Meet Diaunte Jenkins | Artistic Director/Choreographer/Educator/Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Diaunte Jenkins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Diaunte, what is the most important factor behind your success?
When reflecting back on the past 14 years of my career, I can honestly say that the most important factor behind my success is my faith and ability to remain optimistic. It has always been important to me to keep my faith unwavering and to always trust God in the process of everything. This has allowed me to remain strong and stable in moments where life seemed to be spiraling out of my control or simply at a standstill.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I believe what sets me apart from others is simply the calling that God has placed on my life and the assignment I am on. I have learned overtime to not compare my journey and the adversities that come with it to no other human because we are all called to have a different testimony. Without a doubt, I am most proud of my fight and push to continue working towards what has my name on it, despite the tests that may seem invincible. I am most excited about this next chapter in my career and life that is going to bring several changes. I am taking that leap of faith with leaving the classroom earlier than expected to allow time to regroup, reconnect and recenter with myself, my craft, my businesses with the end goal of living in my fullest potential of this new era.

The Journey has for sure been one that only with God given strength can endure so graciously, but I would not have asked for a better story to tell. I wholeheartedly believe that everything happens for a reason, and those lessons should always be used to build you for the better. What many would have called obstacles, I seen them as tests of faith and growth, and others as simple life survival exams. I have gained and lost several individuals along the way, however, despite the outcome, my heart and actions have always been pure and genuine, leading me with graceful closure. There were many things that the current individual I am in this present moment, would have for sure wished been different, but again, everything that I have encountered has taught me a lesson that I have applied to my daily growth and will continue to do so along life’s journey.

It is always important to reflect on everything that happens in our daily lived and to always find a positive to outweigh the negatives. With the major transition from being a college Grad to going straight to a middle school classroom was by far one of the toughest scenic changes I faced. I had to perform a lot of self unlearning in the beginning to break out of unhealthy habits I realized were just deflecting moments of the past. From there, one of the main lessons I have learned was the power of “Grace “and “Favor.” These two core values are essential to our daily living. I have learned to not put more trust in other humans than you put in God and yourself especially in your most vulnerable moments. Learning and understanding that the power of letting go of your ways and ideas and fully surrendering to Gods will makes life so much easier and peaceful which has been one of my favorite revelations.

I want the world to know and allow me to be an example of what it looks like to be a determined, goal driven and a true humanitarian. As humans, we all have character flaws that we must take accountability for, however, know and understand that it is not your responsibility to force others to understand you and your internal emotions/decisions.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
These are some of my highly recommended places and things to do.
Adventures:
ATV Riding
Jet Ski
Oleta River Park

Food:
World Famous Theo’s Seafood and Pasta
The Food Truck Store
TLC Foodtruck
Bonanzas

Church:
Cool Church
Antioch Missionary Baptist Church of Miami Gardens
Antioch Missionary Baptist Church of Liberty City

Dance Studio:
Top Tier Studio
Showstoppers Studio
Red Dot Studios

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I truly must give all honor and praises to God. Indeed, my grandparents, mother, aunts, uncles, siblings, and close friends have played a physical role in my success and endeavors, however without God, I would not be where I am sad who I am. Within my 26 years of life, God has continued to show up and show out in my life, especially when I truly had no one to back me up in my hardest moments. My Grandparents have always played a key role in my earthly development as a human simply by making sure I was covered in prayer and providing me with the best opportunities to make sure excel at whatever I do. Furthermore, my mother has always been my bestfriend and always made sure I was mentally and emotionally stable and available to be present in any space I took up. I have to shoutout my supportive aunts and uncles that have continuously supported me before the television days and always believed in me, my gifts and personality authentically. When I speak on close friends, I am frankly speaking on those that have been supportive through whatever stage of life they were introduced to and love and support me unconditionally. I have been blessed with friends that have proven that genuine love and reciprocity is reciprocal. As I state in every interview, my siblings have always been my motivation to continue pressing forward knowing I am their role model and example of success that is accessible to them.

Website: https://Www.diauntej.org

Instagram: Diauntej

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@diauntej?si=1UneFouBjLyZml4i

Other: Company Instagram: @t.o.p.tier

Studio Instagram: @toptier.studios_

Choreography Page: @diauntejchoreography_

Image Credits
Photographer- Marra Finkelstein
Photographer- @Slapshotit
Photographer- @Greattimeportraits
Photographer – @Ktruthvisuals
Logo- @tb.kevv