The terms “talent” and “natural” get thrown around a lot. People say them when they can’t explain why someone is as good as they are at what they do. When people see DieHardDiva, they call her a “natural talent”. As someone who has followed her for years, I know she isn’t. That because I have seen her scratch, claw, kick down every door, obstacle, benchmark, quiet every doubter, and make her way to the pinnacle. However, she won’t be satisfied with stopping there. Whether it’s streaming, cosplaying, community outreach, or just speaking her mind, she will excel or die trying (hence the name). She will do everything she can to do what she loves and has fun making the haters watch and weep.
I asked her to do me a solid and give me a little bit of her time to give my some insight about her path to full time content creation. Follow along as I delve into the mind of the most DieHardDiva.
You always talk about your time in the theatre. Can you talk about that and what you miss about it?
I started theatre at the age of 10 and continued until my years in college in 2014-2017. I’ve been in multiple productions, both stage play and musicals, and I had the opportunity to work at Walt Disney World as a performer, which was VERY theatrical. Do I miss it? Yes. Do I wish I could go back and participate in shows again? Of course. However, due to my back injury and time, it’s just not possible, but maybe one day in the future.
You got to live the ultimate anime fans’ dream, living in Japan. What do you miss the most?
The scenery. Just like in anime and media, Japan is beautiful. I’m a big fan of nature and I miss natural wonders all over the island. One of my favorite spots to visit was the Oirase Gorge in Aomori, which was where I lived. If I was given the opportunity to travel back to Japan, I would take it in a heartbeat.
What is something that you definitely should NOT do while in Japan that anime watchers would think is okay?
I know in anime they make the food look amazing, which it is, but don’t act surprised when the portions are smaller. In Japan, they like to eat a little, slowly and then go and get more while here in the US, we’re so used to huge plates of food.
How did you come to love Dead by Daylight? What was it like becoming a Fog Whisperer? (Dead by Daylight Partner)
I already love horror so I was really surprised to see a video game with some of the iconic horror slashers like Michael Myers, Freddy and more. I was also drawn to the game with the original killers and survivors they have. I love being a Fog Whisperer. It’s nice to meet players saying they started playing DBD because of me. As a partner, it’s nice to remind the community that this is still a game and you can have fun, even though it’s a horror game and can get quite competitive.
I started following you when I was exploring Kingdom Hearts. I know you are a massive fan of the series. What were your takeaways from KH3?
I LOVED IT! I was a little upset seeing the Frozen level, it was fine, but I wish they would include underrated Disney classics like Treasure Planet or Emperor’s New Groove. Very excited for KH4.
Your award for Kingdom Hearts best boy goes to…?
Sora, OF COURSE!
What’s your backstory and how did you get into streaming?
Four years ago, I got into a very bad car accident and I lost my day job due to back injuries. I was already a hardcore gamer at the time and friends told me I should try it out. Four years later, here we are making content full time. People say blessings can be in disguise, in this case, I believe them.
When you finally got to Twitch Partner, what went through your mind?
Is this real? We all work hard to hit that goal of becoming partner but seeing that email and that purple check mark next to your name just doesn’t feel real sometimes.
Tell me about your channel and community.
I treat my community like a family. We all come to hang out, vibe, and have a good time while causing a little bit of chaos on the way. We all like the same things so I think it’s important to have a space for someone to express similar passions. My number one rule is to be respectful to one other. As a black woman, I’ve had my fair share of racist and sexist remarks and any type of negative behavior is not allowed in the gaming community or in my community.
What’s the most interesting thing that’s happened to you because of your streaming?
Monkeypaw Productions, the production company from the minds of Jordan Peele, started following me and shared some of my clips and cosplays on their channel.
As a Twitch partner, if you could change one thing about Twitch, what would it be?
If you block someone, they should not still be able to see your channel. Also, change the 50/50 on subs creators get from Twitch.
Which streamers inspire you the most?
Literally all the streamers in Noir Network. There are so many amazing and talented creators I admire and look up to and it is an honor to be in Noir Network alongside them.
Follow the Noir Network on Twitch! Lots of amazing streamers on that team.
https://www.twitch.tv/team/noir
What kind of cosplayer do you consider yourself?
Ever since I went full time, I see myself as a casual cosplayer. I still love to cosplay, but I only cosplay when I can.
Why do you cosplay?
Because of my theatrical experience and also to show the world that cosplay is for everyone.
What is your most expensive cosplay project?
My Sora cosplay. The full cosplay with the keyblade was roughly about $500 total
What is a cosplay pet peeve of yours?
People who assume cosplayers aren’t “real” nerds/fans and are just there for attention. Let people enjoy things they love!!
Do you have cosplays that are sometimes painful or uncomfortable? Are you willing to bleed for your art? If so, how much?
Of course! With my theatrical experience, I go all out. That can be between color contacts, wigs, corset, heels, anything. It can be very uncomfortable but when I cosplay, I commit. There’s nothing wrong with cosplayers who don’t go all out. Cosplay however makes you feel comfortable.
Find DieHardDiva on Twitch, (https://www.twitch.tv/dieharddiva), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/dieharddivatv/), and YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/c/DieHardDiva) for more Spooky Kooky Shenanigans!
