Meet Asia David | Vision & Story Strategist

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

Hi Asia, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
I have a saying: “There’s no such thing as work/life balance; there’s just life and how you choose to live it.”

This idea came to me when I quit my full-time job to start my company, Die Free Studios. I wanted to reclaim my time to build my vision. However, the saying resonated more deeply when I realized that I used to compartmentalize my work life and social/personal life, but I never seemed to have time for the latter. My business, and specifically being on my computer even when I wasn’t productive, became my own prison. Days, weeks, and years went by, and I realized how much time I was spending being “busy” while my life and youth passed me by. I wanted to work for myself and build a business I was proud of, but I struggled to find the balance between working and actively participating in the parts of my life that nurtured me. I had NO balance.

But balance didn’t just mean shutting my computer at a certain time (even though that’s important). It meant being intentional about my flow of energy throughout the day, not only while working but also in how I spent my time when I wasn’t.

I believe that our lives and how we choose to live them are our ultimate work of art. How we dress, the specialties (or multidisciplinary practices) we pursue, our friends, and our values all contribute to the makeup of our lives. So, I began to look at balance through the lens of my attitude, romanticizing the parts of life that felt annoying, like dealing with taxes and house chores. Being aware of our perspective and attitude dictates how we feel about everything we have to and want to do. This awareness allows us to flow better between the things we have to do and the things that nurture us, creating the ultimate sense of balance. True work/life balance is about maintaining a regulated nervous system or taking care of it when it goes off-kilter.

When things inevitably feel unbalanced, whether due to seasonal changes or different phases of life (“mining vs. shining”), it’s crucial to be aware and deeply accepting of what each season requires from you instead of resisting it. It’s about finding a flow within that and planning for times when you can swing to the other side of the spectrum, being intentional about rest.

For me, the key to work/life balance is fully being present in the moment or season you’re in and moving through it with a joyous spirit.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Our Business: Die Free Studios

At Die Free Studios, what sets us apart is our unique “brand therapy” process, which we guide every client through, regardless of the project type. As an agency focused on web design and marketing campaigns for the past four years, we have never taken the typical route of merely receiving a project brief and brand information to execute. Instead, we dive deep into the world of the company, understanding the founder’s vision, past experiences, and current circumstances. This holistic approach allows us to identify and solve problems clients may not even be aware of, offering perspective, guidance, and creative strategies that tell unapologetically authentic stories, connecting them with their ideal audience.

Our Journey and Challenges

The journey hasn’t always been easy. One of the significant challenges we faced was the continuous process of niching down and identifying our “secret sauce.” It took time to realize that our true value lay not just in deliverables but in the transformation that occurred within the founders we worked with. I struggled with having the bold confidence to move in directions I never anticipated, eventually pivoting into coaching and consulting our clients on not only their businesses but also on how to be in flow with their lives as founders and creatives.

Lessons Learned

Throughout this journey, I learned that success isn’t solely about business metrics. It’s about helping people show up powerfully in their purpose. This realization transformed our approach and allowed us to help our clients align their businesses with their authentic selves.

Our Core Mission

At its core, Die Free Studios is about helping individuals birth their visions and God-given gifts, enabling them to operate at a higher version of themselves. Through our various services and offerings over the years, we remain dedicated to this mission, empowering founders and creatives to achieve their fullest potential.

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.
I would take her to the areas I frequent in Los Angeles by breaking each day up by area.

Los Angeles Itinerary for a Week-Long Trip

Day 1: Downtown LA

Grab coffee at Verve in the Arts District and grab a vegetarian breakfast at Zinc Cafe & Market to sit outside in their shaded patio.

Explore The Broad, MOCA, and Walt Disney Hall for some cool architecture and art exploration.

Then end with dinner at Manuela or Girl and the Goat.

Day 2: Echo Park

Walk around Echo Park Lake and rent a duck pedal boat, taking in the views of the downtown skyline.

Grab a drink (Sage Basil Martini) and lunch at Sage since they are no longer a vegan-only restaurant.

Day 3: Silverlake

Explore Silverlake along Sunset Blvd for cool shops, get a massage at The Now, and get a bottle of an adaptogenic drink from Soft Spirits, a very cute, non-alcohol curated shop.

Then grab lunch to go from Erewhon’s hot bar (or smoothie bar) and go to the Silverlake Reservoir to walk around and have a picnic lunch on the grass.

Dinner at Night + Market Song: Savor the vibrant Thai street food in a trendy, laid-back setting.

Day 4: Santa Monica

Spend the day at Santa Monica Beach: Relax on the sandy shores, swim, or take a stroll along the famous Santa Monica Pier.
Lunch at The Albright: Enjoy fresh seafood and a casual atmosphere right on the pier.

Day 5: Pacific Palisades

Show her the secret overview park in Palisades, show her my old high shcool, and hike in Temescal Canyon to get the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean from the hiking trail.

Dinner at The Draycott: Indulge in a sophisticated dining experience with a focus on farm-to-table cuisine.

Day 6: West Hollywood

Visit the Getty Center: Spend the morning exploring the impressive art collection, beautiful gardens, and stunning architecture.

Dinner and drinks at Catch LA for rooftop hollywood scene vibes with delicious seafood and panoramic views of the city.

Day 7: Free Day and Wrap-Up

Explore Melrose Avenue: Spend our last day together shopping at unique boutiques and outdoor market.

Lunch at Gracias Madre to end the trip with a delicious vegan Mexican meal at this eco-friendly restaurant.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shoutout to my amazing friends, family – my constant source of love and support! Huge thanks to the incredible books that shaped my journey: “Overcoming Underearning,” “The Compound Effect,” “Rich Dad Poor Dad,” “Atomic Habits,” and “The Artist’s Way.” These, along with my awesome support system, got me here!

Website: https://www.diefreestudios.com

Instagram: diefreestudios

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asiadavid/

Youtube: asiamdav