We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Asia E. Marche. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Asia E. below.

Asia E., thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

. Growing up in a single-parent household as an only child, I found comfort in the world of art, long before I could fully understand its profound impact. Those early years were spent in the company of books, television, and movies, when I wasn’t in the company of friends and cousins. I feel like I spent more time in solitary reflection than I did with others as an only child. In my unique upbringing, I was one of those children who grew up faster than most, learning essential survival skills at a young age. My mother, with unwavering determination, instilled in me the importance of a stable foundation, both mentally and economically. She had faced her own share of challenges and disappointments in life, and she was determined to shield me from similar trials.All the while, the pages of books and the glow of the screen, I discovered something special. I fell in love with the idea of becoming a part of the stories I consumed. The characters on screen and in print made me feel emotions I couldn’t easily find elsewhere, and their tales taught me profound lessons about life and love. It was as if I yearned to step inside that television or leap into the pages of my favorite novels.
My destiny took a divine turn when, at the tender age of 10, I found myself on a stage, performing in a play-handpicked by a teacher in school. The rush of energy coursing through the audience, the electrifying connection, and the joy of transforming into someone else ignited a passion within me that I could not ignore. It was a therapeutic escape, a way to express my innermost thoughts and emotions.As I entered high school around the age of 15 or 16, a new realization dawned on me: I could potentially turn this passion into a means of sustaining myself and my mom. I could be a professional artist, earning my livelihood through the craft I loved. This revelation sparked a fire in me, and I embarked on a journey to hone my skills and refine my artistry. Yet, it wasn’t until I reached college that I truly understood the business of being an artist. It wasn’t merely about perfecting my chosen craft; it was about navigating the complex landscape of the industry. It was about learning how to market myself, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable career.
I made the conscious decision to invest in myself, despite the risks that lay ahead. It was a leap of faith, a choice to chase my dreams as a young adult, all while juggling too many part-time and full-time jobs throughout my pre-teens and into my mid-20s.
Through this journey, I’ve come to understand that art is not just a personal passion; it’s a force that heals, educates, challenges the status quo, and even saves lives. It has been my guiding light, my sanctuary, and my driving force. As I look back on the path that brought me here, I’m grateful for the resilience I inherited from my mother and the unwavering love for art that has propelled me forward. The pursuit of my artistic path has been a remarkable adventure, and I’m excited to see where it will take me next.

Asia E., before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Well I’m a bit of a jane-of-all-trades in the creative world. I lend my talents in acting, filmmaking, and community development, and the journey that got me here is a bit unconventional but so dope. Let’s start with being an actress. I’ve been blessed to refine my skills both in front of cameras and live audiences. Whether I’m acting my heart out on a stage or lending my voice to audiobooks, I’m all about storytelling. And when the pandemic hit, I decided to try my hand at voiceover work for online courses, making the most of new opportunities in the digital realm. There’s more! As a director and producer in entertainment, I’ve had so much fun working on everything from socially conscious documentaries to visually stunning short films and even podcasts. For me, it’s all about bringing those unique stories to life and connecting with audiences on a deep level.

Now, here’s the exciting twist. What sets me apart is how I blend my artistic flair with community development. Picture this: I get to help U.S. cities with their public relations, cooking up strategies to get folks more involved in local government and crafting strong marketing materials for city art districts. I’m always stressing to our government officials the importance of fostering sensitivity, love, and empathy in all parts of our communities.

My proudest achievement? That would be Limitless Destinations, my brainchild and creative artist resource center I founded. We’re all about arming artists with the tools they need to embrace an entrepreneurial spirit, making art more accessible. Our latest gem is the Creative Voyage Journal which is available on Amazon. It’s not just a journal; it’s your creative wingman. Packed with reflection prompts, an organized calendar, and motivating facts about multi-talented artists of color who share the passion for community development. What I really want you to know is that my wild mix of skills has led me down an entrepreneurial path that’s all about smoothing the way for up-and-coming artists. I’m on a mission to unlock the untapped potential in communities beyond the big artistic hubs like LA, NYC, and Atlanta. My personal philosophy that keeps me grounded is Do Your Part Where You Are, literally and figuratively.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

I’m really passionate about this question, and I think it’s fantastic that we’re discussing how to better support artists and nurture a thriving creative ecosystem. Our society has come a long way in recognizing the importance of artists, and there are some positive trends we can build on. First off, it’s worth acknowledging the strides we’ve made in providing artist housing. In the past, being an artist often meant dealing with financial instability due to fluctuating income. Thankfully, we’re seeing the development of housing options that take this into account, which is a big step in the right direction. Another worthy development is the increased integration of artists into society. We’re seeing efforts to beautify neighborhoods and transform eyesores into vibrant, creative spaces. Historically, society has understood the value of artists, and it’s reassuring to see these initiatives gaining traction.

However, there’s more we can do to truly support artists and foster a thriving creative ecosystem. I believe one key aspect is artist sustainability. Society often assumes that providing housing and opportunities for beautification is enough. But I envision a future where artists have shared equity in the work they create with collaborators, whether that’s in the entertainment industry or urban revitalization projects, which are booming in the U.S. When I talk about shared equity, I mean exploring concepts like community land trusts and expanding the involvement of artists in government affairs beyond traditional arts commissions. Being an artist is about authentically reflecting the human experience and contributing to a more healed and inclusive society. To achieve this, we need to create systems that ensure artists are not only valued but also economically empowered in the long run. So, to best support artists and nurture a thriving creative ecosystem, let’s keep pushing for these innovative approaches that empower artists and truly recognize the transformative impact they have on our society. And watch out for A.I…

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

(Sigh) That’s a really personal question, but I think it’s important to share something I haven’t anywhere else because it’s a lesson we all can learn from, especially since narcissism and the lack of confronting mental health challenges is at a height. One of the most significant lessons I’ve had to unlearn is tied to my broken marital engagement, and it boils down to this idea of loving yourself more than the idea of someone else loving you. The backstory here is a rollercoaster of emotions. I was head over heels in love and couldn’t wait to spend my life with this person. I believed that their love was the missing piece to my happiness. But as the relationship progressed, I started realizing that I had placed too much of my self-worth and happiness in their hands. I had tied my identity to being loved by this person and supporting them through something I was too young to navigate, and it was a heavy burden to carry. Just so y’all know, I was like 22 or 23 at the time. When the marriage was called off and our relationship ended, I hit rock bottom emotionally. I mean, unlike any other heartbreak. The stakes were high, right? Engagement and marriage is forever. It was devastating, and I felt like I had lost not only the person I loved but also a significant part of myself. That’s when the lesson hit me like a ton of bricks. I am a spiritual woman and very much connected to Jehovah, and in hindsight he was not at the center of that union. I had to unlearn the belief that someone else’s love was the key to my happiness. I had to rediscover my own worth and learn to love myself for who I am, independent of anyone else’s affection. It was a painful process of self-reflection and growth, but it was also incredibly liberating. Interestingly, this transformation parallels my experiences in the entertainment industry. It’s a field known for its fickleness – one moment you’re in high demand, and the next, you’re fighting to prove your worth as if your talent and success hadn’t already spoken for themselves.

I realized that my happiness and self-worth should never be dependent on external validation. True fulfillment should emanate from within, from the love and acceptance I have for myself, just as I am. This lesson has not only reshaped how I navigate relationships but also how I approach life as a whole. It’s becoming clear to me that defining our own version of success is paramount. Setting boundaries that protect our self-worth and keep us connected to individuals who value self-love and purpose is crucial. I’ve come to understand that people who aren’t aligned with their own purpose will naturally fade away as I continue to grow and evolve – and that’s perfectly okay. We are all masterpieces in progress. So, the lesson I had to unlearn, born from the ashes of a broken engagement, is a constant reminder to love and prioritize myself. It’s a lesson in self-acceptance and understanding that my worth is not tied to someone else’s love or approval. It’s been a challenging journey, but it’s made me a stronger and more self-assured person, especially as a Black woman.

x     

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.asiaemarche.info/
• Instagram: asiaemarche
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AsiaE.Marche/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asiamarche
• Twitter: asia1994
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/InspiringActress94
• TikTok: asiaemarche