Today we’d like to introduce you to Jose Ariel Diaz.
Hi Jose Ariel, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am a dancer at heart. I dive into photography as well. My heart is modeling and Pageant coaching. I am a firm believer in practicing what I preach I have partaken in fashion shows and pageants around the u.s and out of the country as well. New York, Los Angeles, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Dominican Republic and Canada just to name a few. I guess you can say my résumé is pretty cool, and have worked with a few big names. I’ve also done reality TV in Latin America, lol.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
A lot of the struggles were pretty much trying to find genuine people and just accepting the reality that not everyone in this industry wants what’s best for you, but the struggle would honestly be that I had to guard myself and be careful with giving too much of my energy and learning to be very selective. I learned that I had to put respect on my name first and then be loved later. I feel as though we are in an era where people get too comfortable with you. And it shy away from being taken seriously. Having to prove myself, not only as an openly gay man but as a person of color as well. At first, you see it as a disadvantage but as you grow older, you learn that you’re just GEM & a privilege to work with ;). I’m a VIBE 💥
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Growing up with little to no resources is something that has impacted me very much so. I always wanted to do so much and just be accepted by everyone. It was never easy. I was always told that I couldn’t do more than one thing that I had to focus on one but as I got older, I realize that I can do it all. I just have to put my mind and soul and make sure I execute things greatly as I go. You honestly can’ do anything and everything you set your mind to. I love coaching I love styling I love Photography I love Fashion. I love it all, so I promised myself I’m gonna go into all of this and give it my all my absolute all! Also, remembering that it’s OK to step back a little bit unwind and focus on your mental health! A lot of times we got lost with social media and trying to just prove ourselves to people, forgetting that we need to take a second take a moment and accept our reality and the things that we face daily! It is OK to disconnect, but never stop! I have also raised awareness for autism, I work in my community, I’m a strong believer, and I repeat a strong believer in inclusivity. There is room for everyone in this industry we just have to find our outlet and what works best for us.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I am most active on Instagram you can check my page out @JoseArielDiaz & I recently started up @101w.josearieldiaz where I am using that page to showcase all the collaborations that I am a part of. I also post my runway classes and the reason why I titled it 101 is because I wanted to incorporate everything that I know in regards to modeling pageantry self-confidence and just lifestyle coaching in general! For example (Runway 101, Pageant 101, Posing 101) you get it? 🙂 eventually, I want to showcase the REALITY of it all. Maybe Model Reality 101? Hmmmm
Stay tuned because my next runway class is hitting the West Coast. The Fashion District to be EXACT ✨. 03.10.2023
https://www.instagram.com/p/CoutGQMOKqn/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/josearieldiaz?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/PuQETNcX0q8
- Other: https://youtu.be/pS2bQODeyJM
Image Credits
@Matte_Han @MduranStudio @Calo_Photography @LuminousViews @XdelbreyPhotography @Gomez.Creatives @nostalgicimages_ @TheModelExperience @SpaceCampStudios @SummerBBoutique @ChicAndTheCityRi @ImSituated
