We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Antina Campbell. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Antina below.
Alright, Antina thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
Being the California, Arizona, and Minnesota state director for the Miss Black USA Scholarship Pageant has been one of the most meaningful project I’ve worked on because it allows me to elevate and celebrate young Black women while encouraging them to pursue their God-given purpose. It’s ministry for me. My journey in pageantry began as a teen, competing in the Miss Teen Illinois in the 80s, and continued through several local city and state pageants. What truly resonated with me wasn’t the competition but the sense of leadership, self-worth, and empowerment I gained.
In my 30s, I returned to the pageant world, this time as a supporter to my daughter who competed in her first pageant in the Little Miss African American Pageant system at age 11 and later participated in both the CA Miss USA and Miss Black USA systems in her early twenties. Watching her journey reignited my passion for the platform, but now with a deeper sense of purpose—helping young women grow into their potential, just as I had. Witnessing these women step into their purpose, embrace their beauty, and amplify their voices fills me with a deep sense of purpose. I believe that fostering their growth not only shapes their futures but also strengthens our communities as a whole. This work fuels my passion for service and embodies my commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders.
Antina, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
From a young age, I was drawn to the arts, expressing my creativity through singing in the church choir and performing in the acappella choir during middle school. In high school, I expanded my passion into theatrical and dance productions, fully embracing the world of performance. However, when it came time for college, I pursued a more practical path, attending an HBCU to earn a degree in Business Management, eventually graduating with a degree in Accounting. As life unfolded, becoming a single mom and working a steady job to make ends meet, I couldn’t ignore the void in my heart for the arts. In my early 30s, I decided to step out on faith and reconnect with that part of myself. That bold move led to the launch of my own production company, which I originally named Triple Diamond Productions to symbolize me and my two diamonds. Today, the company is known as Trio Diamond Productions LLC, and through this, I also founded a 501(c)(3) organization, The SWAE Foundation, which stands for Serve With Abundance Excellence. This journey represents not only my passion for the arts but also my dedication to living a life of purpose and service.
As a member of The Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., graduate of Chicago based Robert Morris College with an accounting degree, I am a highly skilled professional who has a diverse managerial background within in nonprofit, entertainment, and real estate. My multimedia entertainment company Trio Diamond Productions is dedicated to providing outstanding professional consulting, management, leadership, and project development services to artists within the entertainment industry, focusing on Music, TV/Film, Theatre, Pageantry and Philanthropy. These services include but are not limited to, artist development, marketing, producing, directing, merchandising, brand development, operational management, and advanced career guidance and direction. Through my company I strive to cultivate the highest possible level of artist achievement through passionate, inspirational, and innovative contributions to every project we take on.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
In my opinion, society can best support artists and creatives by fostering an environment that values the arts as essential to cultural and social development. This begins with investing in accessible education and resources for aspiring creatives, particularly in underserved communities. Providing funding for arts programs in schools, community centers, and through grants or fellowships allows more people to explore their creative potential. We also need to emphasize mentorship and networking opportunities, creating spaces where emerging artists can connect with experienced professionals to gain insight, build skills, and collaborate. Local governments and businesses should collaborate to establish public art projects, performance spaces, and platforms that give creatives visibility and financial support. Most importantly, we must shift the narrative around the arts to recognize that creativity is not just a luxury or hobby, but a viable and valuable career path. Providing artists with fair compensation, healthcare, and opportunities for professional development is key to building a thriving creative ecosystem. When society treats art as indispensable, the contributions of artists can truly flourish.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
These resources have provided me with a strong foundation for leadership, purpose, and personal growth. The Holy Bible serves as my spiritual guide, offering wisdom and principles that are timeless and central to how I live and lead. John C. Maxwell’s “The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership” has been instrumental in shaping my understanding of what true leadership looks like, emphasizing the importance of influence, connection, and growth. Rick Warren’s The Purpose Driven Life has helped me remain grounded in purpose, ensuring that everything I do aligns with a greater calling and mission. Richard Lawson’s teachings on preparing a DOIN (Declaration of Independence) at his studios have been a unique and transformative experience, empowering me to craft a personal and professional vision rooted in authenticity and independence. This has profoundly impacted my entrepreneurial journey, helping me operate with clarity, self-determination, and unwavering focus. Together, these influences have empowered me to lead with faith, purpose, and conviction, while also embracing creativity and independence in my entrepreneurial ventures.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.missblackcaliforniausa.org, www.missblackminnesotausa.org, www.missblackarizonausa.org, www.theswaefoundation.org, www.triodiamondproductions.com. www.mzshane.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/antinacampbell, http://www.instagram.com/missblackcausapageant
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/antinac
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antinacampbell
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/OfficiallyMzShane
- Other: http://www.instagram.com/missblackazusapageant
http://www.instagram.com/missblackmnusapageant
http://www.instagram.com/theswaefoundation
http://www.instagram.com/officiallymzshane
http://www.instagram.com/triodiamondproductions
Image Credits
Photo credit: Arnold Turner