaking up with my then-long-term boyfriend because of infidelity. I ended up being hospitalized at a mental institution, and when I got out, I experienced depression for the first time. Because of everything I went through within a few weeks, I thought my dreams had failed.
But God has used the darkest time of my life for my good, as is stated in Romans 8:28, “We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” Since 2020, I have been manic-episode and depression free. Furthermore, in 2022, my music returned with two albums titled “Golden” and “My Life.” Plus, over the past few years, I have released more music and devotionals and co-authored an anthology. Turns out, by God’s power, my dreams didn’t fail. Instead, they were amplified with purpose. I am working on a new album and book to encourage others on their faith journey through life’s difficulties.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. As I mentioned earlier, the bipolar diagnosis brought on some struggles. I had 3 manic episodes within a year’s time frame and 3 depression episodes within 2 years. These episodes made me question my confidence, life’s worth, purpose, and dreams. However, I overcame these struggles with the love of God as well as through therapy and having a solid support system. God reminded me through His word that He has plans to prosper me (Jeremiah 29:11) and that I’m wonderfully made (Psalms 139:14). My therapist helped me process my challenges and find coping mechanisms to deal with stressors/possible triggers. Lastly, but also very important, is my support system, which loves and encourages me to keep going.
Thanks for sharing that. So, tell us more about your work next.
I am a Christian Bilingual Singer-Songwriter and Author who aims to inspire and uplift global audiences by sharing messages of faith, hope, and love in English and Spanish through music and written works. I’m different from other Christian artists because although I grew up in church, I had to experience God for myself to be where I am today: a motivated and faith-filled believer. Additionally, God has used past traumas and the bipolar diagnosis to give me a testimony that can relate to many people. My God-orchestrated testimony is what I’m most proud of because it’s what has fueled my mission. People need to know there is victory on the other side of feeling defeated by their adverse circumstances. They need to know that they are important, have priceless value, and are loved by God. People need to know that they can achieve their dreams.
Do you have any advice for those just starting?
I have two pieces of advice:
- Know who God is: Almighty (Ephesians 6:10), Faithful (Deuteronomy 7:9), and Provider (Philippians 4:19).
- Know who God says you are: Powerful (2 Timothy 1:7), Chosen (Peter 2:9), and Wonderful (Psalms 139:14).
These two points are vital to achieving your dreams because you will overcome any challenge you face with God and this knowledge.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.deoraclaire.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deoraclaire
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deoraclaire
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@deoraclaire
- Other: https://linktr.ee/deoraclaire
