Meet Diana Sophia

We were lucky to catch up with Diana Sophia recently and have shared our conversation below.

Diana , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

I found my purpose in the chaos and heartbreak I experienced growing up, transforming the trauma I endured into a source of resilience and creativity. From an early age, I wished my parents could be different, but that seemed impossible. I had no choice but to endure mistreatment and wait until I turned 18 to escape. During that time, I dreamed of building a life completely different from theirs. I didn’t know how, but that dream set me on a journey of self-discovery, personal growth, healing, and constant change.

While growing up, my voice was silenced, it wasn’t safe for me to express myself. So, I turned to writing, finding solace in transforming my feelings into words. In adolescence, I began playing drums and formed my first garage band. With the encouragement of my grandmother, I started taking singing lessons and dreamed of adding music to my writings, turning them into songs. Ironically, this journey didn’t lead me to become the singer-songwriter I had envisioned; instead, it shaped me into an opera singer. Singing opera allowed me to earn a living and provided the financial independence I needed, at a young age, to never depend on my family again. It gave me the stability to fully live on my own terms.

Although opera wasn’t my ultimate purpose, it became a vital stepping stone. Singing at the Mexican Opera House, “Palacio de Bellas Artes”, led to a brief opportunity in New York City, where I worked with an exceptional vocal coach. What began as a few months turned into years. I left everything behind in Mexico to build a new life in New York, a city that challenged me, broke me, rebuilt me, and ultimately helped me discover who I truly am: an artist, singer, and songwriter.

Now, through my music and storytelling, I aim to amplify the experiences of those who, like me, have faced abuse, betrayal, and trauma. My purpose is to shine a light on the resilience and beauty that can emerge from those struggles, using my voice and creativity to inspire, connect, and foster healing.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

My journey has been far from easy. Coming from a very dysfunctional family and surviving trauma has been the driving force behind my original music, helping me to heal and change my life. Leaving Mexico for New York with a romantic vision of starting over and overcoming my traumatic past made me underestimate the challenges ahead.

The immeasurable amount of courage required to be here on my own, transitioning from professional recognition as a classical singer in Mexico, working at the Mexican Opera House, renting my own apartment, owning a car, taking vacations, and enjoying a comfortable middle-class life, to becoming just another Latina immigrant and struggling artist in New York City was, in itself, traumatizing. I found myself juggling four jobs at a time, renting rooms with cuckoo characters as roommates because affording an apartment was impossible, and navigating life without personal, academic connections or professional support.

For a few years, my life in New York felt like a horror show. So many people think life here is glamorous, but they don’t understand the real, challenging stories of so many New Yorkers. For me, not having family support and being completely on my own here was the most difficult thing I’ve ever faced. I tried to continue my career as a classical singer, but it led nowhere. For years, I worked in jobs unrelated to music, earning so little that there were moments I thought I had made the biggest mistake of my life, but I didn’t.

In 2014, something shifted. I began working with children and babysitting, which helped me heal and reconnect with my creativity. As a trauma survivor, I believe music connects us to our humanity and helps express the unsayable.

In 2019, I self-funded and released my first EP, “Shine”, a turning point that allowed me to channel themes of trauma, betrayal, and resilience. During the pandemic, I produced music videos, released singles, and created a rock opera called “A Mexican Free Holy!”, which tells the story of a Latina woman overcoming life challenges and past trauma in New York. Through a musical and visual journey, the character discovers her strength and true self. The show incorporates puppetry, multimedia, and a live band.

In recent years, I’ve been actively involved in mental health communities. I contributed as a writer to “The Chronicles”, the first virtual magazine of the Instagram community “Healing & CPTSD,” and supported the nonprofit “Hidden Water,” which helps survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Currently, I am part of the writing workshop at “The Birch House.”

A few months ago, I began learning Sephardic music and recently joined the “NY Andalus Ensemble” as a singer. I am also exploring ways to integrate this genre into my compositions. Additionally, I am seeking funding to record and perform my work, which reflects themes of growth, resilience, and light.

I am performing with the NY Andalus Ensemble at ‘The Institute for the Study of the Ancient World’ in NYC on December 12. You can learn more about my work on Instagram: @dianasophiamusic.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

The three most impactful qualities in my journey, which can also help everyone, are:

Knowing myself, who I am, where I come from, what I want, my dreams, my capabilities, and my limits. Taking action in alignment with that self-knowledge has guided me throughout my journey.

Developing my music skills by studying, practicing, and always learning and growing has been essential. You don’t need to go to school for that. If you’re fortunate enough to attend, that’s great. But if not, know that you can still be a self-taught artist and grow and develop your craft in other ways.

Being resilient and setting boundaries have been very important in my journey. If someone treats you poorly, whether in your business, career, projects, or personal life, never let them define who you are. Have the courage to leave places and people who sabotage you and don’t allow you to grow, even if they’re the “most talented” person you’ve met, “friends,” a partner, or even family. Heal from those experiences and choose to surround yourself with people you admire, respect, and who offer you the same in return.

My advice: I’ve learned that everyone has their own journey. What you dream about might take time to manifest, and it’s easy to compare yourself to others and feel like you’re not enough. But you are enough. Stay focused, and keep taking daily steps toward your vision. The help, people, and opportunities you need will show up in time. Consistent effort leads to results!

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Yes, I would love to connect with visual artists and musicians for collaboration. My multidisciplinary show “A Mexican Free Holy!” explores themes of overcoming trauma and how moving to another country can catalyze change and healing. For this show, I worked with mask makers, puppeteers, and a band, but I was only able to perform it in a theater once. I’m eager to expand this project, creating more opportunities to perform and collaborate in smaller, creative formats with my original music.

I’m particularly passionate about collaborating with artists who are focused on mental health and trauma. I believe art has the power to create beauty, foster community, and inspire change, elements that are crucial in the healing journey. My focus is on using music as a tool for connection and healing, not just for entertainment. My mission is to inspire and build community through music.

Additionally, I’m eager to partner with mental health organizations, non-profits, and centers that support diverse communities affected by trauma. These collaborations would allow us to bring the artistic work we create to those who can benefit from it most, offering a space for healing and expression.

If this resonates with you, I’d love to connect. Feel free to reach out through my socials: @dianasophiamusic.”

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Photographers of some of the shots:
William Murray & Gustavo Rodriguez

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