Meet Mike Diamond | HOUSE agency co-founder & DJ

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

Hi Mike, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When it come to HOUSE, the agency I’m a cofounder of, we basically wanted to step into our own creative space and create opportunity. We both had worked for agencies for a few years, plus a lot of freelancing outside of that, and it was time for growth. We wanted to learn the ins and outs of being business owners and provide opportunities to creatives that were being overlooked by the industry. As a black man, I personally wanted to help create something that could help break down doors for others that look like me. I don’t have a college degree but was lucky enough to find opportunities with companies I had dreamed of working with as a kid. I want to be a bridge between someone that might be overlooked in spaces because of their skin color or education.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve had a pretty crazy run. If you list off the companies and brands I’ve worked with, I sometimes don’t even believe it myself. Ford Motor Company, Toyota, Nike, Hypebeast, Jameson, Coca-Cola, Remy Martin, and Scion are a few of those companies. It wasn’t easy but, with the change it what companies look for in creators and collaborators , it’s opened up a lot of opportunity. Being a part of international campaigns on a creative side and being booked to dj different cities across the country has opened many doors. From djing, photography, design, and videography, I kind of fall into a weird category of creative. I try to not limit myself. I believe it’s okay to wear many hats. Back in the early 2000’s, I really understood the power of the internet and created a lot of strong connections with people that would go on to do great things. We all had the same kind of outlook on creativity. I never was the type of person to just focus on one thing just like them. The goal is to shape a world using all the skills I have and make something bigger than myself. No limits and no rules.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Miami has so much to offer. For one night in particular, I’d probably say grab something to eat and hear some good music at 1-800-Lucky. After head to The Corner for drinks to chill a bit before heading to Club Space for a night of house music. You can’t go wrong with that combo if you like good drinks, food, ad music. Some of my other favorite spots are Puroast Coffee, ATV, CVI.CHE105, Mama Tried, and Dante’s HiFi. Miami has a lot of art which I’m a huge fan of so exploring everything in Wynwood is a must. There’s so may hidden gems and I’m still finding new things to do.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I get a lot of inspiration from my friends and family. They’ve been the driving forces for me trying to do all that I do. People from afar I’m inspired by, because of their body of work and what they contributed to the culture, are Felix Da Housecat, Virgil Abloh, Frankie Knuckles, André Leon Talley, and Coltrane Curtis to name a few.

Website: mikediamonds.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikediamond

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-diamond-79a053163/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikedmnd

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikedmnd/

Other: https://www.housetheagency.com