Bio

Raised in a household with the presence of strong nurturing women, Dena Cali grew up in Southern California admiring the strength and beauty of all the women who were responsible for raising her.

“I used to listen to my Mother, Godmother, and Aunties on Saturday afternoons cooking in the kitchen while sharing beauty secrets, recipes, advice and loving support” says Dena. “I admired their beauty and wisdom, all so different yet all so alike. From a young age, I realized that women possess special gifts that must be nurtured and shared for them to truly rest in the seat of their soul.”

Dena started modeling at the age of 16 after being discovered in the local yogurt shop where she worked during the summer. Immediately, her professional career kicked into overdrive landing some of the most coveted jobs in the industry. Dena graced the pages of Vogue, Elle, Harper's Bazaar, and other top fashion magazines. Eventually Dena went on to work with acclaimed fashion houses such as Giorgio Armani, Chanel, Roberto Cavali, Lanvin, and Prada.

“Modeling taught me so many valuable lessons. In an industry based upon the purely superficial, I realized that true beauty lies within. As my Auntie used to tell me as a young girl, 'Pretty is what pretty does.' I never forgot those wise words.”

With a remarkable portfolio of commercials, films, and advertisements already behind her, Dena knew it was time to challenge her self by fulfilling her desire to become a business woman. In 2002, Dena embarked on this journey partnering with an established manufacturer to create her first line of hair care products named Dena Cali. The line of wigs and hair extensions quickly made her one of the most recognizable names and faces in the ethnic hair care market throughout the US and abroad.

In 2005, Dena received the devastating news that her mother had been diagnosed with cancer. Not only watching her mother but also her aunts, and several close friends experience the life-threatening illness and its traumatic mental and physical side effects, Dena was inspired to help and support them through their battles with cancer by creating The Foundation for Living Beauty. 

The mission of The Foundation for Living Beauty is to empower women to reduce their cancer risk and increase their self-esteem, physical wellness, and emotional stability after coping with the taxing effects of cancer and chemotherapy.

“These amazing women had given me so many gifts and their love and wisdom was truly the foundation from which my seeds were able to grow. I wanted to be the light and strength for them that they had always been for me. That light and strength became the precious gift that I am able to share with other women. Now, to my pleasant surprise, I find myself being the nurturer, encouraging them to lead a more holistic lifestyle; to be present, conscious, and to live life with intention.”

Dena's desire to share this mantra with women worldwide has come to fruition with the dual launch of Dena Cali Luxe, 100% organic, natural and chemical free human hair extensions and Dena Cali Holistic Beauty, a line of hair care products with a conscience, eco-friendly ingredients, and packaging.

Dena Cali Beauty.....Be present, Be conscious, Be beautiful!