We recently had the chance to connect with Diamond Ashman and have shared our conversation below.
Diamond, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Nature. Anytime I am in nature amongst trees, water, animals I can get lost in the beauty and awe of it all. How ecosystems work, the intricate details of plants, and the peace by the water can transport me to another place where time doesn’t exist and we can just be.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Diamond, many know me as D. Gemm. I a multidisciplinary Professional Artist, a freelance Curator, an Arts Facilitator, public speaker, Chess Teacher, Holistic Healer and a mother. I founded Creators Worldwide in 2018 and since have been teaching various mediums to all ages for all kinds of events. Whether it’s team-building for a corporation, a fundraiser for a Non-Profit, a Mother’s Day event for elder mothers or a birthday party for kids, I have had the pleasure of leading individuals through creative exploration. We are not the average “Paint & Sip”, we offer a variety of mediums to create with and explore to encourage originality and individuality. With my company Cultured Concepts, I curate Art Exhibitions and creative experiences for private, public, and community events. I have curated for companies such as Amazon, HP, Microsoft and United Airlines. I also curated a series of original conceptual Exhibitions for 6 months this year at El Dorado Ballroom and The Rado Market. Each Exhibition offers the opportunity to discover emerging Artists and engage in meaningful conversation around the Art and concept. Lastly, I offer workshops to help individuals grow in their business, professionalism and their passions. Creative Innovation LLC offers coaching, grant writing, business tools and services for creatives and small businesses. Many creatives have to overcome the obstacles of logistics, contracting and systems, and as a Creative I know how tedious this can be! I offer my services with the knowledge and experience to help Creatives create sustainable success. As a Public Speaker I offer inspiration through sharing my story, my journey and how I’ve grown in mindset, spirit and faith. Lastly, as a holistic healer I offer intuitive guidance, dream interpretation, herbal remedies and assistance with diet transition to Veganism/Plant-Based lifestyle.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
When I was young I visited home to Jamaica with my family. I am a first-generation American but I still claim Jamaica as home because it is the home of my ancestors, of my family and of my heart. This land (America) is still new to my lineage, but my culture has been taught to me since I was born. The foods, the music, the practices all instilled in me by my father, my grandmother and my grandfathers. On this particular visit I was going for a funeral. I remember sitting on the porch and looking across the street at the kids playing. But this was not the normal scene of child’s play this was the image of “poverty” (in Western perspective) the children were playing barefoot in a junkyard. They had formed a ball out of milk cartons and were playing soccer. Yet, with so much joy they played and laughed and ran and kicked. I’m sure they may have dreamt of a different circumstance and setting, but this took nothing away from their moment that they created joy. And from that day I knew I should always be grateful no matter the circumstance, I should take nothing for granted, and I should make the most of whatever I have. Things could always be different or “worse” and this is a very true statement. There are many with much less, yet much more peace and joy in their hearts. It’s not about what you have or own, it’s about what you do with it and who you do it with.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
“Fret not, have faith. Listen to the Spirit, follow your intuition, and love yourself above all else. You are more than what you can do for others, what you accomplish and how you look. You are a spirit with purpose of divine design. Don’t forget that.” There were many times when fear, doubt and insecurity created anxiety within me, held me captive and stagnated my growth. But each time I chose Faith I was blessed beyond my envisionment. When I dream now I dream knowing that anything is possible, that I create my reality and Gods makes it better. Belief, in the Universe, in self, in divine timing and alignment. NO FEAR. And this carries through different areas of my life, business, love or family. Speaking up for myself has always been a challenge due to how I was raised. And I know little me would be so proud of the progress we’ve made, how we express ourselves, and how we respond as opposed to reacting. But reclaiming my power and choosing myself instead of people pleasing, over giving and sacrificing my well being in order to satisfy another has been my hardest lesson yet. And each time I choose myself I see the power in it, I see that everything will still work out and that I have to pour into myself in order to pour into others. That is not something to feel guilty about, it is not selfish and it is not wrong. Love starts with self first. Staying true to self, honoring your energy, and respecting the boundaries necessary for your highest good. You are loved regardless of individuals who get upset when you can’t do for them, you are valuable even without heavy pockets, and you still have purpose even when you aren’t doing a million things. You are beautiful inside and out and not based on external standards but based on inherent value.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes! I share all the sides of me and they are all real. The business side, the creative side, the goofy side. I am not afraid to be my truest self and share that with others. I do this in acceptance of all of me, in hopes that it encourages others to be their fullest selves, embrace all of who they are, and to attract the people meant for me. If they can’t see all of me, how can they love all of me?
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
Me. My light, my curiosity, my yearning for experience, adventure and knowledge. It would be a fresh lease on life. To be whatever else I shall become. Freedom would remain.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.creatorsworldwide.org
- Instagram: @d.gemm
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diamond-ashman
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Cultured.concepts./videos?app=desktop
- Other: www.cultured-concepts.com
@cultured.concepts
@creators.worldwide
