EntreprenHERship + Education
I have the pleasure of featuring one of my IG favorites in this month’s blog. We have been following each other on social media for years (so, of course, you feel like you know a person in real life right? LOL). Well, I have also had an opportunity to meet her in person in the summer of 2016 during Boule here in Atlanta! She is just as beautiful, stylish, and sweet in-person. She is one of two top style inspirations. She embodies classy, chic, and stays true to her own style!
As we were preparing this blog Diamon traveled all throughout Asia for several weeks, moved to a new city, and started a new job at a huge company. She is the epitome of a classy businesswoman! She is well rounded in many aspects and another example of how you can wear many hats and be successful! It is all about time-management, priorities, and superb organization skills. I am a big believer in having multiple streams of income and chasing all of your different dreams!
Diamon is a first-year MBA student in The Fox School at Temple University and a native Philadelphian. Her undergraduate degree is in Accounting, which led her to the intersection of the entertainment industry. For six years before returning to Temple to pursue her MBA she worked as a Financial Business Manager within the music industry.
Serving as a liaison between high profile entertainers and celebrity clients has taught her a lot about the importance of being technically accurate and emotionally intelligent. A sense of humor that includes the ability to laugh at herself also helps. She has managed the financial affairs of celebrity clients both personally and professionally, through tour management, media & film, and endorsement sponsorships. Over a year ago she partnered with a close friend to launch an apparel company that specializes in creating custom Greek paraphernalia.
1. What was your inspiration for quitting your full-time job to pursue your MBA? What is your MBA concentration? And what made you decide that track?
Prior to pursuing my MBA, I worked in the entertainment industry for 6 years doing financial management. While I thoroughly enjoyed my job I felt as if I had plateaued and wanted to see what else I was capable of accomplishing. In hopes of sharpening my toolset, I decide to return to business school in pursuit of an MBA. I’m currently a double major in Entrepreneurship & Innovation and Human Resource Management.
2. What inspired you to pursue an MBA?
I decided to pursue my MBA oppose to an MS or an MA because I viewed graduate school as an opportunity to restart my career and felt that a full-time MBA program would be the perfect opportunity to do so.
3. How was the Para Girls founded?
The Para Girls originated as an idea to create one or two trendy t-shirts when my partner and I had difficulty finding Greek paraphernalia to wear to our sorority’s conference. While at the conference, we again struggled to find Greek apparel that catered to younger members and decided to try our hand at designing our own. Prior to starting The Para Girls I was toying with the idea of returning to school but wasn’t ready to leave my job and be a poor college student again. I made the decision to put my all into The Para Girls and told myself that if the business did exceptionally well during the first year I would take it as a sign from God and return to school.
4. What is the most rewarding part of owning a business?
The most rewarding part of owning a business, specifically an apparel business, is receiving positive feedback on the detail and quality of your products. Sometimes I sit back and say “Wow, I remember sitting in Starbucks and thinking of that design and here people are taking professional graduation pictures in it!”. It literally melts our hearts.
5. What is the most challenging aspect of owning a business? And how do you overcome it?
The most difficult part about running a business is learning how to stay motivated and be your own cheerleader. In the corporate world, you constantly have your boss/manager pushing you to complete projects. When you own a business it all falls on you. You constantly have to push yourself to get things done. Luckily, my business partner and I have each other to rely on when we need that extra motivation.
6. How do you balance a full-time MBA program, booming business, and international travel? (Literally GOALS)
Honestly, I don’t know, lol. I’m a private person so I don’t typically post when I’m having a rough day/week on social media, but it definitely gets hard. Trying to run a business and still manage a social life, excel in school, and still have “me time” can often seem impossible. Nevertheless, it can be done! The key to achieving it all is convincing yourself that you can do it. You can literally manifest what you put into the universe. Every day I make a to-do list and tell myself that I’m going to complete every task on it. I usually make the list more intense than it needs to be, but it helps me stay accountable and on track.
7. What advice would you give a mentee looking to start a business?
Do your research! Don’t just jump into something because you see a bunch of other entrepreneurs on social media making things look easy. Start small and be confident in your idea. While it’s okay to share your idea with close friends and family, try to limit the number of people you tell. Everyone won’t see your vision!
8. What advice would you give a mentee looking to pursue an MBA/Masters degree?
Take advantage of every opportunity your program has to offer and network as much as possible!
9. What keeps you going and inspired daily?
I receive the most inspiration/motivation from DM's I receive on social media from young women saying that they look up to me. While most of them have told me that I’ve inspired them in some way, they actually inspire me. Just knowing that someone else is watching me and using my accomplishment as inspiration motivates me to push harder every day.
10. With the major success of The Para Girls do you think there is the perfect formula for business?
Love what you’re doing! If you’re passionate about your business, and genuine with the work that you’re doing nothing can stop you from being successful.
You can learn more about the amazing Diamon on Instagram @missdiamon @theparagirls https://www.theparagirls.com
I agree with Diamon so much when it comes to inspiration. When I was finishing my Doctroate sometimes when it seemed tough during the dissertaiton I would think of you all or those other young ladies that look up to me. I kept telling myself this degree is not even for you, its for THEM! You have to show them it can be done and anything is possible! Diamon has inspired me through social media as well. She is another great example of all things are possible. I know how private you are so I am so thankful that you participated in the blog. For example, all these years I had no clue what you did or your passion. LOL That's a great thing! I think I am too much of an open book to some degree! haha Again, thank you for pouring into the lives of other young women!
Catch up on our previous blogs cover a multitude of topics at https://www.adjustyourcrownmentoring.com
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