Meet Diamonel Smith-Manigault | Author; Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Diamonel Smith-Manigault and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Diamonel, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The thought process behind my business was to align my merchandise with intentional principles and core values that helped me define myself. I’ve carried the skill of willingly assisting people in general, no matter the cost. I wanted to create things that would indirectly uplift others while purposely taking care of myself. The best form of therapy is reflecting. Journaling has helped me with accountability and self-discovery. Writing is one of the best-kept secrets to enhancing mental health. Written expression takes a lot of thought and time. I took time to think about what I wanted to be known for, and gumbo came to mind! Gumbo has many flavors and ingredients, just like me. I have vision, creativity, and drive. I wanted my business to reflect who I was and who I was becoming. Being a New Orleans native, where we express ourselves through unique ways, helped me overcome barriers. Having a gumbo-like mindset means providing more without suppressing ideas and vision. I can have it all in one bowl!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have published four journals and one children’s book. What sets me apart from others is being integrity driven. I take pride in creating products I believe in versus what seems to be trending at the time. It takes longer to get discovered, but what the heck! If I do it, I want it to align with my beliefs and values. It was hard. I overcame the ability to live through others to walk the path set for me and accomplish my goals while being myself. I am proud to have finally started. Fulfilling my purpose is exciting. I truly believe the saying “you can be what you wanna be .” It’s all about having a vision and putting forth the effort. There’s a long journey ahead of me, but now that I’ve stepped out on faith, I am anxious and prepared to walk in the purpose God has given me.

I can’t go back now! I’m moving forward with my head high and chest out! I’ve prayed for things for too long and allowed fear to interfere with the plans. Self-sabotage is real! Today, compared to where and what I was just four months ago, is transformation. Others knew I would do more my whole life, but I never tapped into it until now. It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. Along the way, I’ve learned to say no. I’ve learned to remove anything that didn’t feel good or align. I discovered my principles and vowed to wear them on my sleeve. I want people to know that I am up! I see it now. I’m intrinsically motivated and will continue to strive for greatness.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Let me first start with the; I’ve never planned a trip! I have been on many trips, but my husband and friends have always played that role!

Here goes nothing to a therapeutic week! Every morning we would wake up and work out (yoga, walking, lifting weights, etc.). Each day we will have moments where we spend time discussing goals and writing ideas down over a Frutta Bowl. Our lunch and dinner will vary. Private chef to chain restaurants to fine dining to club fried chicken! The motto for the week would be “ I want it all!” We will dance our worries away every night to various genres of music, preferably Afrobeats! We will take it back to our childhood. Reflecting is the best form of therapy. We would indulge in our favorite childhood activities such as UNO, jacks, skating, and jump rope (double dutch), along with our favorite therapeutic drink!

As you can tell, I love having fun, but I also now love to learn. Amid a great week, taking time to relearn my friends is imperative. As mentioned in the previous question, I am not who I was months ago! I’m pretty sure my friends aren’t, either. Being a wife, mother, etc., changes you. The trip would end with us reintroducing ourselves and identifying what is needed to grow as friends. In my view, being willing to evolve with those you care most about is the most exciting thing.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, I would like to thank God. My perseverance in my faith has truly helped me when in doubt and when the presence of fear would not allow me to move forward. For most of my life, I have been rooted-on on my family. They saw things in me I didn’t necessarily know within myself at first. As a child, I was always the one who could never do wrong, even if by mishap! At some point in my life, I wanted to stir away from being the one who couldn’t make mistakes, or the one who some would say was going to make it no matter what. I’m glad I didn’t! Even if I did try to turn the page, my grandmother and mother both had high expectations and wouldn’t allow it! When I reflect on my past and where I am now, I am genuinely grateful for the push. I truly believe being God-fearing and integrity-driven has allowed my true self to arise.

Being a wife and mother has been instrumental in this process. I’ve had the privilege of taking on significant tasks while being challenged mentally to pursue my dreams and desires. I am forever grateful to be where I am mentally. Of course, I am still working on my physical appearance, but I am thankful for excellent health! My husband supported me from day one, even when I had no solid plan! Just like my family, he, too, saw greatness and pushed me to pursue all of my desires.

Not to mention my friends, who checked on me and saw the vision. The countless back-and-forth and timid demeanor were as frustrating to them as it was for me! I am forever thankful for solitude. My transformation took place when I was forced to figure it out alone and was instrumental in this process.

For once, I want to give myself a shout-out for going for it. I did it anyway! I did it my way.

Website: www.diamonelco.com

Instagram: @diamonelco

Facebook: @diamonel

Image Credits
Diamonel Smith-Manigault (photos) I have the rights and permission for the images taken.