Meet Graciela Diaz

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Graciela Diaz. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Graciela below.

Hi Graciela , thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.

My optimism comes from believing in the potential of my business and the niche I’ve carved out with Virgo & Gem. I’m confident in my capabilities and have a strong drive to achieve my goals—when I set my sights on something, I go for it wholeheartedly. I balance taking action with nurturing a positive mindset by listening to uplifting podcasts and constantly working on personal growth. This combination of action and mindset keeps me focused and hopeful, even when challenges arise.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m the founder of Virgo & Gem, a brand dedicated to providing high-quality, cruelty-free, and vegan dip powder nail products. Our mission is to make salon-quality manicures accessible, empowering our customers to create stunning, long-lasting nails from the comfort of their homes. What excites me most is seeing how our products have transformed nail routines, not just for individuals but also for professionals. A few nail salon owners have fallen in love with our products and now offer services using them. Hearing feedback like this—and knowing customers often prefer Virgo & Gem over some of the biggest brands in the industry—is both humbling and inspiring.

Recently, we launched our 2-in-1 Dip and Acrylic Powder, a versatile product that works as a dip powder for manicures and can also be used to create acrylic nail extensions. We’re excited to expand this collection by regularly introducing new colors.

While developing a plant-based nail polish line has been challenging, it remains a long-term goal we’re hopeful to achieve. In the meantime, we’re focused on innovation and providing the best experience for our customers.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back and even in the present time, because I’m still learning and evolving, I know that this is only the beginning. The three qualities that have been most impactful on my journey are a positive mindset, a commitment to learning, and resilience.

Positive Mindset: Staying optimistic, even in the face of challenges, has helped me push forward when things weren’t going as planned. I’ve learned that a positive mindset isn’t just about staying cheerful, but about maintaining belief in your goals and in yourself. For anyone starting out, surround yourself with positivity—whether that’s through uplifting podcasts, books, or a supportive community. It makes a huge difference when things get tough.

Learning: The willingness to continuously learn has been essential. Whether it’s understanding customer needs, improving products, or learning business strategies, the process of constant growth has helped me evolve. My advice to others is to be curious and seek out knowledge from various sources. Invest in your education and skills, and you’ll be able to adapt to whatever comes your way.

Resilience: Business is a journey full of highs and lows, and resilience has been the foundation that keeps me going. It’s about bouncing back from setbacks, learning from failures, and not letting them define you. For those starting out, don’t be discouraged by obstacles—use them as stepping stones. Stay committed to your goals, and you’ll grow stronger with every challenge you overcome.

Also, keep in mind that no one will believe in you more than you will. It’s important to stay grounded in your self-belief and try not to share your goals or plans with people who don’t think like you. Surround yourself with people who uplift and support your vision, as their mindset will encourage your growth.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

To be honest, 2023 and 2024 were a big mess for me. In 2023, I got pregnant, and in 2024, I was adjusting to life as a new mom of two, with one starting school. I didn’t start the year off well, and I had goals from 2023 and 2024 that I just couldn’t achieve, which added a lot of stress towards the end of the year. But looking back, I’ve learned to be kinder to myself. I remind myself that I was growing a human, taking care of another one, and managing a business—so, of course, things weren’t going to go as planned.

What really helped me was seeking out help. With the support of a therapist, I’ve learned to retrain my brain to stop procrastinating and focus on getting things done. I also listened to a lot of motivational podcasts and downloaded an app called Finch to help with self-care and goal-setting. These tools have been key in helping me build better habits and get back on track.

Something else I’ve learned is that you don’t need to wait for the new year to make a fresh start. You can start the next Monday, the first day of the month, or any day that feels right. That’s something I want to keep in mind for 2025, especially if I fall into the bad habits I used to have.

I’ve also learned to break down big tasks into smaller, achievable steps. This has made a huge difference in helping me stay focused and not feel overwhelmed.

Now, I feel like I’ve started the year with the right foot forward. I’m excited to tackle 2025 and finally achieve the goals I’ve set for myself. My advice to anyone feeling overwhelmed is to be gentle with yourself, take things one step at a time, and don’t be afraid to ask for help or use resources that can support you on your journey.

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Image Credits

Shai B.

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