Suggest a Story: CanvasRebel is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Diana Guzman. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Diana below.

Diana, appreciate you joining us today. What do you think Corporate America gets wrong in your industry? Any stories or anecdotes that illustrate why this matters?

I’m so glad you asked, as this will allow me to talk about my corporate experiences vs my small business experiences for a minute. I am a transportation professional, and have been in this industry for just over two years now. What drew me to this industry is the support and enthusiasm of other professionals within this space. One thing that Corporate America gets wrong in this industry in particular is lack of training and pushing non-competes. For anyone who follows me on LinkedIn, my disdain for non-competes is quite palpable, 1 in 5 Americans is bound by a non-compete. That’s almost 30 millions Americans who affected by these archaic agreements.

For those who don’t know, a non-compete (also known as a post employment restrictive covenant or non-competition agreement) is an agreement employers push employees sign to stop them from working in that same position or even industry after leaving the company. That means if you find the same role at a different company with better pay, better benefits, and is overall a better fit, you can’t work there if you’re under a non-compete. They can last anywhere from 6-months to years after you leave the company. It affects your livelihood, and no employer should have the right to tell an employee that can’t go and better themselves. I’ve made it my mission to spread awareness and talk about this whenever I can.

If you are presented with a non-competition agreement, just know that you have the right to consult an attorney and to negotiate your contract. So many vulnerable people are being taken advantage of by corporations. It makes me so sad and angry. You have a voice – don’t be afraid to use it.

Diana, 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 started my business back in 2020, during the height of the pandemic. I was working at the time, but was so miserable at my job. I have always been fascinated with crystals, stones, Mother Earth, and all things witchy. I attribute this to my Native American/Mexican American roots. I slowly started purchasing crystals for myself, but then I thought, “What if I share the love with others as well?” I had a Facebook group I would use to host pop-up events. I decided to change it exclusively to a group where I would sell my crystals. I won’t lie, it was ROUGH. My photography was horrendous. But the day I made my first sale was such a happy feeling. It lit in a fire in me, and I told myself, “I can do this!” I made a lot of mistakes along the way, but this is how we learn and grow. Today, I not only offer crystals, but I also offer my handmade jewelry and other artwork as well. I’m grateful to have such amazing customers and an amazing support system of other incredible small business owners. I absolutely love what I do and am excited to see what the future has in store for me.

Can you share one of your favorite marketing or sales stories?

Believe it or not, I actually made some sales on LinkedIn thanks to my taking a risk. Before then I advertised and sold exclusively on Facebook, I have a LinkedIn that geared towards more of my “professional” career, and I a pretty good following. However, I was always afraid to advertise my jewelry and art on LinkedIn. I couldn’t stop the voices in my head saying, “Don’t do it, This is a professional platform. No one wants to see that here.” I finally said, “Screw it. What do I have to lose?” I should note that my vibe tends to be on the darker side. I draw a lot of inspiration from Edgar Allan Poe. So I posted some jewelry I had made and waited. Very anxiously, I might add. Within a half hour, I had a LinkedIn connection reach out to me asking to purchase my necklace for their business partner. I was elated! I never expected that to happen. At the end of the day, we have to take risks. I felt like the oddball in a sea of professionals. But I had to remind myself that these professionals are human, too. They have a life outside of their career. They, too, are artists, athletes, hobbyists, etc. So don’t be afraid to take a leap of faith and put yourself out there. You never know who may be paying attention.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I think it’s the sense of community I have built. I strive to create a welcoming and open environment where anyone can freely be themselves without fear of judgement. There was a time I hosted Mental Health Mondays in my Facebook group that everyone seemed to enjoy. Time hasn’t allowed me to that in a while, but I’m hoping to bring it back again soon. Also, I’m extremely easy going and flexible, and my customers know this. If they need more time to pay, I extend them grace. I give them the same respect and courtesy that I would expect from anyone. It’s an honor that they choose me and my little small business, and I try hard not to take advantage of that.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thewildmoonlotus.com/password
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thewildmoonlotus/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianaguzman993284/