Today we’d like to introduce you to Asia Diamond.
Asia, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
It all started when I started taking dance classes at the Harlem Hospital Dance Leadership Program where I trained in Ballet, Jazz, Modern, Hip-Hop and West African. Through the dance program, I’ve had full scholarships at Dance Theatre Of Harlem and Joffrey Ballet. I was blessed with the opportunity to travel to South Africa, France, Bahamas and more to do culture exchange. This is when I knew I wanted to take dance seriously. So, I also began to take classes outside of my every Saturday class with the HHDLP at Alvin Ailey where I met Hip-Hop Dance instructor Robin Dunn who helped mold me into a hip hop dancer for commercial, movie, and theatre. I looked at her not only as my mentor but my dance mom. She asked me one day “What do you want to do with your dancing”? I told her I want to do it as a career. I want to travel, I want to do movies, I want to teach. I want to do it all. She said I will help you. She helped me put together my resume and get my headshots for auditions. I got so many Nos. One day, I got my one yes and I booked Lil Mama G Slide Video as a dancer booked by choreographer Hollywood.
My first music video as a dancer at the age of 18. My dreams were coming true. Then there were more Nos. Then, I got the call of my dreams. “Asia you booked the movie” I was shocked. Like super shocked. I booked Warner Brothers Movie A Cinderella Story: Once Upon A Song starring Lucy Hale. Talk about tears of joy. Booking this movie opened up doors for me to get interviews on radios and in magazines. This is how I met Rochelle Johnson the Creator and Owner of 6 Twelve Magazine. I was featured in her magazine a while back and one day I reached back out to her to be featured again. She said she didn’t want to feature me she wanted me to run her 6 Twelve Angels which was a group of ladies that would attend red carpet events get videos, photos and do write up on the events. So, I would go to events take photos and go home and do a write up on it to go on the website. I was a “journalist” that’s what 6 Twelve Angels were. One day, I received a text from Rochelle and said: “ I need you on set tomorrow to interview Jacob Latimore, Jacquees and Issa.” All I could do was say ok do my research and be ready. Went to set and conducted my very first celebrity interview. From there, she had me do more celebrity interviews. While doing this, I was still attending the red carpet events as well. She then promoted me to Executive Coordinator. While being Executive Coordinator, dancing and now here comes the acting. I get the phone call from my manager Shauna D. “ you’re booked for TV One Fatal Attraction as a supporting role.“ My first television speaking role. Fast forward here I am Executive Coordinator for 6 Twelve Magazine, Dancer, Actress and o did I mention I am a Mom to one of the most amazing little girls in the world. And she’s mine. Hi, Amaya.
Ok so let’s fast forward to 2019 I am still dancing and working on building my craft and perfecting it. I’m still getting those No’s but it just motivates me to work harder which brings me to the reason I am where I am today. The Nos pushed me. Being Executive Coordinator for 6 Twelve Magazine has opened up many doors for me and showed me you never know who is watching you. 6 Twelve Magazine had a cover shoot with Vh1 Cesar from Black Ink Crew. Where I had to conduct and make sure everything was in order. This is where I met the Creator of It’s Only Entertainment Jeff. We talked for a bit and I told him I wanted to work and he said ok. I think I harassed him. So he started me off with blogs I was consistent with that. Then he started me doing online interviews. From there I started doing live interviews on Instagram in my closet lol. From there to my living room floor to my couch to my very own backdrop being added. To now my own show Let’s Talk About It presented by It’s Only Entertainment.
So, this is where I am at today. Executive Coordinator for 6 Twelve Magazine, VP of Operations for It’s Only Entertainment and Executive Producer and Creator for Let’s Talk About it which my first episode aired on Monday, May 20th at 8 pm est on It’s Only Entertainment IGTV, Facebook and YouTube. Tune In Every Monday at 8 pm est.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has not been a smooth road. But the struggles I been through along the way made me who I am today. Im not going into details about my struggle. But I will say I’ve learned to always remain humble (not that I wasn’t) but what you have today can be gone tomorrow. I’ve learned to be transparent-take me as I am. I’m not perfect nor do I pretend me. If I can’t do it I’m going to let you know. I refuse to pretend to be something I’m not. And remain focus as long as you remain focus, you can do so much more and get so much more done.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I am a Dancer-Actress-Media Maven. I have had the chance to work with some amazing people and on some great projects. Right now I am currently working on two projects one the readers will have to wait for 😊 and the second is for Let’s Talk About It on It’s Only Entertainment. 6 Twelve Magazine has some great cover releases coming out where I was honored and blessed to interview them all from Head Krack from The Rickey Smiley Show, Diana Williams from Lifetime TV Bring It, Deelishis from Flava Flave and Rap Game Supa Peach.
I am still dancing and currently the choreographer for an upcoming video shoot with someone a few are familiar with. It’s going to fun, look forward to everyone seeing it.
What were you like growing up?
When I was younger, my mom had me in a lot of activities. From singing, piano, acting, dancing, karate, swimming and more. You name it my mom had me in it. I eventually dropped them all to focus on one which is dancing.
My personality is still the same it is now. I am hardworking, focused (sometimes), if you are with me you are in for a treat. You will have a good time and lots of laughs. I wouldn’t say that I am the life of the party but I love to laugh and have fun. Life is too short.
Growing up, I loved to dance and get on that stage and perform. And 20 plus years later, still doing it.
Before I wrap. I want to thank God, My Mom, Rochelle Johnson, Jeffrey Lewis, Shauna D, and Robin Dunn. Without any of them, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I would have given up a long time ago. We all been through that storm we thought we were never going to get through. But I’m here to tell you- you can and will. Have faith in God and a good support team that has your back to get you through that storm.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.asiadiamondmason.com
- Email: bookings@asiadiamondmason.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/asiadiamond
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/asiadiamondmason
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/asiadiamond12
Image Credit:
Azu Studios for the black and white photo, Rainey Photos for the green skirt
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