Is that why you dropped the Diva from your name?
I dropped the Diva because it had too many negative connotations. One, people were having pre-conceived notions about me. I was losing opportunities because of what people assumed. Two, you have to open yourself up for growth and new spaces. And three, I had just turned 30 and I was like “this is corny.†The best way to begin generating profit as an artist is to be yourself.
I’m working on a trunk show and pop-up art store and that’s based off the response from my art show. I will admit, I never understood how to grow things, but I’m getting better and I’m still learning. Ultimately, I want to have enough money that I can travel at will and shop at Intermix. My standard of wealth is being able to shop at Intermix whenever I want. Seriously though, when I have kids I want to not be worried.
You have such a unique career, has it been difficult finding a guy who can deal with that?
Finding a guy who can deal with my personality has been the bigger issue. I am a type A personality, but I’m also artsy. From being in this business you get to be a certain way. I’m bossy. It’s been a challenge to find someone who can appropriately curb that and at the same time encourage me. I consider myself very lucky that I have found someone. I feel I am in a great situation. I feel respected for who I am as a person, as who I am as a career person. But I did run into dudes who took issue with my career. I’ve had someone tell me during our first date that he didn’t want to hear about any rappers or Hip-Hop or whatever because he wasn’t into it. At that time, that was a big part of my day. If I can’t talk to you about my life, that’s a problem. So I knew we wouldn’t work before the appetizers came.
What’s your greatest accomplishment so far?
Still being here. I’ve seen a lot of folks come and go. I want to be in a position where I have enough demand and clout to do whatever I want to do creatively. All I do is create.
What’s your life’s theme song?
Hmmm, that’s a good question, tough one though.
Well, what’s your theme song for today?
I really love my man today, so I’ll go with Alicia Myers “I Want to Thank You.” Oh and I just thought of the other one – Earth Wind and Fire’s “Be Ever Wonderful.” It’s all about how no matter how messed up the world is, don’t let the world change your mind. Be forever yourself. Live in that joy. It’s hard to do that in this business, but once you figure out how to do that, you will find success.
Amanda Seales can be found on Twitter @amandaseales and on her website http://www.amandaseales.com/.
*Life is Good is Demetria Irwin’s new weekly column that will feature interviews with amazing people who have found success doing what they are passionate about. There will also be timely and engaging opinion pieces on lifestyle topics. Stay locked in to this space for inspiration and fun, thought-provoking topics.