Meet Diamond Young | Coach, Consultant, and Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Diamond Young and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Diamond, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
From the age of 7, I’ve had a love for entrepreneurship. From raking leaves at 7, washing cars at 9, selling candy by 12, cleaning college students’ dorm rooms before their parents came to visit at 18, writing resumes and cover letters at 20, website designing at 21, and the list goes on.

I knew that I had a passion for creating businesses and motivating those who were on the fence about creating one for themselves.

In July of 2019, immediately after graduation, I relocated to California to start my new career in the tech industry.

After relocating to California, I discovered that there was a disconnect after leaving the south. I no longer had access to my community. The simple necessities that were perhaps taken for granted were no longer visible. Looking for salons, skincare, restaurants, social gatherings that looked like me were far and few in between. This very moment became the planting seed and birth of the BLK Directory. After much thought, planning, and research I decided to present the world with the option of change. The change of accessibility, financial growth, and respect.

I desire for black businesses to be forever visible in the light that they deserve.

What should our readers know about your business?
I have the pleasure of owning and operating two businesses, Diamond Unlimited and BLK Directory. Diamond Unlimited focuses on helping entrepreneurs launch, grow, and scale their businesses through my business coaching and consulting services.

BLK Directory App serves as a bridge and marketplace for black businesses and consumers to connect. It’s important for black-owned businesses to be connected to the community to help expand their global reach and impact. We also focus on providing support, resources, and tools to black entrepreneurs to grow their businesses.

What I’m most proud of is the fact that I get to touch all of the phases of an entrepreneur through both of my businesses. I love to help and encourage people to just go for it so that they can live life on their own terms.

This journey wasn’t always easy I must say. In 2017, I was laid off from my first job post-undergrad. I had moved all the way to West Palm Beach, FL with little to no money, no family, or friends in the state. One thing that I was certain of was that I didn’t want to return back home.

For some reason, I viewed it as a failure. I would be returning home with no home to my name, no money, and no job security. I made the decision to return to my home state and it was the best decision that I made at this time. After returning, I enrolled in the MBA program at my alma mater and worked at a local Walgreens during this time. I learned so much because I had a lot of time to be still. I learned that I wasn’t happy where I was and that I had a true passion for business.

I originally never had plans to go to grad school but completing the program gave me the tools I needed to create a successful company.

One thing that I want readers to take away from my story is that the key to surviving the inevitable storms is having the ability to adapt. Knowing when to take risks, when to be still, when to move, and when to bet on yourself.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I have a few favorite places in the city that I love to take my family and friends.

For breakfast or brunch, I would take them to State Fare, Union Kitchen, Snooze, or the Breakfast Klub,

Then we would head to Graffiti park to take some pictures of the art. We would go home to take a nap/snooze.

For lunch, I would take them to Taste Bar & Kitchen or go to Central Market to pick up lunch for a picnic at Buffalo Bayu park.

For dinner, we must go to Steak 48, Thirteen, and Lucille’s.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my family and friends’ support system. I’ve been lucky enough to have a strong tribe that supports me in every way along the way.

I would like to give a special shoutout to my mom. She’s my biggest supporter and she believes in me even when I don’t believe in myself.

Website: https://www.diamondunlimited.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diamondunlimited_/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diamonddyoung/

Image Credits
J Vince