We were lucky to catch up with Asia Monae Carlton recently and have shared our conversation below.

Asia Monae, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

This question couldn’t be more relevant in this current season of life. I recently relocated to Chicago and I am sincerely finding difficulty establishing myself here. Although it has only been a little over two weeks, I have often wrestled with the thoughts of finding a “survival job”. I value regular jobs and the people that work them but historically, when I am working them I am left unfulfilled. I feel like I am not authentically doing what I was purposed to do. The truth is, it can be difficult for artists to make a living doing what they know they are here to do but it is not impossible. Every application I’ve come across turns my stomach, causing me to have a physical reaction to what seems like taking steps backwards, when I came here to move forward; to grow and stretch and believe wholeheartedly in God and the gifts He given me to steward over.

The conclusion, I’m not always happier as an artist, but happy is relative and situational. I am at peace, however. I must keep going. I must strive and not let doubt, fear or past disappointments position me in an indesireable atmosphere. I can use this uncomfortable period to inspire the art I know I’m meant to create.

Asia Monae, 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?

I am Asia Monae Carlton, born and raised in Chester, Pa. I sang my first choir solo at the tender age of three and I’ve been in love with music ever since. As a teenager, I joined a mentor group called team M.A.C. (Making A Change) where my love for the arts was heightened. It was there that I was introduced to recording original music in a studio, acting on camera, and performing for my peers at local events. In college I continued to study music at Essex County College in Newark, NJ but ultimately Graduated with a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts from The American Musical & Dramatic Academy in Los Angeles/New York. Post graduation I co- founded Perspective Productions , producing a web series (Finally Facing Me) and short film (Mucho En Poco Tiempo). Earlier this year I released my first book I’m Good, Overcoming the Promise of pain, a testimonial detailing the lessons that I’ve learned throughout my 20s and how I was able to overcome pain.
I love to create art that sheds light on areas that often keep women bound. My goal for everything I produce is for someone to see themselves and then, see themselves. What I mean by that is awareness. I desperately want people to accurately see their current selves so that they can push towards who God has created them to be. My prayer for my audience is for them to find freedom and fulfillment in Christ on their own beautiful journey.
I am equally passionate about children and young women. I aim to instill values and principles that will help them find their voices in this world. Outside of the arts, I am a mentor and teacher. In addition to working on my debut album, I currently help people develop music to share their testimonies, lessons and love for God on Fiverr.
I am most proud of the patience that God has developed in me during this hectically beautiful life I’ve been blessed with. I’m always learning how to be present and purposeful and I hope my art does the same for my audience.

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

One of the most important lessons I had to unlearn was hyper-independence. Grind culture has unfortunately convinced a generation that nobody needs anybody and it’s the farthest thing from the truth. On my mission to succeed in the Arts and remain focused, I often lacked grace with myself and others, cutting off relationships prematurely and weakening my network. I didn’t have patience to handle any people that caused me to “slow down”. I didn’t realize that learning how to work through conflict made me a better leader, more compassionate and more understanding. Because of this, I often was selfish, and ended up with just myself. That made me angry and bitter. But I am so grateful that I ended up alone, because it slowed things down enough for God to have a One on One with me. He began to show me how He created us to be in community, how we are all here for one another, and expanded my perspective. He taught me how to be patient by being patient with me. he showed me how difficult I was, and how tenderly he handled me. It is one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned and now my interactions with people are more meaningful, safe and welcoming.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

This might be one of my favorite stories and it starts in college. After graduating high school, I attended Seton Hall University to study Criminal Justice. I now know I only did this because of all the CSI I was watching. After switching my major to Psychology, I became uninterested in school, nearly failing. Prior to this I’d been a “straight A” student my whole life. I lost some of my financial aid after completing my freshman year and had to drop out. I began working two jobs in the Food Industry and I was miserable. I constantly prayed to God to let me do school over. I enrolled in Essex County College to Major in music which I was loving but it still wasn’t exactly what I wanted. Then one day, I was sitting in our lounge and I look up to see a poster for The American Musical & dramatic Academy. I read it and decided to go on the website, submit an application, and schedule an audition. After my audition I didn’t hear anything back so I was under the impression that they didn’t want me. But something was like, ” Call Them!”.
So I called the admissions office and expressed my concern. THE NEXT DAY I received and acceptance email! I packed up my entire life on the East Coast to move to LA, without ever being there to go and chase my dream. That is the condensed version. Check out my book I’m Good, Overcoming the Promise of Pain for the full story!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://checkout.square.site/buy/LJCNXK5TPVO2DJXTILNJX5JY
• Instagram: theeasiamonae
• Facebook: Asia Monae Carlton
• Twitter: Asia Monae Music
• Youtube: Asia Monae Carlton

Image Credits
ModelLand