We had the good fortune of connecting with Diane Wilkes Tribitt and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Diane, what inspires you?
I am inspired by helping others. It really does my soul well to see how sharing my life journey can benefit someone else. I have witnessed the impact of making a difference. I’m inspired by helping others to see that by sharing their stories, they can help others too.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m most proud of using my own personal journey to walk into what I never imagined my life to become. I had to learn the power in forgiveness and healing, would open the door for me to use my pain for purpose. Through D’Lyric Inspired, I walked into my PURPOSE and accepted my calling to transform lives through the power focusing on the words “Coming From The Heart”. Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it”. As an author, freelance writer, motivational speaker, songwriter, and aspiring playwright, I believe my gift of writing and inspiring people are birthed through what I call my I.B.G. Moments “Inspired By God”. I had the fortunate experience to be on OWN’s (Oprah Winfrey Network) show “The Book of John Gray” where Pastor Gray helped me to stop and reach deep inside myself to discover there were some wounds still buried within me that I was still holding on to. Through this opportunity, I shared these words, “I realized the very thing I was running away from because I was ashamed of it and ridiculed for it, it was actually what God was bringing me to because now I have purpose in helping somebody else.” These words still hold true. Has the journey been easy, by no means. However, I believe that we are made stronger by what we go through. In James 1:2-4, it reads, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” I am by no means ashamed in saying that I could not have gotten through many of the challenges I encountered without my faith in God. It was during the toughest times in my life where I wanted to give up that I found my strength to keep going in those quiet moments with Him. I knew He was building my stamina to do what I am doing today.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
Wow, this is definitely a hard one. I’ve had friends come and visit so activities are based upon what their interests are. Most of my girlfriends are a lot like me, we like to spend time catching up and enjoying each other’s company when we get together. However, if I had to plan out an itinerary, it would include some of the spots in Houston I love. Eateries: A few of my favorite spots to dine are Pappadeaux Seafood, Rouxpour, Lupe Tortialla, The Turkey Leg Hut, and this very quaint Italian spot one of my friends turned me on to called Piccolo Italian Cafe & Cucina. Entertainment: I don’t go out much believe it or not but I do love live music and the theater. My husband is a musician and has his own band so I try to get out to support him when I can. One of the places I will frequent when he plays is called B’s Wine Bar, which is an intimate and quaint spot with a very welcoming atmosphere. Houston has a nice theater district so if there’s something special going on during a visit, I’d want to take friends. Relaxation: A trip to Surfside Beach would definitely be on the itinerary if the weather is right. My husband and I love taking the drive to Galveston for some downtime so that would definitely make the list of places to checkout.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are so many people I could include in my shout-outs but it would take too long to name everyone and I’d be afraid of forgetting someone. So, I’ll just name a few that have taken this journey with me… – My husband, Patrick Tribitt, who has truly inspired me to go after my dreams and stay the course on my journey. He is truly my Godsend and I am so thankful that he chose me. – My daughters (Andreea, Adrienne, Alyssa) who make me so proud to be a mother and who always tell me that in spite of the mistakes I feel I made along the way in raising them, I’m an awesome mom. They are awesome moms too and have blessed me with my amazing grandchildren (Adria, Darius, Cierra, Caleb, Cameron, Aiden, Jalen, Kaden). My bonus kids/grandkids (Valencia, Micah, Branden, Xavier, Malachi) because though I didn’t give birth to them, they’re still part of me. – My mom, Lundie Wilkes, who watches over me in heaven…she was my example of a strong woman who showed so much love to others. She taught me much more than I’m sure she would give herself credit for. Miss her dearly. – My Siblings (Janis, Joyce, Frederick). I couldn’t ask for better siblings because our mother taught us to always love each other and take care of one another which we do not only to honor her but because we were raised in love. – My BFF’s (Juanita, Lisa), we’ve been friends since high school. They have been my example of what longevity in friendship is and what it means to be TRUE friends. They encourage me and have my back at all times. I can trust them and there is so much safety in knowing you have loyal friends. We’ve been friends for nearly 40-years so that alone speaks volumes. – My Fab 4 Sisters (Lauray, Marsha, Rose), who make me laugh, keep it real, undergird me in prayer and have been in my life for over 20 years. They inspire me to be the best me I can be and they make me get out to enjoy life. – My Houston Vitiligo Awareness Movement (HVAM) family. I am so grateful that God saw fit to allow me to be the founder of this organization. I was inspired to make a difference in the lives of others who have Vitiligo by starting this community support group. I must recognize my leadership team (Brandie, Crystal, Dorothea, Erica, Gwen, Kim) for being an awesome group of women committed to working together to bring awareness to our community. I couldn’t do this without them. I also must thank one of our newer members, Mother Vivian Harrison who is 90-years young. She is such a blessing in my life and she sends me daily words of encouragement. To know that HVAM not only changed her life but saved it literally brings tears to my eyes because when we walk in our PURPOSE, we realize it is tied to more than just us. Her testimony is one that the world needs to hear. I love her so much! – Dr. Jacqueline Cobbin who not only helped me to publish my first book, “My Journey To Just Be Me. Moments of Reflection With The ONE I Love” but always encouraged me along the way and still does. – The ONE I Love (God) for leading me and guiding me every step of the way throughout my life and never leaving me or forsaking me. I would not be where I am if it wasn’t for Him! My favorite scripture is Jeremiah 29:11 “I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.”

Website: www.dlyricinspired.com AND www.houstonvitiligoawareness.com
Instagram: dlyricinspired AND houston_vitiligo_awareness
Linkedin: Diane Tribitt
Twitter: @HVAM17
Facebook: Diane Wilkes Tribitt AND Houston Vitiligo Awareness Movement
Youtube: D’Lyric Inspired
Other: My book “My Journey To Just Be Me. Moments of Reflection With The ONE I Love” is available on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/My-Journey-Just-Be-Reflection/dp/1712313223/ref=sr_1_1?crid=228V7J49DSCRZ&dchild=1&keywords=diane+wilkes+tribitt&qid=1590532909&sprefix=diane+wilkes%2Caps%2C183&sr=8-1

Image Credits
Ferrell Phelps