We were lucky to catch up with Diamond Smith recently and have shared our conversation below.
Diamond , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?
One night, as I was getting ready to fall asleep, I had an idea. An app that allows artists to find each other for collaboration. I have always been surrounded by artists. My father is a all in one talent. He sings, he dances, he writes songs, he can paint he can draw. I have friends and family who have experiences in other arts too. Make up, music, fashion, modeling, photography, poetry. While being surrounded by these artists, I realized that artists are always looking for one thing — other artists. As this idea came into my head, I couldn’t let it go. So, I began looking into app development companies. During my search I found a company that would create an app for you…if your idea was worth their time. So, I decided to send my idea for Mad Collab there. I figured if they responded it would be a good thing to pursue. And they did.
I then met with the company and discussed the process, the investment, all the things that were needed. Once I knew what it was, it took time, effort, and money. I started by asking my parents for money to start and luckily I have very supportive parents. Then through numerous phases and payments, the app progressed. I was able find a friend who thought MadCollab was as good of an idea as I did who invested in my idea. I find that the best part of having an idea is having people who support it.
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?
MadCollab is an app for artists to connect and collaborate. It works in a manner similar to a dating app with your standard swipes. One of my goals for the app was for the art to speak for itself. Ideally, if you love someone’s art, that should be the first thing that draws you to them for collaboration — not their face, their name, or anything else. All artists are welcome on MadCollab. Painters, musicians, producers, make up artists, photographers, and models. If you identify as an artist, MadCollab is your space. I would say the thing that makes me the most proud is that MadCollab will bring inclusion, connection, and community to those who desire it.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
MadCollab has had many bumps in the road. Before my friend invested in the app, I took out a personal loan to pay for it. The original app development company who helped create MadCollab has dissolved. I am currently looking for someone to replace them to get the app back running at a price that is affordable for a very- VERY small company. But despite the blocks, I still haven’t given up. I still want MadCollab to tend to the community.
How’d you meet your business partner?
My friend who invested in MadCollab is a part owner. We met through me being employed at her company and became friends from there.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://madcollabapp.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madcollabapp/
- Other: https://apps.apple.com/za/app/mad-collab/id1514373609