We recently had the chance to connect with Pamela Diaz and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Pamela, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Learning outside of work has been bringing me an abundance of joy lately. Learning how to play the piano, learning how to sew, and learning from people in other spaces has made me feel so fulfilled. I look forward to these small moments because I can feel my brain actively working and I’m having fun again! Fun experimenting and playing around with trying new things. As a child, school was an obligation that at times was fun but often mundane. Learning as an adult almost feels like I can do, quite literally, anything!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Pamela Diaz. I’m a multi-passionate artist who produces, writes, acts and is involved in social justice advocacy. Speaking to my advocacy – it’s important to provide access to resources to communities who might not have them readily available. Being born and raised in the Bronx has profoundly shaped this perspective for me and will continue to guide me as a grow in the field. I’ve recently partnered with Community Justice Connect, an organization based in NYC, to provide a hand to those looking to navigate Housing, accessing Public Assistance and Legal Resources. It’s been great thus far and I can confidently see myself continuing this line of work.
Speaking to my artistry – My work showcases humanity and all that comes with it. The constant slings and arrows of life that draws us forward and connect us to one another. I look to invoke a feeling of sonder for my audiences as a result of having felt the emotion myself. More times than not, I find myself worried about the future, who I am, what I contribute and how I effect the lives of others. It’s a constant racing thought after another, but when I take a breath and observe, I’m reminded of the fact that I am just human. Not an omniscient, all-knowing being. I’m allowed to feel everything and when I do, I become aware that I’m not alone in experiencing the push and pull of life. My upcoming projects Black & Blue and Cion Mami both carry the the weight of complex feels and the internal struggle of potentially losing everything you’ve ever known. I’m excited to showcase these pieces in the coming months!
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
In second grade, I fell in love with making paper fortune tellers, planes and stars. It was a fun and easy task that I learned on my own and would teach others as interest began to boom. It got to the point where many of my classmates would hand me a piece of construction paper and ask me to make them a piece of art that could turn into a fun game or collectible. I would make 4 a day and by the end of the week it increased to 10. Naturally, I created an origami business. I came in with an empty vitamin bottle and as requests came in, a quarter was given in return. Word spread quick during lunch time. By the end of the day my vitamin bottle was half full. As a 7-year-old, I was rich! I continued the business for a week or so. I had 2 friends who would help me fold the paper into the shape requested. I compensated them with honey buns, a highly sought out for item. By the end of the week, my teacher found out and made the firm decision that I shouldn’t charge my classmates for the fortune tellers, planes and stars. It was fun while it lasted, and I’m proud of little me for having done it.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
It’s always Me vs. Me. In the tougher moments of my life, my thoughts were constantly filled with “If only …” and “I wish …” I often felt that there was always a missing piece to the puzzle that would perfectly propel me to where I want to be, but that was never the case. As I’ve grown I learned that the obstacle wasn’t that I was missing something or wasn’t doing something right, I was getting in my own way. I was too focused on the possibilities and the changes that could be done to create the perfect circumstance, when what I needed to focus on was my reality and habits. Your habits are tied to your identity and consistency. If I’m constantly scrolling and creating a habit of napping midday, how can I expect to align myself with the identity of someone who moves their body everyday? Or the identity of someone who prefers to read as a pastime? I wasn’t creating ideal circumstances for myself to grow because I was (and arguably am) in habits that drain me versus invigorating me. I have to grant myself permission to fail, grow and succeed. It has always been Me vs. Me, and I’m excited to get out of my own way.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
I’d like to think that the presentation of myself has been consistent throughout each interpersonal relationship and setting I’ve been in. I’m sure there are slight difference between each relationship, however, the public version of me, is and will always be, the real me. I come as I am in everything that I do and everywhere that I go with the expectation that those around me will do the same. Learning who people are when the cameras are off is a beautiful experience especially when you see someone’s light come back. It’s a lot of work to be someone you’re not, I’d rather just be myself.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
This might sound insane, but saving. I would run through my money the way Sha’Carri Richardson runs on a track. People only need money to live and thrive on earth, but if I knew my time was definitively coming to an end, I would spend my money to see and experience the world. I would pay for violin lessons, foster an animal or 2, try every new restaurant there is to try, keep my mother comfortable, preserve rainforests, buy items (food, clothes, hygienic items, laptops) for those in need. So much more! I would take the time to just live my last 10 years to the fullest with what I have. I’ll always need the money to live, but I can never take it when I die.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: getempam_
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