Shaqueria Dial

I attribute my success to creativity, determination, and a willingness to keep learning. Staying true to my vision, showing up fully, and embracing every challenge has allowed me to grow, create meaningful work, and make an impact across design, art, and digital creation.

The best career advice I’ve ever received is to “show up fully, even when no one else is watching.” It’s about bringing your creativity, dedication, and authenticity to every project, regardless of recognition or external validation. That mindset has taught me to trust my vision, stay consistent, and push through challenges. Over time, showing up fully has opened doors, built trust, and allowed me to create work that truly makes an impact.

My advice to young women entering this industry is to start early, trust your vision, embrace your creativity, and stay persistent. Don’t be afraid to stand out or take up space, even if you’re the only one in the room who looks like you. Invest in your skills, keep learning, and build a network of mentors and peers who uplift you. Most importantly, remember that your unique perspective is your strength—own it, share it, and let it guide the work you create.

One of the biggest challenges in the creative and design industry right now is standing out in a highly saturated digital space, where trends move fast and attention is limited. For Interior Design specifically, translating in-person experiences into virtual formats—like E-Design—can also be a challenge, but it’s also reshaping how we connect with clients.

At the same time, there are incredible opportunities. Technology and social media allow creatives to reach global audiences, showcase unique perspectives, and build personal brands like never before. There’s also a growing demand for inclusive and diverse voices in design, which opens the door for Black creatives and artists to lead, innovate, and inspire. For me, these challenges push me to stay creative, adaptable, and authentic, while the opportunities let me amplify my impact across multiple creative platforms.

The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are creativity, integrity, and authenticity. Creativity drives me to explore new ideas, innovate, and bring fresh perspectives to every project or piece of art I create. Integrity ensures that I honor my commitments, maintain professionalism, and build trust with clients and collaborators. Lastly, authenticity keeps me grounded—it reminds me to stay true to my vision, express myself honestly, and approach every opportunity with intention and passion. Together, these values guide how I work, create, and live.