Meet Asya Toney | Entrepreneur and Performer

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

Hi Asya, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I created American Pharaoh Productions because I was tired of seeing ethnic stories told from non-ethnic view points. As a Black queer woman, I am constantly being told about and shown my experience through a tainted lense. From the point of view of people who never have nor will experience life the way I do. As an artist and creative, I know the power of art and I know the importance of telling ones story through ones own eyes. I wanted to create a place that gives people of color an open call to explore our cultures and humanity through performance, writing, and active conversation. To be seen as we want to be seen and not how others believe we should be seen. To show that we are more than our trauma and our ancestors past and yet still connected to them. To show the many facets of Black life and Black experiences and how, despite all odds, we continue to thrive and enrich the very fabric of society today.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a professional performer, producer, and creative. I work as an independent contractor as well as working as the VIP and dance manager for Tracks Denver, Colorado’s largest and top LGBTQ+ nightclub. What I believe sets me apart from other performers is that I truly understand the business side of entertainment. I made it point to be extremely well versed in business and knowing how to “play the game”. Living in a world controlled by forces that constantly appropriate and package my culture, I’ve learned that I must not allow myself to be jaded, exploited, or tokenized. I need to know all sides of the industry, not just the performance side. Much of my current success is due to my education. I have always prided myself on my love of knowledge and learning. And no, it wasn’t easy! Many years of expensive and extensive training have helped me navigate through the entertainment world. Being the only Black student in my courses and learning material that had very little cultural significance were just a few of my hurdles. Yet, I managed to find ways of being my most authentic self while gaining the absolute most from my education. By not allowing my experiences to be dismissed and by making my voice heard, I have broadened the perspective of instructors and helped to reshape the entire curriculum.
I’ve learned that true success comes when you are living in your most authentic and organic way. It comes from feeling accomplished through your own merits and from the support of others. I’ve learned that the human experience is just as beautiful as it is terrifying and we all deserve to tell our stories in our own way. We can change the world without being billionaires and building rockets. Just by simply being, we are living history and that deserves to be celebrated. American Pharaoh Productions gives a voice and a platform to the cultures that have been misunderstood and silenced. It pays creatives for their vulnerability and humility. It invites communities to come together and enjoy life as one. It offers individuals a place to explore themselves through art.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
A vacation week with me would be jam packed with all that Colorado has to offer. I would absolutely start by showing them how much natural beauty we have here. Hiking in Boulder, riding bike paths in Cherry Creek, BBQ at Cheeseman, camping in the sand dunes or a dip in the hot springs. I would be sure to take them to see a show at Red Rocks as well. We would definitely visit the museums, botanical gardens, and do the Santa Fe art crawl if it was the right time of year. As for dining, they would have to try our green chili and I love the selection of sea food restaurants. My favorite being Ocean Prime. For night life we would absolutely hit all of the LGBTQ+ establishments, Tracks, X-Bar, Triangle, Lucid, Charlie’s, and Hamburger Mary’s to name my favorites. Places where everyone is welcome to have fun and just be free! Oh my gosh, and I would take them to see a show at the DCPA! We have one of the largest performing arts complexes in the country, how could we not catch a touring Broadway musical!? We would end our nights 4/20 friendly, watching our favorite horror movies.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are two main inspirational forces behind everything that I do. The first and most important to me is my mother, Arvonne. She has been there for me throughout every single step of my journey and has truly contributed so much to helping me achieve my goals. Her support, generosity, and knowledge have directly resulted in my success as a young business professional. I could not imagine who or where I would be without her love and direction. Next, is my favorite book, Empress, by Karen Miller. It’s a fantasy book about a young Black girl who goes from being an unwanted child, to a slave, to a mighty empress, all through her own efforts and perseverance. It reminds me that no matter where you started, greatness lies within us all. And that sometimes, when the world is against you, the best thing to do is build your own empire and create the opportunities you want for yourself and others.

Website: https://asyatoney.wixsite.com/atoney

Instagram: @@Freda_Slaves10

Facebook: Asya Toney and American Pharaoh Productions

Image Credits
Brian Degenfelder & David Stevens