Meet Diana, a multi-taking mompreneur and owner of 2 companies. Diana’s jewelry line is all about versatility and personalization. Different than other online brands, Diana takes orders via her DM’s, and she customizes something special for each of her customers. I’m excited to share Diana Peters Designs on my blog and Diana’s journey to founding her own line that so many have fallen in love with, including myself.
What inspired you to start your own jewelry brand?
Ever since I was a little girl I loved crafting and creating beautiful items. I started out making jewelry for friends and they absolutely loved the pieces and they encouraged me to start selling them based on the compliments they received for wearing my jewelry.
What is your favorite thing about jewelry?
I love creating a beautiful look and communicating and making my customers happy. It brings me so much joy seeing a happy and satisfied client.
Have you always known what you wanted to pursue?
Up until I started Diana Peters Designs, I was the founder and Executive Director of Symbol Training Institute, Chicago’s leading advanced manufacturing training center. This was something that I always had a passion for so I pursued it.
Tell us what’s unique about Diana Peters Designs.
I not only design the jewelry but also will consult on a particular look and layout with my clients, so I naturally go above and beyond as I always strive to meet and exceed my customers expectations.
Tell us about your design process.
A lot of my inspiration is born out of what I like and my tastes as I have a particular vision in my head and it comes to me. It could be something I’ve seen in the landscape or on vacations, etc. It’s hard to pin point exactly where it comes from.
How do you curate your jewelry collections?
I’ve gone to numerous jewelry shows and met with many individuals in the industry who have been instrumental in terms of me setting up my jewelry lines.
What’s the most popular item people come to you for?
They love my customizable pieces with certain messages or names that are near and dear to them. Currently, my 18K gold link chains are my best sellers.
Who do you look up to?
I look up to my parents as they are my biggest role models and as immigrants had to deal with a great amount of adversity which they always have a calm head regardless of the situation.
What advice would you give your teenage self?
Live in the present! Don’t take No as an answer.
How do you take care of yourself? What’s your favorite self-care practice?
I love to pamper myself with manicures and pedicures. I love to drink my morning coffee sitting outside first thing in the morning. There is something so peaceful and relaxing about being outside early in the morning.
Can you share a time you failed and what you learned from it?
When I was starting my first business at Symbol Training Institute, it required a lot of cold calling which I was not good at it initially, and involved me building up a whole network from scratch. There were certainly a lot of non believers and doubters along the way, but I’ve learned to overcome them and distance myself from the noise. I think it was more just to build up the confidence as every failure along the way further strengthened my resolve and resilience.
Proudest moment to date?
The birth and raising of my three children.
What has been some of the most challenging aspects of starting and growing your company?
The time commitment and juggling act between family and business time has always been a struggle as both require so much time and attention which are both extremely limited resources these days.
What is your long-term vision for your company?
To grow it to become a national brand and for everyone to wear and incorporate my designs.
What advice would you give to women who want to become entrepreneurs or run their own businesses?
Pursue your dreams and to have confidence above all.
What does women’s empowerment mean to you?
Women’s empowerment in my opinion is the ability to call the shots.
What’s your way to unwind and relax?
I like to spend time with my husband and three kids doing fun and silly activities.
Tell us about a philanthropic mission you care about, and maybe how it has been incorporated into your business.
I try and give back to worthy causes that help out immigrant communities as I am the daughter of two first generation immigrants from Kiev.
What’s next for you? Any new products in the works?
I am working on new wraps and some new beaded designs which will be super fun to wear out or just wear on a daily basis.
Where is your company based and how can people find you?
I work out of my home and ship nationally and internationally. You can look at my designs and reach out to me via my instagram feed @dianapetersdesigns
Fun Facts:
- Current book you’re reading: Becoming
- Hobby: Crafting which has become my business and cooking Vegan
- Favorite podcast and/or blog: Armchair expert with Dax Sheppard
- Role model(s): My parents and definitely my 3 kids who make me a better person. They’re such good, pure kids and make me want to do good in this world along with them.
- Favorite vacation destination: Sarasota, FL -it’s our happy place-our home away from home.
- How can people find you:
- Website: www.symboltraining.edu
- Email: dianapetersdesigns@gmail.com
- Instagram: @dianapetersdesigns
- Facebook: Diana Peters Designs
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianapeters13/
- Anything else to share? Growing up in an immigrant family, I’ve learned to be grateful for all the things that I have in my life and to take full advantage of opportunities. I am beyond grateful to my community and incredible customers who believe in me, my products and continue to support what I love to do.
Interviewed by Katie Lam: katie@kalonsf.com
Leave a Reply