We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Diana Verduzco. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Diana below.
Diana, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
The idea of a “work ethic” is a little bit of a conundrum for me, because there isn’t really a need to force integrity or productivity when you’re in your purpose…it comes naturally. Ethics are effortless when the work is too. Having said that, the motivation to create comes from within. By knowing who you are, why you’re here and where you’re going, you will align yourself with the right circumstances and clientele. My “work ethic” comes from a deep understanding of my destiny, and the knowledge that inspired action is my birthright.
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?
Coming up on the 7 year anniversary of my design firm, I am celebrating the growth and change that has transformed me since I first launched the company. I am currently focused on expanding and scaling to the next level. I am developing my team, integrating deeper spiritual concepts into my design work, and starting to coach and mentor young, upcoming designers. For a long time I was immersed in the construction side of my projects, and I’m excited to say that I am coming back around to my original vision for the brand…diving further into the healing potential of design and connecting with my clients on a more therapeutic and personal level again.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Number 1 is to continuously turn inwards and check in with yourself and what YOU want. I see a lot of designers modeling their new businesses after seasoned mentors that they aspire to be like – which is great – but it can veer you off course if you lack self awareness. Your success will come from following YOUR bliss, YOUR alignment, and YOUR inspiration and goals – not somebody else’s. Never take directions from someone who hasn’t been where you’re going.
Second is to realize that too much hard work inevitably leads to burnout. I’ve really suffered from being a workaholic and have had to step back to reclaim the other facets of my life, which takes a lot of intention and recalibration. If I could do it all over again, I would create balance, boundaries, and standard business hours from day 1.
Lastly, without passion there is no life force or energy behind anything you’re putting out into the world. If you’re not absolutely obsessed with the work you’re presenting, be honest with yourself and others, and take the time to redo it. I see too many designers copying the content of influencers rather than creating originality – and I think when you have a passion that burns inside of you, you will be a leader, not a follower.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I am really enjoying coaching and mentoring new designers, and would love to grow that side of my business. I am definitely looking for design-school graduates and interns, or anybody looking into starting a career in design who is in need of guidance. I hope to begin a coaching program in the near future, complete with courses, modules, webinars, in-person certification retreats and more.
Contact Info:
- Website: thedivinedesigner.com
- Instagram: thedivinedesigner
