Her Story
About Diana
Diana Pequeno is a multifaceted creative professional, brand strategist, multimedia designer, educator, and licensed cosmetologist with more than 30 years of experience spanning beauty, design, business, education, media, and personal development. She began her career in the beauty industry as a hairstylist and went on to become a master stylist, makeup artist, salon owner, sales professional, public speaker, and regional educator. Her extensive experience in beauty, wellness, fashion, product knowledge, client relationships, and education established a strong foundation in communication, leadership, creativity, and building meaningful connections.
As her career evolved, Diana expanded into graphic design, photography, branding, multimedia, content creation, and creative direction. She is the founder of ICre8_Me Design Studio, a multidisciplinary creative studio where she helps entrepreneurs, small businesses, beauty professionals, and emerging brands transform ideas into cohesive and compelling visual experiences. Her work encompasses brand identity, marketing materials, digital products, social media content, photography, educational resources, and visual storytelling. She is also an author, with books including Dive: Channel Your Focus, Unleash Your Flow, Suite Success, and Launch and Scale: A Creative Entrepreneur's Guide to Building, Branding and Growing a Successful Business.
Diana's passion for education and personal development is central to her work as a mentor, educator, content creator, and certified NLP practitioner. Through her creative and mentoring work, she encourages entrepreneurs—particularly women—to recognize their gifts, build confidence, embrace authenticity, and turn their ideas into sustainable businesses. She also hosts Elevated Conversations, creating space for thoughtful discussions around creativity, entrepreneurship, personal growth, consciousness, and the experiences that shape how people live and create. Throughout her journey, Diana has embraced reinvention as a pathway to growth, bringing together creativity, strategy, communication, and education to help others move from scattered ideas to purposeful action.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Diana
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to tenacity, persistence, passion, and a willingness to keep evolving. My career has taken me from beauty and education into graphic design, photography, branding, and entrepreneurship, with every transition requiring me to learn, adapt, and believe in myself. Even when I faced self-doubt or imposter syndrome, I kept showing up, learning, and creating. I believe success is not only about personal accomplishments but also about using my gifts to inspire, teach, and empower others.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to trust the process and trust myself. I’ve learned that I don’t need to have every answer before taking the next step, and that asking for help, investing in myself, and embracing collaboration are strengths. I also believe it’s important not to lose yourself while pursuing success. Self-care is not selfish; it helps sustain the creativity, relationships, and purpose needed to make a meaningful impact.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women to not let imposter syndrome convince them that they are unqualified to pursue their vision. Learn your craft, stay curious, ask questions, build meaningful relationships, and don’t be afraid to take up space. Your gifts and unique voice have value, so give yourself permission to grow, evolve, and discover what you are capable of achieving.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest opportunities in the creative industry is turning individual skills and ideas into brands, businesses, and multiple income streams. At the same time, standing out in a crowded digital marketplace while remaining authentic and consistent can be challenging. I believe the key is combining creativity with strategy to create purposeful work that communicates, connects, and inspires action.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, compassion, creativity, authenticity, empowerment, and kindness are central to how I work and live. I value continuous learning, collaboration, service, and mentorship, and I strive to use my creativity to make a meaningful impact. Above all, I want my work to encourage others to believe in their gifts, embrace their individuality, and pursue a life and career that authentically reflects who they are.
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