Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Diamond Dyson, Founder of Diamond Ariel, located in San Antonio, TX, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Diamond Ariel is a style coaching business. Through my 3-month coaching program, I help audacious women achieve their style desires so that they can confidently take up space. When women unapologetically show up as themselves, the world listens, and things change. The goal is to be a part of that change.
Tell us about yourself
Back in 2019, I decided to move to Berlin, Germany, for two years. I worked for an NGO as a Youth Worker, coaching local teens. After the pandemic hit in 2020, I knew that it was time to find my purpose. So I followed my love for styling and worked as a fashion stylist. I styled local music artists, models, and Creators. I also did editorials, which got published in European magazines and brought even more opportunities. Then I realized fashion styling by itself wasn’t as fulfilling as I wanted it to be - so I decided to become a style coach. Don’t get me wrong; I love styling photoshoots - I need that creative outlet. However, coaching everyday women - especially black women - gives me the motivation I need to become a better version of myself so that I can help them become a better version of themselves.
I didn’t want to be a normal personal stylist who tells you what you should wear. I want to give you the space to discover who you want to be, what you want to wear, and who you want to be seen as. Get to the root of your insecurities so that you can confidently style yourself. Growing up, I never fit in (I still don’t, but I love it here), and I had horrible self-esteem. I also carried the weight of other people’s opinions more than I carried the weight of my own - so I was never fully confident in myself. It wasn’t until I stopped caring about other people’s opinions and started dressing according to who I wanted to be that things began to fall into place. And I want the same thing for every woman - especially women of color.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is changing the lives of my clients. There’s nothing like seeing the growth of people I serve - especially black women and women of color. We’ve been dragged down for so long, and I love playing a part in lifting us up.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The hardest thing that comes with being a business owner is my perfectionism. I want every little detail of every little thing to be perfect - whether that’s writing an email, creating content, or delivering my services. I want my clients to have the best of the best. But every day, I have to remind myself that I will make mistakes - it’s a huge part of growth and being a human. Perfection is the enemy of progress.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
First thing first - let your fear motivate you. There are so many fears that come with starting and maintaining a business. Whether that’s the fear of failing, not making enough money, or being judged, every day, remind yourself of your why and what your life would look like if you stayed consistent - if you reached your goals. If you’re not scared, you’re not growing.
Secondly, even if you aren’t experienced, you ARE qualified. You’re qualified and more than capable of running the business of your dreams. Oftentimes we allow ourselves to stay stuck because we don’t feel good enough. Or we take an insane amount of business courses and do hella research - but NEVER launch. Imma tell you right now - you better become best friends with mistakes. Because the reality is you will make them. But you’ll get better, and before you know it, you’ll have a thriving and in-demand business.
Lastly, believe in yourself and work on your mindset every day. Imposter syndrome and having a limited mindset is a real thing. If you don’t consistently work on your mindset, you’ll hold yourself back. You’ll start believing lies, and the next you know, you’ve given up because you’ve allowed your mind to keep you paralyzed. When those negative thoughts come, and you begin to question your worth and skills, be prepared to fight those thoughts and affirm yourself. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who will remind you of who you are and hype you into oblivion. You’ve got this. I believe in you.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.diamondariel.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DiamondArielStyle
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/queen_ofdiamonds/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diamonddyson/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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