Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Diesta Goldsmith. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Diesta, appreciate you joining us today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.

It was the space shuttle that was about to lift off the pad. The announcer said, “All systems are Go!” I never thought in my life as a young African American girl that I would ever play a part in something so much bigger than life. I have to admit that although I went to college and achieved a Computer Science degree, I wasn’t a very good student. I had little confidence in my software coding abilities, and it was my fault. I was always afraid to ask questions in class. I felt intimidated. I felt small and embarrassed. I was usually one of the only females in class and a person of color.

When I landed the job at a major defense company, I realized one thing. I had to apply myself 100% to mastering software development and that I did. I took courses and discovered that I did not care what others thought. I had to learn.

I was given the opportunity to write a large software change for the astronauts to use in orbit. I was responsible for commands from the Space Shuttle to our rocket booster. I heard the astronauts exercise commands that activate my code. Say What??? This moment made me realize that if someone explains anything to you and and breaks it down so you can understand it. You, my friend, can accomplish anything you set your mind too.

This experience is one that helped build my confidence in starting my own menopause wellness coaching business.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Although I worked in the space industry, I was always active in fitness. I took time away from the industry when I had my second child. From high school through college, I was a collegiate cheerleader. This lead to teaching fitness classes, to body building, to becoming a Regional Group Exercise Manager over three states for a major fitness chain.

When COVID hit (how many times have you hear those 3 words) and the gym closed, I decided to start coaching women in fitness. At first, I started out as a midlife coach but after hiring my own business coach, I soon learned I needed to “niche down.”

Because of my own trials in menopause, and how I still competed in body building in my 40’s, these experiences helped me identify the women I wanted to serve. I want women to know that they can go through perimenopause and have a positive experience if they get educated and are not afraid to get the help they need. Statistics show that women of color suffer much more in menopause that our white sisters do. It’s my passion to help all women so they don’t suffer like I did.

This is why I call my business Vision Up Health and Wellness Coaching. Truly menopause and midlife can be challenging but the best is yet to come.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

I believe the most important tools in succeeding in the area of wellness coaching is by having a community of like-minded people who will hold you accountable and encouraged in your business.

Being a solopreneur can be lonely at times. Having a master mind or a network where you can get support is key. since most businesses stop after 3 years, for longevity purposes, you have to have community.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

When you train for any athletic event, you learn a lot about yourself. Discipline doesn’t come easy. I remember having to get up to train at 7:00 or 8:00 in the morning and it would be pouring down rain. My mind would try and talk me out of it. It would say, “Oh you don’t need to go today. You can skip on training session. I think I’m not feeling well anyway.”

Oh my goodness. I remember when I would have peanut butter and I would tell my trainer. She would say, “remember your competition is not cheating…” UGH.

So fighting though your mind. Deciding what you want and sticking to it takes G.R.I.T.
G.R.I.T. stands for:
1) Grace – you aren’t perfect – give yourself grace for those days where you struggle,
2) R – renew your mind/self-talk-what are you saying to yourself:
3) I – identify your triggers – what things are getting in your way or who?
4) T- train in your truth (operate in the truth of what you really want for your life.)

It takes G.R.I.T. to accomplish your goals in life and in business. For coaching it takes putting yourself out there and knowing why you’re different. Why should people work with you? What sets me apart? All those things influence how well you’ll do in your business.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.visionupwellness.com
• Instagram: vision.up.wellness
• Facebook: vision.up.wellness
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@visionuphealthandwellnessc7890

Image Credits
Sarah Haywood: earthandlacephotography https://www.facebook.com/earthandlacephoto/