We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Diandra Marie a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Diandra, sincerely appreciate your selflessness in agreeing to discuss your mental health journey and how you overcame and persisted despite the challenges. Please share with our readers how you overcame. For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
In 2014, I was diagnosed with major depressive disorder, and in 2021, with anxiety. At the time, I felt like I was drowning in silence—showing up for work, being “on” for others, and creating content, all while feeling disconnected and overwhelmed inside. It took a lot for me to even admit I was struggling, let alone ask for help.
But I started taking therapy more seriously, leaned into mindfulness, and let go of the pressure to be productive all the time. One of the biggest turning points came when I created a video series about mental health. It was a bit nerve-wracking to speak publicly about something so personal, but it helped me reclaim my story—and I realized that my vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness.
For a long time, I thought I had to be more to be worthy. More accomplished. More experienced. More articulate. Just… more. I was showing up in rooms I had worked hard to be in—yet still feeling like I needed validation of others to be “successful”. Rather than let that feeling define me, I decided to name it. Out loud. Publicly. And that decision changed everything.
I created a talk show called “Imposter Syndrome,” where I sit down with creatives and professionals to talk openly about self-doubt, mental health, and the messy middle between striving and thriving. What started as a personal exploration turned into a safe space for others to feel seen, too.
The show gave me purpose during some of my lowest moments. It reminded me that I wasn’t alone, and neither were the people tuning in. I wasn’t “cured,” but I had found a way to persist—with community, creativity, and compassion.
By turning my struggle into a conversation, I learned that owning your story is one of the strongest ways to fight shame. And even on the days I still hear that inner critic, I now have the tools—and the people—to help me push through.
I’ve always been committed to being honest about my mental health journey and holding space for others to do the same. Persistence, for me, hasn’t looked like having it all together—it’s looked like choosing to keep going, even when it’s hard, and showing up for myself with grace.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m Diandra Marie—a creator, storyteller, and advocate passionate about amplifying Black, queer, and transgender voices through film, content, and conversation.
As a self-taught videographer and Creative Director of Limitless Visions, LLC, I wear many hats: producer, cinematographer, host, and mental health advocate. My work spans from documentaries and interview series to events and campaigns that center underrepresented communities. What excites me most is creating content that not only informs and entertains, but also heals, affirms, and empowers.
A few projects especially close to my heart include Strength Faith Courage: Conquering Lupus, Psych Nah: I Am NOT My Mental Illness, and Oh, Black Woman—a hybrid short film and interview series celebrating the richness of Black womanhood. My content has been featured at festivals including Newark International Film Festival and Queen City Film Festival, and my partnership with BronxNet helped bring these stories to an even wider audience.
Currently, I’m focused on Imposter Syndrome, my talk show where I sit down with creatives, artists, and entrepreneurs to talk honestly about navigating doubt and identity in their fields. It premiered in 2023, with Seasons 1& 2 available on YouTube & Patreon, and Season 3 already in development for 2026.
Whether I’m behind the camera or in front of it, my mission is the same: to help people feel seen, heard, and valued. There’s power in representation, and I’m committed to building spaces where we can show up as our full selves—no filter, no facade.
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?
Looking back, three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are resilience, self-awareness, and intentional storytelling.
Resilience has carried me through seasons of doubt, burnout, and imposter syndrome. Whether I was teaching myself how to edit video or navigating spaces where my identity wasn’t always affirmed, I had to learn how to keep showing up—even when I questioned if I belonged. That persistence helped me build confidence and community over time.
Self-awareness became essential, especially as I juggled multiple roles—creator, host, advocate, entrepreneur. Learning when to push forward and when to pause has helped me avoid burnout and stay connected to why I do this work. It also deepened my relationship with mental health, making me more honest with myself and others.
And intentional storytelling has shaped everything I create. I’ve always been driven by a desire to amplify underrepresented voices, especially those of Black, queer, and trans folks. I’m mindful not just of what stories I tell, but how I tell them—with nuance, care, and authenticity.
For anyone just starting out:
– Start small and stay consistent. Your first project doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be yours.
– Build emotional stamina. Rejection, slow growth, or uncertainty will come, but they don’t define your value.
– Stay close to your “why.” The clearer you are on your purpose, the more aligned your work will feel—and the easier it’ll be to keep going when things get tough.
You don’t have to have it all figured out. Just start, stay curious, and give yourself permission to evolve.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
My ideal client is someone who comes to the table with a clear vision—or at least a strong sense of purpose—and trusts me to bring that vision to life with care, creativity, and intention. They understand that powerful storytelling takes time, skill, and emotional labor, and they value the craft behind what I do.
They’re not looking to cut corners—they respect the investment that quality media work requires and are mindful of my time, energy, and expertise. We work best together when there’s mutual respect, open communication, and a shared desire to create something meaningful, not just something fast or trendy.
Ultimately, I love working with clients who appreciate thoughtful visuals, want to make a lasting impact, and understand that when you hire a creative, you’re not just paying for a product—you’re partnering with someone who’s committed to helping your message resonate.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ItsDiandraMarie.com
- Instagram: @ItsDiandraMarie
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zQ5h2cuzvQ&list=PLIcueCmY4AThkSGvIjI9EzKBy_ElR0T2S
- Other: https://www.Patreon.com/ItsDiandraMarie
Image Credits
1st & 3rd photos: Malaika Muindi
2nd & 5th photos: Fresco
4th photo: Josh Howard
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.