We recently connected with Dr. Diamond Rashad and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Dr. Diamond thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

I learned about entrepreneurship from a young age. Even faintly, I remember my father fixing units and apartments between leases. The definition of a hard worker. Even now, his work in home remodeling is completely from word of mouth. Once I remember listening to a voicemail on his phone (because I’m nosy). The caller said, ” I’m calling because you worked on my sister in law’s kitchen five years ago and remember that you did an amazing job”. That blew me away. My father is completely his introverted self, is personable & works hard. And people never forget that. That’s one thing I hope to always carry with me in my work as well.

My mother has always encouraged me to reach for the stars. Whether I was good at an activity or not, I was always encouraged to try if it caught my interest. That included soccer, swimming, dance, drama, talent shows, you name it. The biggest thing I’ve learned from that over the years is that you shouldn’t be afraid to try. Don’t be afraid to fail at first. If something is new to you, it makes complete sense why it may not be easy at first. Keep going.

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

I’m Dr. Diamond Rashad, an occupational therapist who uses meaningful activities to restore & empower you. I work with children, adolescents, and new families. Born and raised in Georgia, I’m passionate about supporting parents from pregnancy, birth, & beyond – especially when it comes to black mothers. After supporting my sister through her pregnancy, I really desired to find ways to do the same for others – a virtual auntie if you will! That’s what my care package service, Emira’s Mamas was created – inspired by combining our middle names together.

It’s so important to advocate for community. For new parents, my desire is that more people see that it is essential to be a part of the village. Mothers can’t do it alone. Partners can’t do it alone. My packages serve as a reminder to protect your mental health, and check in on ways where you can fill a need. We do so much at the baby shower. Let’s protect and hold the birthing parent too.

For parenting and beyond, I discuss child milestones and emotional regulation/mental health for parents & children. Stress is common for everyone these days unfortunately. Whether you have a picky eater, a child with sensitivities, or are leaning into learning more about ADHD, autism, sensory processing and more – my blog A Dime of OT, provides resources for this. Overall, I’m proud to support parents in so many phases and share the mental load.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Just sharing my story. Not seeking to sell or promote, just getting to know people and their story, and sharing my own. There’s so much passion in my work and many personal reasons why I do what I do. My story, my brand, & business – you can’t separate them.

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

I would definitely go back to choose occupational therapy all over again. If I had another chance, I would take time to slow down and enjoy the journey. My passion is family centered care – and this profession is a great way to support and help others.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.emirasmamas.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/adimeofot
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/emirasmamas
• Other: Blog: www.adimeinot.com