LIRM Interview ~ One on One With Diann Valentine

This blogger can often be seen in the local bookstores getting his reading on and retaining his knowledge. There is nothing greater than perusing the bookshelves and coming across a masterpiece for your soul.


More masterpiece testimony after the click of the LIRM

Me and the Mrs. to be decided to hit up the local Barnes and Noble a few years ago amid talk of preparing for the big day. We were at a standstill when it came to decorations, flowers and vows and just when we found ourselves a bit frustrated, there was the publication for our souls.


The Book was simply titled "Weddings Valentine Style" and it was the book for us. Years passed and one night while on the social network Twitter, in popped the amazing Diann Valentine and I was instantly following. This powerhouse business woman has managed to build a brand that surpasses those who came before her all while doing it with an infectious mega watt smile.

She has designed and spearheaded wedding celebrations and ceremonies for the likes of Usher Raymond, Nas, Lela Rochon and Antoine Fuqua, Boyz II Men crooner Shawn Stockman and Toni Braxton just to name a few.


Upon receiving confirmation regarding this interview, my mind  instantly raced back to that day in the bookstore and I realized that I was interviewing greatness.


Check out this amazing One on One with a humble woman who has a certain quality that simply confirms that it is her season.


Your name is attached to many positive things such as class, love and happiness. How important is it to have a positive name/brand in these days of negativity?
Developing and maintaining a positive brand image is of the utmost importance to me. Reality television has caused people to lay down their morals, dignity and self respect all in the name of fame and I think it is awful.


I aspire to have a career that will be remembered in the same vein as Oprah Winfrey and Tyra Banks, so I have consistently refused to do any train wreck shows. Any project that I am involved with will ALWAYS be uplifting, celebratory and inspirational. My daughter and mother should be able to look back at my work during any phase of my life and feel proud. If I cannot get that kind of reaction from the people I cherish the most, then it simply isn’t worth any amount of money or recognition.

Absolutely! Being successful is something that you seem to do effortlessly, share with our readers what inspires you to continue to reach for the stars?
When I was growing up, my dad always taught me that I could do or be anything I wanted to be in this world and I had the audacity to believe him. My dad is a retired general contractor and he was one of the best. He is a perfectionist and taught me that work was only worth doing if I was willing to do my best.


Excellence is a state of mind rather than a goal and I aspire to be the best designer, business woman, mother and wife I can be. Everything in my life requires the best of me so when I keep that in mind, I cannot help but strive to be more as well as do more.

I've watched you on television and read your publications including your book, how do you find the time to meditate on the next goal?
Prayer has always been a vital tool that I have used to receive clarity during my journey. I believe that my steps are ordered by the Lord and as long as I put him before my dreams and goals, I know he will continue to direct my paths.


I have so many big dreams and goals but I have also learned two things in my maturity process:


1. Dreams are achieved one step at a time, one goal at a time and one day at a time. I cannot get ahead of myself or become too anxious because I will then begin to make mistakes. If I focus on my goals for tomorrow versus my goals for the next ten years, it will be easier for me to meet those milestones.




2. Enjoy the Journey! So much of our lives are spent chasing our dreams. I used to be so focused that I never slowed down to appreciate all that I had been blessed with. I have also learned that there is freedom, healing and opportunities to inspire others in the journey of life so I enjoy the process just as much as the milestone achievements.

As a young woman coming of age, did you have any role models who you looked up? Tell us about them.
My mother is an awesome woman of God who has the biggest heart in the world. She cares so much about people and I always thought to myself, if I can have half the heart she has, God will be pleased with me.


My father has and will always be my hero who is a provider, counselor, cheerleader, voice of reason and much more. Aside from my parents, I was most inspired by my Junior High School Principal Carolyn Getridge, who recognized something in me and nurtured my leadership abilities during my formative years as a leader.


We remain in contact even today and she will always be one the greatest influences in my life. A few of my shining examples during my adult life also include Walter Hubert of Silver Birches, Patti Webster of W&W Publications and Howard Schultz of Lighthearted Entertainment. I always surround myself with people that are smarter, more talented and accomplished than I am.

We are living in critical times, how does someone of your caliber deal with various criticisms that have come your way?
Throughout my career I was often perceived as arrogant, extra, over the top and everything in between. The effects of the constant ridicule have made me very reclusive simply because I have always felt misunderstood.


My journey has been tough and I've often felt like the underdog. I didn’t come from a wealthy family with an inheritance waiting for me at the tender age of eighteen. I’m not a dancer, singer nor an actor and I never sought out a millionaire to marry.

Dealing with these circumstances, I knew my fight for success would have a set of innate challenges but I am yet thankful. I am actually thankful for the criticisms simply because I believe there is some truth within everyone’s perspective. The criticism is a constant reminder to continue to look within and see my true self and work on myself.


I also have a small circle of people within my life that I know love me for me and also love me enough to tell me when I am wrong, which is very important. I refuse to be surrounded by “Yes” people simply because they are often destructive as well as disloyal. The driving force within my life is to create beautiful life changing expressions of love for women around the globe – Nothing else pushes me more!


You can often be found on the social networks such as Facebook and Twitter, how important is your fan base?
Connecting with people and sharing my creative vision is what I love. I am not sure if I have a fan base but I love - LOVE! The digital media world allows me to connect with lovers of creativity in a pure and intimate way without having a worldwide platform. For years it has been my belief that love looks different to every woman in love but the industry often shoves the same traditions down everyone’s throat and that can be a bit annoying.

My desire is to give women permission to express themselves in a way that is truly a reflection of them, that is not a standard or trend set by others. Interacting with people thru the social networks allows me to have a voice daily and to share my perspective as well as hopefully encourage them to embrace their own voices.




Ms. V as I affectionatly call her has forged a name for herself that is simply connected with love, respect and class. Be sure and be here tommorow as Diann shares with her readers her goals for the future, her new television show as well as her upcoming entrepernual ventures.


http://www.diannvalentine.com/
www.twitter.com/diannvalentine
www.facebook.com/diannvalentine