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

Elizabeth, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

One thing my parents did right — even though I didn’t appreciate it at the time — was being strict and structured. They had high expectations, clear rules, and very little tolerance for shortcuts or excuses. Growing up, I sometimes felt like I was missing out or being held back compared to my peers. But looking back now, I realize that their discipline built the foundation for the person I am today.
For example, there was a time in middle school when I brought home a report card with mostly A’s and one B+. I thought they’d be proud, but my dad sat me down and asked what happened with the B. At the time, it felt harsh. But he wasn’t upset about the grade — he was holding me accountable for effort. He knew I had coasted in that class, and he wanted me to understand the importance of doing my best, not just getting by.
That mindset — to take full ownership, to strive for excellence, and to be consistent even when no one’s watching — stayed with me. In my career, especially when deadlines are tight or pressure is high, that early training kicks in. I know how to push through, how to focus, and how to carry a strong work ethic into everything I do.
Even their strictness about time — always being early, never procrastinating — gave me a kind of internal structure that’s helped me lead teams, meet goals, and build trust professionally. So while I may have rolled my eyes back then, I can now say with complete honesty that their discipline gave me the tools to succeed — and I’m grateful for it.

Elizabeth, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a certified medical assistant with a deep-rooted passion for holistic beauty and wellness. I am also the co-founder of Women Off Duty, alongside my best friend Gigi. Women Off Duty is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women of all ages. Our mission is to create a supportive space where women can connect, grow, and thrive beyond their daily roles and responsibilities. Through community events, mentorship, and wellness initiatives, Women Off Duty fosters meaningful relationships and promotes personal development for women from all walks of life. My journey into the beauty and wellness industry began with a personal mission: to find clean, effective, and nourishing alternatives for skin and hair care that supported both health and self-confidence. What started as a hobby making products for myself and loved ones quickly grew into a full-fledged business built on care, intention, and results.
Today, I’m proud to own and operate my own beauty and wellness brand called Lavish By Liz, where I handcraft high-quality hair and body products including soaps, oils, and creams. Every product I make is formulated with natural ingredients, chosen not just for their benefits but for the way they work together to nourish, heal, and enhance the skin and hair. I believe that beauty is more than surface-deep — it’s about feeling good in your body, honoring your well-being, and using products that support that from the outside in.
What sets my business apart is the blend of my medical background with my love for natural self-care. I approach product formulation with knowledge of skin health, hygiene, and safety, which gives my clients peace of mind and high-quality results. I don’t just make products — I solve real problems, whether that’s dry skin, breakage, irritation, or a need for more mindful beauty routines.
I’m most proud of the trust my clients place in me and the fact that my products have helped so many people feel better, look better, and develop deeper self-care habits. At the core of everything I do is a desire to empower others to feel confident, healthy, and beautiful — naturally.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One of the most defining moments in my journey came when I decided to officially launch my beauty and wellness business while still working full-time as a medical assistant. Balancing both was incredibly challenging — I’d work long clinical shifts, often on my feet for hours, and then come home to fulfill orders, mix products, handle packaging, and manage my social media and customer communications.
There were nights I cried from exhaustion, moments I doubted myself, and even times when I questioned whether I could really build something sustainable while juggling so much. But I kept going because I believed in what I was creating — and more importantly, I believed in why I was doing it. I wanted to help people feel good in their skin using clean, nourishing, handmade products they could trust. That belief fueled me on the hardest days.
One particular moment I’ll never forget was when a large order came in unexpectedly — more than I’d ever had at once. I had only a few days to fulfill it, and I didn’t have all the supplies on hand. I used my lunch breaks to run errands, stayed up until 2 or 3 in the morning making and labeling products, and still showed up to work the next day. I met the deadline, delivered everything on time, and got amazing feedback from that client — who has since become a repeat customer and advocate for my brand.
That experience showed me how much I could handle when I stayed focused and resilient. It reminded me that growth comes through pressure, and that I’m capable of building something meaningful even when life gets heavy.

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

If I could go back, I would absolutely choose the same path — both becoming a medical assistant and launching my beauty and wellness business. Each role has taught me something different but equally important. Working in the medical field gave me structure, discipline, and a deep understanding of how the body works — knowledge that now enhances how I approach skincare and wellness in my business.
Starting my own brand allowed me to tap into my creativity and passion for helping others in a more personal, hands-on way. It’s deeply rewarding to create something with my own hands that brings people confidence, relief, and joy. While the journey hasn’t been easy, I wouldn’t trade the lessons, the growth, or the fulfillment that’s come from doing something I truly believe in.
If anything, I wish I had started my business even earlier — but I also know that my experience as a medical assistant gave me the foundation I needed to do it right.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lavishbyliz.org
• Instagram: Lavishbyliz
• Other: Lavishbylizz@gmail.com
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