Full name: Diana Espir
Position / Job title?: Recording Artist & Performer
1. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? I started my singing career at the age of 15 so I already knew I wanted to be a singer since a young age but honestly, I thought of it as a temporary occupation and never once imagined I would be lucky enough to carry on until now and have all the opportunities that have been offered to me.
2. Fast-forward several years/decades. How did you land (or create) your current position? I think that as a performer, you don’t necessarily ‘land a position’ but build a career with experiences and skills you acquire over time. You never know what’s next and have to take it day by day. When it comes to being a recording artist, it’s definitely important to be open minded to create your own identity and find your niche. In my experience, achieving my dream of becoming a recording artist was the result of years of training, live & stage performances, studio sessions, writing sessions, some really awful records as well as some good ones, but also being passionate and fully committed. I have performed full house venues as well as empty ones.
3. Did you have to take on internships to get there? How important in general, do you think, are internships? I don’t think it works in the same way as a ‘regular’ job. Every job paid or unpaid, is a constructive experience and is part of your own learning curve. What is important isn’t how much work experience you have (although it can’t hurt) but more how you deliver and connect with your audience. For some people, it comes naturally and for others, it takes years of work. However, I got an intern contract at the International Dance Academy in Paris, which is the only program in the country that allows dancers /musical theatre performers to train and get work placements in musicals, shows, TV and other projects. I’ve learnt so much from it and I think it’s an incredible way to get dancers consistent work and the contacts they need to succeed in this industry. I am not aware of any similar programs for singers…
4. Tell us what a typical work day looks like for you. What is your job REALLY like, both the glamorous and not-so-glamorous parts? There is no typical workday. Everyday is different and there are still parts of the job that I haven’t had the chance to experience yet. It depends if I am training, performing, recording or promoting I guess. Sometimes I’ll be recording in the studio for days, others I’ll be rehearsing preparing for a performance. Some days I’ll be performing. There are also press-related activates such as shoots and interviews… It’s very diverse! It may all look glamorous, but in fact, it’s quite the opposite. It is a full-time job not to mention the continuous training necessary to maintain a good level.
5. What is the biggest career mistake you’ve ever made? I’ve let people get to me and doubted myself. It made it difficult to share my passion and work at the best of my ability. It was a waste of time and I could have gone much further with a thicker skin.
6. What is the single most important piece of advice you would give to other career-minded women? I think there aren’t (or shouldn’t be) any rules nowadays, do whatever you like and do not be afraid to speak your mind even tough some people may resent you for it. Do whatever makes you happy because there should not be guidelines as to what women should do!
7. Let’s talk about work/life balance. What does that mean to you? Is it important? It’s extremely important to me; however, long hours are compulsory and might still not be enough to succeed. I think the balance isn’t about how much time you spend focusing on your personal life but rather in having the right people that surround you. It doesn’t mean spending every waking minute with them but knowing you are there for each other is good enough.
8. On that note, do you think women can have it all? Both the baller career, and the happy family? I would love to give a clear answer to that question but I honestly don’t know, purely because everyone is different and I have not experienced that myself. My sister is a lawyer and she works part-time as well as looking after her 2 kids. I guess you can but would have to compromise on both your career and looking after your children full-time. I’ve made the choice to make my career my whole life for a while especially in an industry where the opportunities are extremely rare. But at the same time, I would love to have a family at some point in my life. I don’t like to plan things so it will happen when the time is right.
9. If you could look into a crystal ball and see 20 years into your future, what would you want to see? To be perfectly honest, I don’t know and don’t really want to know. Obviously I would love to see an accomplished artist that has inspired others, as well as having a lovely family of my own. However, I like making the most of what I’m given and try to avoid having too many expectations.
10. What is the best piece of advice that you have ever received – career-related or otherwise? I’ve been told to let talent speak for itself rather than acting out.
11. Parents love to say, “just wait ’til you have to face the real world…” When you were in college or high school, what did you think the “real world” looked like? What is the difference between what you thought and reality? I don’t think my parents have ever really said that to me because I have always loved working. Things come easier when you are young and I definitely didn’t think it would be as hard and take as much work later on, but I have learnt to accept it and actually love the challenge now!
12. Should you work for the money, or do what you love? Obviously it’s important to do what you love but I think it’s also important not to be taken for granted. Working out of passion is great; from my experiences, people who end up working just for the money take the passion and the fun out of everything. It’s really not the way I like to work.
13. How important is money to you when considering a job? It’s irrelevant most of the time, because I love my job and any opportunity I am given to perform, collaborate and do what I love I will take if I can. However, it is important to know your limits and not be taken for granted.
14. If you married a millionaire husband and didn’t have to work, would you? (Be honest.) I would absolutely work! In fact, in times when I am working less, I am always finding new ways to do more, improve my current projects and skills and think of new ideas. In fact, I wouldn’t even call it work anymore; it’s become my lifestyle.
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