We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Diane Awdeh. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Diane below.
Hi Diane, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
Throughout my journey, I’ve discovered the power of embracing my uniqueness, especially when finding myself as the only one who looks like me and who shares my background. I’ve come to understand that being different is not only valuable but also something to be celebrated. This realization transformed my perspective, encouraging me to embrace my distinctiveness and perceive it as a strength that sets me apart in a positive light.
In every chapter of my life, I’ve found my narrative to be distinct from those around me. Whether I was navigating life in various locations, from Arizona to Lebanon and back, or weaving through diverse experiences, my story has consistently stood out. Today, residing in Tucson, Arizona, I am an Arizonan, having been born there, with roots in Lebanon, bringing a unique blend of cultural perspectives to the table. Fluent in three languages, my professional journey has been rooted in academia for the past decade, complemented by a deep-seated passion for the arts. This diverse background has not only shaped my identity but also enriched my ability to connect with and contribute to a wide range of environments.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a dedicated artist and painter with a lifelong passion for creating. From an early age, I immersed myself in the world of art, cultivating a strong creative spirit. In recent years, I’ve also discovered a tenacious entrepreneurial drive within myself. The challenges presented by the Covid era inspired me to embark on a unique venture: the launch of a tote bag brand ‘Tote’. Currently, I am producing more than just tote bags, I began producing an array of bags with diverse designs and styles.
The essence of my brand, ‘Tote,’ lies in transforming classic bags into wearable art pieces. Each bag is a distinctive creation, serving as a canvas for my abstract paintings. Whether it’s a bag turned into a painting or a hand-painted bag, the result is a one-of-a-kind unique piece. My artistic style infuses the bags with a collection of stunning abstract paintings. This venture is not just about fashion; it’s a statement for the bold, singular, and eccentric individuals who appreciate standing out – a sentiment that resonates with my personal journey.
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?
Reflecting on my journey, three key qualities and skills have significantly influenced my path. Firstly, my unconventional and out-of-the-box way of thinking, always driven to explore what is different and unique, stands out as a critical factor in shaping my trajectory. This mindset has consistently propelled me to approach challenges and opportunities with a fresh perspective, fostering innovation and creativity.
Secondly, unwavering resilience and a strong work ethic have played a pivotal role in my experiences. I’ve found that being relentlessly dedicated and hardworking has not only helped me surmount obstacles but has also propelled me to continually strive for new heights and make the most of opportunities that come my way.
However, as an introvert, I’ve learned to overcome this by recognizing that my art serves as a powerful tool. For me, it is both a shield and a source of strength, it pushes me to approach people, initiate collaborations, seek partners, and assertively propose ideas. For those at the early stages of their journey, my advice is to embrace your unique way of thinking, cultivate resilience, and identify your own source of strength—whether it’s a skill, passion, or creative outlet—that empowers you to overcome challenges and pursue opportunities with confidence.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Absolutely! I am continuously seeking opportunities to collaborate with talented and passionate artists who share my enthusiasm for creativity and artistic expression. I am particularly interested in partnering with like-minded individuals with colorful souls and unique visions, as the synergy created by such collaborations is incredibly inspiring and fuels my creativity.
Whether it’s co-creating designs for my ‘Tote’ brand or exploring new avenues for artistic collaboration, I invite artists who resonate with this vision to reach out. Connecting with me is easy—simply visit and follow @tote.lb on Instagram or drop me an email at info@totelb.com.
I am genuinely excited about the prospect of working alongside fellow artists, exchanging ideas, and bringing our collective visions to life. Looking forward to hearing from the vibrant and creative minds within the art community!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tote.lb/
Image Credits
Tote
