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

Alright, Diamond thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

The idea for Syncing Syllabi was born during my time as a peer mentor at my alma mater. I was working at the Office of Black Student Success. A program I and a few other activists petitioned for. The population of Black students at the time was less than 3%. I work with incoming freshmen and transfer students. As I connected with those incoming college students, I noticed a recurring challenge: the overwhelming task of managing assignments. Witnessing their frustration and stress firsthand ignited a spark within me to create a solution that would alleviate this burden and help students succeed.

I vividly remember calling unenrolled students over the summer and asking them what prompted them to leave. I learned that students need 2 things to stay in school. A sense of belonging and the ability to manage assignments. On one call, a freshman shared they missed a major assignment deadline due to a scheduling mishap. Her sense of defeat and disappointment stuck with me. She let me know she felt like she had a community because of us at the Office of Black Student Success but transitioning from high school to college was a huge adjustment workload. At that moment, I realized the potential impact of an automated system that could seamlessly integrate syllabus information into calendars, complete with reminders, with just one photo or upload.

It was almost shocking how advanced technology is and we still lack instant syncing with photos. The logic behind Syncing Syllabi was clear: students needed a tool that streamlined the organization of their coursework and eliminated the potential for missed deadlines. While there were organizational apps available, none focused solely on the specific needs of students managing multiple syllabi. Syncing Syllabi aimed to fill this gap and provide a dedicated solution to a common problem.

What excited me the most was the opportunity to make a tangible difference in students’ lives. The prospect of creating a tool that could ease their stress, improve their time management, and contribute to their academic success was incredibly motivating. I also wanted to increase the enrollment and retention rate for first-generation and minority students. The potential to transform the educational experience and empower students to excel was the driving force behind my dedication to this endeavor.

As I delved deeper into research and development, my enthusiasm grew stronger. I envisioned a user-friendly interface, seamless scanning technology, and personalized reminders that would redefine how students approached their studies. The belief in the unique approach Syncing Syllabi brought to the table fueled my determination to see it come to life.

With each step of the journey, from conceptualization to development, I felt a strong conviction that Syncing Syllabi was not only worthwhile but also essential. I knew I was onto something special—something that could revolutionize how students navigate their academic responsibilities. The alignment between the problem I aimed to solve and the innovative solution I had in mind solidified my commitment to making Syncing Syllabi a reality.

Diamond, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’ve always believed in defying labels and embracing opportunities. When an idea sparks, I dive in headfirst. Balancing entrepreneurship and influencing is exhilarating and demanding. TikTok gives me the canvas to showcase my vibrant, fitness-loving self. Guiding others on their fitness journeys and vetting products to save them money is my passion. I just started posting one day and suddenly, I grew a following. I realized people liked to see my authentic life journey. My followers are my pals. My pals are a wellspring of support and positivity, propelling me forward. I also dabble in vegan food experimentation, sharing delightful recipes. And yes, I love a good laugh too. I’m a hoot. My proudest moments are the comments thanking me for my effective “non-aesthetic home workouts” and product recommendations that enhance their confidence. Helping others fuels my fire.

I’m an entrepreneur committed to transforming education through Syncing Syllabi. I started by sketching how I wanted my app to look. The drawings were not the best but I had my sorority sister resketch them. Later, I started asking around for people who knew anyone who had an app. After that, I got a prototype, found some investors on LinkedIn, and started developing the app. Our recent beta test at Fresno State yielded rave reviews. Students, now empowered by the app, engage in extracurriculars previously unattainable and never missed assignments. My pride lies in these stories of impact. My brand is about enabling student success and fostering empowerment in the academic realm. I aim to reshape the learning experience, one synced syllabus at a time.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Building my reputation within my market has been shaped by a combination of authentic networking and embracing my true self. I’ve attended tech events with unconventional blue hair, challenging stereotypes that pigeonhole appearances. By staying true to myself and brushing off negativity, I’ve attracted remarkable people and forged valuable connections. The amusing part is that my blue hair often becomes a conversation starter, drawing people to me authentically. Genuine interactions, filled with laughter and charm, have naturally facilitated networking.

In the realm of social media, authenticity has been my strongest asset. My first viral video began with a candid declaration: “I’m trying this product because the girlies on here be lying.” This unfiltered honesty resonated with audiences. Over the course of 50 days, I shared my genuine fitness routines and dietary habits. The transparent journey created a sense of relatability that people connected with.

The essence of building my reputation lies in remaining genuine and unapologetically myself. By defying norms and being approachable, I’ve discovered that authenticity is magnetic. Whether in person or online, authenticity and an unpretentious approach have been the keys to fostering meaningful relationships and resonating with others.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

A significant lesson I’ve had to unlearn is the habit of imposing limitations on myself and striving to control every outcome. The journey with my app began in 2020, and initially, I had assumed it would be fully developed that same year. However, as 2023 arrives, we have just concluded our inaugural beta testing phase.

In my journey as an influencer, I often observed others experiencing rapid growth and questioned why my progress seemed slower, despite my meticulous planning. I’ve come to realize that comparing timelines and dwelling on such thoughts creates unnecessary friction and hinders success.

The unlearning process has taught me that progress unfolds uniquely for each individual endeavor. Embracing flexibility and letting go of rigid expectations paves the way for genuine growth. The path to success is not linear, and fostering patience and trust in the process is essential. It’s a lesson I continue to internalize, knowing that progress is as much about timing as it is about persistence.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.SyncingSyllabi.org
• Instagram: lovediamondly
• Youtube: lovediamondly
• Other: TIKTOK: Lovediamondly

Image Credits
Photographer: Davion Baker