Meet Qiana Buckner | Author and CEO

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

Hi Qiana, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
My favorite quote of all time is by author Vivian Greene: “Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, but learning to dance in the rain”. This quote means everything to me. I refer to it as my entire life in one sentence; The good, The bad, The ugly and the indifferent. It inspires me that no matter what I go through simply, dance. There is freedom in dancing. There is peace in dancing. When people tend to dance, they haven’t a care in the world, at least for that moment. Dancing brings a smile and a sense of enjoyment no matter what is going on around you. So, whatever storms come your way, dance even if it is in the rain. This, in simple terms, means that life is filled with challenges, and when facing problems, despite everything, you can still find joy, hope, as well as a reason to smile and be happy. I have added my own twist to it at the end by simply saying, “I Choose To Dance”.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am the founder and CEO of A Diamond in the Rough Productions and Lady “Q” Network. I am a transformational specialist. I empower women and young girls to transform into their highest self while learning to daily live their lives unapologetically. I do this by teaching self-mastery using the Diamond and the Butterfly as my foundation and synopsis. My company offers so many unique things. Gift 4 Grads is a scholarship program that we offer to high school seniors attending a four year College or University. Girl P.O.W.E.R is a mentoring program for girls ages 12-17 Dear Transformation Mastermind classes for women ages 18 and older There is motivational speaking (Inspiration Coming To A City Near You!) A new Talk show as well, “Empowerment Chats With Lady “Q” I am most proud of being a 3 time author. My newest book “Of Course I’m C.U.T.E” Affirmations and Declarations To Polish Your Inner Diamond comes out next week. I will have published 3 books in 4 years and I am not done yet, Getting to where I am professionally today has not been easy. I often say to others, . The vision only works if you do. You must do the work. no one will ever see or produce like you. How did I overcome challenges? I have overcome many challenges and obstacles through faith and prayer. I had to realize and accept my strengths as well as my weaknesses and find the courage that lies within. Were there tears, absolutely! Were there times of weakness, absolutely! Were there times that I wanted to give up, of course! But I am reminded of this, Only God can turn Sand into Pearls, Coal into Diamonds, and Caterpillars into Butterflies. You can’t have the Glory with out the pruning and pressure of the story. There will be times you may feel like your a failure because things didn’t go quite as planned. However, as I’ve written in my story to other, Falling is not failure and failure is certainly not defeat. The only time that happens is when you give up, so don’t ever give up on you! Lessons that I have learned along the way: Remain Humble. Always trust God and Pray. Integrity is everything especially because it’s that part of you that we don’t see. Actions will always speak louder than words, they tell the truth behind the definition of your character. Last but not least, I have found my super power, and that is, I am simply an over comer and so are you. What I want people to know about me is that I am honest and real. I love to help others by supporting, pushing, and empowering them them to reach their destination of purpose in their life. If I call you my friend, you have a true friend forever.

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.
We would visit some of Pittsburgh most famous and unique restaurants such as Primanti Brothers known for their sandwiches, Pamela’s known for the best breakfast in town, The Bus Grille 36 owned by hall of Famer Jerome Bettis, Any one of the amazing restaurants on top of Mt. Washington, The Savoy, and also Back to the Foodture which is known for their ready to die burger or their black and gold wings. We would definitely have to ride Pittsburgh’s famous incline. Which takes you on a ride up the side of a mountain. Once up the, you’re able to see our entire city from up high. While there you can shop, dine, or get some great ice cream treats. We could visit the Pittsburgh Improv for some amazing comedy, Carnegie Science Center, Visit the strip district to experience everything Pittsburgh along with some amazing cafe’s and museums. This is the area that you get all of your authentic sports gear. We would also visit PNC Park and Heinz Field, for great entertainment and night life. There is the Heinz History Center, The Point, Kennywood Park, and The Gateway Clipper to name a few others. We would paint the town with love, laughter, and most of all fun. Pittsburgh is a great place to make priceless memories.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
This is a double shout out if I may. Everything that I do in my life, points back to the legacy of my older brother Wesley Quarles Jr. He was my best friend and confidant. We were 11 months apart. His life was taken when he was 10 years old. I was 9. He suffered from Sickle Cell Anemia but died because of abuse. However, I always say, in death, he gave us (my other 2 siblings and I) life. I will always and forever honor his memory. The complete story is told in my first book, My Journey. My Peace. My other shout out would have to be to the women in my life whom I simply call my angels. I grew up in foster and was homeless most of my life. These women were strategically placed in my life not only to support and love me, but to also help and most all encourage me. My “Angels” gave me hope and courage that I could make it because I was strong, resilient, and beautiful and no matter what, not only did God have my back, they did too.

Website: www.ladyqnetwork.com

Instagram: theofficial_ladyqnetwork

Facebook: @LadyQNetwork

Image Credits
Charmaine Clark of Candidly Char (Professional Photo Shoot) Denishia Macon of Macon Designs (Book Covers)