Meet Mike Diamond | Fashion Model

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mike Diamond and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mike D, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Oftentimes I think about risks as an essential component of success. Taking risks has always seemed to play a major role in my life and career alike. In more instances than not, it’s a necessity. The risks I’ve chosen to take have allowed me to seize opportunities that otherwise would not have been available to me, meanwhile separating me from my peers. It’d be untrue of me to convey the idea that I only focus on the possible benefits of the chances I take, as it is important to consider potential pitfalls, but also to only focus on considerable perils is the downfall of far too many. Risks are what create new innovative ideas, revolutions and much more. Risks are the things that we are afraid to do, a vast uncertainty, but when one chooses to adhere to such worries, one stifles the infinite possibilities of success. Where taking risks has created spaces for me to grow exponentially as a person and as a professional, to live in fearfulness is to remain stagnant, and what does not evolve eventually will plateau.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart from others is my authenticity. I’ve always been genuinely myself, and that’s something no one else could every replicate or discredit. There’s only ever going to be one me, one Mike Diamond. As of now though, I’m most excited for the future. I have a number of photoshoots, shows, and other kinds of content that are yet to come to fruition that I’m excited for my supporters and fans to be able to enjoy. Reflecting, I’ve acclimated to where I am professionally by staying determined, focusing on becoming the best version of myself, and practically living my work everyday. It certainly wasn’t easy, but how I stayed determined is to keep in mind what I was fighting for, who I wanted to become, and what I wanted to leave behind; what I represent. The biggest lesson I learned throughout my various trials was to always believe in myself. To vehemently believe that I am able, regardless of what I needed to do. I never allowed closed minds to tell me what I can and can’t achieve, and that belief system has always allowed me to soar and stay motivated regardless of what anyone else thought. Another important lesson I learned is to start projects rather than to contemplate for too long. At times we scare ourselves with our own ideas, slowing the process and on occasions, even deterring us from ever starting at all, but in most scenarios the hardest part of any expedition is to begin. What I want the world to know about my journey is that I started in Williamston North Carolina. For many that may not mean much, but it frequents that as I travel the states, most have never even heard of it. It’s a small town near the Roanoke river. Not many opportunities, not many jobs, and certainly not the best place for a model to build their career, but it’s such a crucial detail because I need to show other people there and anyone anywhere else who needs to know that they can achieve success. I wasn’t rich or anything like that, never had too much. I worked hard as I possibly could. Anything is possible so long as one believes in oneself no matter where one may be, I need the world to know that about not just Mike D, but also anyone else around the globe who has a dream.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Being that I’m still in undergrad, I spend a decent amount of time at my university, but some of my favorite places in the triangle to dine would be Stoney River, Luna Rotisserie and Empanadas, Nantucket Bar and Grill, and the Angus Barn to name a few. Durham Bulls Athletics Park normally is a nice place to be around because they have a lot of events and things to explore downtown in general, and if you’re lucky you might catch one of the baseball games! Some of my all time places to be though are the nature trails throughout the triangle like the tobacco trail which stretches a distance of 22.6 miles crossing into Wake and Chatham county.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost I’d like to shout out every one of my siblings. When I look into their faces everything feels so much more worthwhile, and earnestly the mere thought of them always pushes me forward regardless of my task. They’re amazing, and I intend to always love and support them the very best I can on whatever journey is in store for them. A huge thank you to Jason C Peters and Keoni Productions for always assisting me and pointing me in the right direction with any questions or concerns about the industry when I didn’t have much guidance. I am extremely grateful for Voyage magazine for inquiring about me, and supporting me so early in my career and the time following. I’m thankful for all of my fans because without all the jewels and gems none of this would be possible, the people that support me on a daily basis, my peers as well as any up and coming creators I’ve interacted with, and anyone who ever doubted me, because that doubt is part of what pushes me forward, and reminds me to never give up.

Website: linkfly.to/50102kagXBs

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_therealmiked/

Image Credits
@Capturedbyempii