Today we’d like to introduce you to Diamond Booker
Hi Diamond, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
It was 2013 when I went to LA for the first time. Ever since going back home to Cleveland, I knew there was so much more to life than my small town. I experienced palm trees, hippies, CEOs, exotic cars, people who only went to the beach daily, etc. It opened my mind to so much the world had to offer. Since that moment I knew I needed to move to LA. During my years in high school, I spent so much time feeling I didn’t fit in with others and that there was more to life than this. I worked hard trying to find ways to move but I was underage. When I became a senior in high school I applied to only colleges in California, and got rejected from all of them (I had great grades and such but it was high competition) I didn’t know what I wanted to do or how I was going to move to LA but I knew I needed to. Months later when all my peers were accepted into their colleges I was still waiting for something, rejection after rejection I still had faith. I soon applied to FIDM and got accepted it was a dream come true as the school (now ASU) was so open to creative expression and had such a unique major in Beauty marketing! They also paid for my apartment and housing for the first two years. Once I arrived in LA it wasn’t an easy journey, I encountered so many obstacles such as COVID, Protests, finding employment, lack of a car, lack of money, and more. I worked endlessly finding jobs, freelancing opportunities, and also attending school (mostly virtual). I am grateful for the help of my grandmother who flew with me to LA, helped me move if needed, paid me $100 a month for anything I needed, and gave me her food card whilst I was a broke college student. But through hard work, I was able to save the majority of my money and learn to budget. I was forced to manage my money because I had no other choice, my parents couldn’t pay for me or anyone else so I had to make it happen. This soon led me to become interested in finance and entrepreneurship. I began reading so many books on startups, finances, investing, and more. I learned how to budget my money, spend less than I was earning, and build my net worth. My friend encouraged me to start my budgeting practice. I began by helping her, her friends, and my other friends friends. It all just trickled down as most of the people I knew were young and didn’t know much about finances. I enjoy helping others with finances and getting rid of the anxiety behind it. Especially in such a money-focused city, it’s so important. I believe my story has impacted the way I think and helps me to understand and help others.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth journey, I struggled a lot with financial situations such as finding a decent job, finding affordable housing, and even paying for groceries. These things can cause a lot of anxiety and stress day to day. Another anxiety I had was what’s next? Do I find another job, do I move? How am I going to be able to afford life with inflation? Will I have to stay at a dead-end job? These questions can keep one up at night
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in budgeting and teaching others how to manage their finances. I had a rough start to my journey in LA and want to show people everything I’ve learned from reading every single finance book in the library lol! I am very proud of my organizational skills and ability to learn all this without a specialized business degree. I want everyone to know that financial education shouldn’t be scary, it will push you forward in unimaginable ways. I also love to act and dance. Growing up it was always a dream to perform. I enjoy being in LA because I can fully fulfill both of these passions of entrepreneurship and Entertainment.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I think it is important to reflect on your story. For a long time I compared myself to the other people around me but just by reflecting on the questions asked I feel more proud of myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lime-coral-2ecf.squarespace.com
- Instagram: Diamondtheemuse
