We were lucky to catch up with Ceres (Diaja) recently and have shared our conversation below.

Ceres, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today. What were some of the most unexpected problems you’ve faced in your career and how did you resolve those issues?

Out of all the unexpected things in my life that have altered the trajectory of my business, I would have never thought homelessness would be one of them.

I wasn’t going to answer this question because I’m currently going through this, but I believe my story will empower someone, whether they’re a business owner or not to keep going. With that being said I want to highlight the importance of pivoting and how that has become one of my effective tools (in addition to my faith), with getting back on track when everything goes left.

I’m a native New Yorker that moved to Philadelphia July 2022. When I arrived, my apartment was not ready, but it was okay! I was excited and relocating was an adventure I’ve never been on. Sure I had no friends or family in Philly, but regardless I knew this was where I needed to be. Fast forward to a week and half later things with my apartment went left. In addition to my unit STILL being incomplete, I found troubling issues with the building as well. Time to pivot! I got my money back and moved elsewhere, to my dream location.

Things were great. I was heavy in the art scene and was apart of every opportunity I could find. Art was keeping me sane, because at this point I was battling the emotional stress and depression of not having friends/family near, (Shoutout to the friends I have now). Jumping ahead to February 2024, I’m suddenly being forced out of my apartment because of nearby construction. No time to plan. Where should I go? No family. No notice! What made this more challenging was that so many wonderful things were happening but I couldn’t fully enjoy those moments, like my feature at City Hall. My world in a snap was turned upside down. My brain was in a fog to the point where I almost missed the opening ceremony. Once again I had to pivot, and QUICK! This shift was consuming my productivity. I had deadlines, new work to produce, etc. Bouncing from house to house, crashing with friends, and dealing with sketchy/non-responsive landlords when looking for temporary housing until I found something permanent, was exhausting. Like time, life goes on so I had to as well, otherwise I would loose the good things around me, and that would be my fault. In between all of this I grieved the loss of the things that were out of my control, I prayed, I freaked out, I was pissed, all the feelings that could have been felt going through this I felt it, but then I had to woman up. I fought to maintain the blessings I still had. In all transparency I had about one last pivot in me before I called it quits. But that was all I needed. Sometimes all it takes is that extra step that will bring you to your breakthrough. I found a stable temporary place to stay, I was able to coordinate an alternate date for my solo exhibition, which was one of the major upcoming events that was caught in the crossfire of all of this, and though I no longer have my home studio, there are studios I can book to create my new body of work. Though this chapter of my life is still being written, I thank God for moving on the hearts of people around me to take me in during this difficult time without having to ask. I guess this is why they call Philadelphia the City of Brotherly Love.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Ceres, artistically known as Diaja. My dad actually came up with that name. I’m a painter, turned designer, turned photographer. It may seem like I’m all over, but everything played a part in the artist I’ve become today. I now merge everything under the umbrella of photography. Though photography is my primary artistic medium, viewers will see other elements I often incorporate in my work for effective storytelling, like body painting, using my muse as a canvas before photographing them. Flowers, because of my love for nature, and symbolism. Most of my clients book me for creative portrait shoots, product photography, mentoring, and upon special request, event photography. I also sell my work, mainly in galleries, but interested buyers also contact me directly for pieces from my collection.

In 2018 I founded a non-profit organization called Artists of Today. My organization focuses on the advancement of underrepresented artists through community, gallery exhibits, and grants. We’ve hosted a number of exhibits and awarded grants to deserving artists in New York, and plan to branch out to other cities, starting with Philadelphia.

As I reflect on my career I’ve come to realize my biggest flex is not found in my accomplishments but my ability bet on myself, no matter what, and help others along the way.

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

I love this question and I wish I could shout this answer from a mountain top. Stop telling artists/creatives to get a “real” job. It’s disrespectful, unsupportive, and contradictory. Think of all the things you’ve purchased, watched, enjoyed, etc. all because of an artist/creative. What a drab and primitive place this world would be without us. Also, we don’t accept exposure as payment! Artists deserve to be properly compensated for their work.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The ability to take an idea and bring it to life will always amaze me. I have all sorts of wild concepts floating around in my head and I enjoy the challenge of going through the process to make what I envision a reality. The cherry on top is getting paid to do what I love, though I would create just for the love of art. This is the most rewarding aspect of being an artist.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.diaja.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omg_diaja__/