We recently connected with Dianna Austin and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Dianna with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
I owe my strong work ethic to the incredible influence of my mom and dad. Both of them have been immersed in the retail industry since their teen years and have remained dedicated to their respective companies to this day. Witnessing their unwavering commitment and enduring work ethic has been a profound source of inspiration for me.
From a young age, they instilled in me the importance of hard work and determination. I fondly remember accompanying my dad to work, which not only provided valuable bonding time but also allowed me to witness firsthand the dedication required in a professional setting. It was during these early experiences that the seeds of a strong work ethic were planted in me.
Now, as my mom recently retired after years of dedicated service, I reflect on the sacrifices and perseverance that shaped my upbringing. Their tireless efforts have taught me the true meaning of working hard and the importance of giving my best in everything I do. I am grateful for the invaluable lessons they’ve passed down, and I carry their legacy of hard work with pride and a sense of responsibility in all aspects of my life.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
In 2020, I created Applauding Women, a brand designed to empower, uplift and inspire women. It initially started as a blog.
A platform for me to connect with women by sharing my personal life experiences. My stories were either deep and personal or fun and creative. My purpose in creating the blog was to make a safe space for women to connect with my stories, bring positivity into a world of chaos to showcase the beauty of what women are doing around the world and encourage women to love themselves both mentally and physically.
Until this day, Applauding Women continues to empower, uplift and inspire women. But, it has expanded to become much more than what I had planned for. I’ve changed my blog to a website. My stories have opened the door for other women to share their stories . I’ve designed and handmade merchandise to go along with my brand. For example, I currently sell crewnecks, shirts, keychains, stickers, mug and journals. Each product is handmade with love to remind all women to be proud of who they are as women. I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone and signed up as a vendor at local pop up events to help promote my brand and products. I’ve used my social media platform to continue to share my personal experiences, help promote women owned businesses and collaborate with both men and women who have supported my brand. At last, I’ve organized and hosted small and intimate events for women; such as, Friendsgiving and “Let’s Talk About Business” (an event designed for small business owners to connect and collaborate.)
Now, is Applauding Women just for girls and women? Not at all! My brand is from a woman’s perspective since it’s what I know best. But, I encourage anyone who can relate to my content to engage and participate.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
In reflecting on my small business journey, I’ve identified three crucial aspects that have significantly contributed to my growth, both personally and professionally. These qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge have not only shaped my entrepreneurial experience but have also become pillars of my success.
First and foremost, I’ve acquired valuable knowledge about the importance of avoiding comparisons with other entrepreneurs’ stories. Initially, I found myself caught in the trap of measuring my progress against others, leading to self-doubt and unnecessary worry about external opinions. However, as I embraced the realization that each journey is unique, I gained a profound sense of self-confidence. Learning not to compare allowed me to appreciate the individuality of my path, finding joy in the daily accomplishments and recognizing the fulfillment of bringing my original ideas to life.
Secondly, the skill of networking has proven to be indispensable in my small business endeavors. Despite being naturally shy, I recognized the necessity of stepping out of my comfort zone to connect with others. Taking this risk has been transformative, opening doors to valuable relationships, particularly with some phenomenal women in the business world. The network I’ve built has not only provided support and guidance but has also served as an essential source of inspiration and collaboration.
Lastly, the ability to enjoy the moment has become a key area of knowledge that has positively impacted my entrepreneurial journey. Initially preoccupied with fears of failure and external judgment, I learned to shift my focus towards appreciating the present. Recognizing the significance of each day and acknowledging the strides I’ve made has allowed me to cultivate a mindset of gratitude and resilience.
In summary, my small business journey has been shaped by the knowledge of avoiding comparisons, the skill of effective networking, and the understanding of savoring the present. These three elements have not only propelled my business forward but have also contributed to my personal growth and fulfillment as an entrepreneur.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Absolutely! I’m actively seeking collaboration opportunities and am open to partnering with individuals who share an interest in my business. Networking is a vital aspect of fostering meaningful connections, and I appreciate the value it brings.
If you’re interested in exploring collaboration or have any inquiries about my business, feel free to reach out to me through any of my social media accounts. Additionally, you can connect with me via email at [email protected]. I look forward to connecting with like-minded individuals and potential partners. Let’s create something great together!
Contact Info:
- Website: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/applaudingwomen/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/applaudingwomen
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXj2N74lm5UjhLYWh6E9_QQ
