Today we’d like to introduce you to Haddie Djemal.
Haddie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Moving to Houston from Fort Worth, Texas in 2008 is what set the string of events into motion that brought me exactly where I am today. Starting with the initial decision that law school WASN’T what I wanted to do despite the pressures of disappointing my parents and myself for figuring that out so late.
I came to realize that what I did want to do was engage and entertain an audience. I had a love for all things TV and film so after I got bit by the “acting bug” I began to pursuit of a new career. Fast forward a few years, hundreds of auditions, a roller coaster ride of rejections and bookings later, sustaining an acting career in Texas was not only starting to feel stressful it was starting to feel impossible.
What started as a love for the craft began to turn into resentment. “Why couldn’t I just want to be a lawyer or an accountant or even plumber? Just something… stable. Despite my internal battle–I pushed forward hoping that something would change… and it did. I just didn’t know how much it would change. I submitted for a casting call I thought was a one-off gig like any other, except it wasn’t.
It read ” Casting Spokesperson – present new vehicle specs and automotive brand information.” It definitely wasn’t a feature film that could give me my big break nor did it sound glamorous by any means, but the pay rate at the time was glam enough for me.
Next thing I know, I’m touring nationally at major auto shows presenting in front of huge crowds. I loved it! This eventually snowballed into more hosting and presenting opportunities. Then I got a call that I would be the official host for the Shell & Pennzoil Indy Grand Prix of Houston. I did live interviews race car legend Roger Penske, Helio Castronevez, Will Power in front of hundreds of diehard motorsport fans.
At the end of my interview with Mr. Penske, through the applause of the audience, he put his hand on my shoulder leaned in and said “You’re really good at this. This was one of the best interviews I had all day.” At that moment, I was bitten by another bug. But this wasn’t your average bug. This was your football-sized radioactive mutant transformer bug. I was bitten by the hosting bug and I knew at that moment that’s exactly what I wanted to do.
So, I went back to school after 8 years got my broadcast journalism degree. I got an internship at KPRC Channel 2 ( I was a 30-year-old intern by the way), which led to an assignment editor or “news desk job” which led to becoming a digital producer for ABC13 KTRK, which eventually help land me a lifestyle host/producer position with “Daytime at Nine.”
And here I am. I absolutely love what I do and the best thing I ever did was never give in to the thought that it was “too late” to change directions.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My road was a lot like many Houston roads–uneven, bumpy, full of potholes and usually under construction. A lot of struggles along the way actually stemmed from my own insecurities.
For instance, I was a 30-year-old intern and which made me feel like I was very behind. That added to the pressure of feeling like no matter what I was doing it, wasn’t enough. I needed to do more. I needed to compensate for lost time, instead of trusting the process and acknowledging my milestones no matter how small.
And as with anything else, rejection never helps make things any easier. If I had to hear “You’ve got a lot of potential. You’re going to go really far! BUT…” or “You’ve definitely got the “it” factor. We’re sure we’ll wish we snagged you when we had the chance.”
This was the professional equivalence of hearing “It’s not you. It’s me.” over and over again. After a while though, you start believing that maybe it really is “you.” So overcoming both internal and external obstacles was definitely a struggle.
Host/Producer for regional Texas lifestyle show “Daytime at Nine” – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I’m a lifestyle TV Host and Producer. But just like most people in the industry these days, I wear a few different hats. I’m also a live event emcee, presenter, spokesperson, journalist, and I never really hung up my acting hat either.
I’m most proud of how far I’ve managed to come in such a short period of time, despite people telling me it would take much longer or that my time frame expectations weren’t realistic. My unapologetically quirky personality is what sets me apart from others by far. I think that’s the signature of any true host really.
I’m energetic, quick on my feet, and a shameless user of puns. What can I say? I’m punny.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I define success by the amount you’re able to contribute or give back with however far you’ve come. Whether that means growing from an opportunity seeker to an opportunity giver or inspiring and putting a smile on just one person’s face.
While I have my personal career goals like making it on to a national network, my success markers are really measured by the people that reach out to me for advice or guidance because they would like to pursue the path.
The fact that someone sees me as a mentor or role model is beyond humbling. and I jump at the chance to offer up any insight I can.
Contact Info:
- Website: HaddieTheHost.com
- Email: HaddieDjemal@live.com
- Instagram: @HaddieTheHost
- Facebook: Facebook.com/HaddieTheHost
- Twitter: @HaddieTheHost
Image Credit:
Musaab Photography, RAW Artists Houston
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
