Today we’d like to introduce you to Jojo Diggs.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started dancing at 22, which as everyone knows is LATE. Of course, my family and friends at the time that it was ridiculous; childish and foolish and didn’t take it seriously. I couldn’t stop dancing. It was one of the first times in my life that I felt so owned and motivated by something. I stopped watching TV and movies bc it took up too much time. I wanted to dance.
At 29 I decided to move to LA. I was very doubtful about my choice bc… I was 29. But I did it because I wanted to dance. If someone asked me what I wanted to do there my answer would have been ‘dance more.’ It would not have sounded like the confident go-getter I am today. I was in no position to be confident and I wasn’t moving to LA to “make it.” I just wanted to dance.
So people ask me how I did “make it.” I think its bc I only wanted to dance, and I didn’t care about ‘making it.’ In fact, when people ask me what the secret to success is I tell them to stop chasing success and just follow their heart. Why would God put something on your heart if it wasn’t for you? It just takes faith and making some ‘dumb decisions’ in life sometimes. Although I understand why my family doubted me, I had to not ‘be smart.’ Sometimes being smart is a cover-up for playing it safe.
At any rate, here I am at 40, in the best shape of my life. I’m currently on a 4-month tour doing artist development in Japan. I have founded a non-profit dance organization that expands and unites vulnerability that has held over 250 events across the world. I have traveled to more than 25 countries. I have been working financially from dance for the past decade and I plan to continue. My main love is combining personal development with a street dance in various platforms including classroom, theatre and film.
I am also moving into world-wide contribution through the NPO, getting funding for using art to benefit both dancers and non-dancers. I love who I am today and I am grateful for all my ‘dumb decisions.’
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Barely smooth. I’ve lost countless friends, I was homeless for 9 months in LA. I have been made fun of for my age. I have been used and cheated on and laughed at. Finding Jesus back in my life and doing Landmark Education transformed EVERYTHING for me.
Please tell us about Diggs Deeper.
Diggs Deeper is an organization that works through the individual to empower the community. We bring together dancers to share intimately, no filming allowed, and we create a panel to honor those before us. Additionally, we have completed 2 (3) month big brother & sister mentorship programs, and are increasing the documentation of history in street dance culture.
Individually, we have testimonials of people healing from suicidal thoughts, offering a sacred place for asking for hand in marriage, healing through past traumas including family homicide, family suicide, victims of sexual assault, and so much more. Diggs Deeper is a place of intimate transformation, giving a much-needed space for vulnerability and full self-expression.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I would have gotten more coaches, more mentors, more therapists. I would have asked for more help. I was too stubborn.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.DiggsDeeper.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @Diggs_Deeper
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diggsdeeper/
- Other: https://www.classy.org/campaign/c182649
Image Credit:
Sancha McBurnie, J. Zuberi
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