We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ibrahim Diakite a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Ibrahim , thanks for joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

As a creative director, my mission is to build a platform that celebrates and inspires Black people, showcasing their beauty, creativity, and cultural richness. When I started creating, I noticed a lack of representation—spaces like Pinterest rarely featured Black people in ways that reflected their elegance and depth. This inspired me to change the narrative.

I aim to challenge stereotypes and highlight Black excellence, showing that we belong at the forefront of creativity and innovation. While my focus is on uplifting Black voices, my vision is inclusive—creating inspiration for all races and cultures to see themselves in the beauty of the creative process.

Ibrahim , 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?

About Me
Hey, I’m Iba, a creative director and designer with nearly five years of experience. My journey started on Instagram as a model, just building content for fun. That’s when I discovered my love for fashion and storytelling. I wanted to take my ideas further, which led me to pursue content creation more seriously. Eventually, I launched my own brand, Diakité Denim, where I could design unique, custom pieces that celebrate individuality.

Over time, my passion for creating evolved into creative directing—not just for my own projects but for others as well. Now, I work with clients to bring their visions to life through thoughtfully planned photoshoots, video projects, and campaigns.

What I Do
I specialize in turning ideas into visuals that connect with people. Whether it’s directing a fashion shoot, planning a video concept, or crafting a story for a brand, I make sure every project feels authentic and impactful.

What Sets Me Apart
What makes my work different is my focus on representation. When I started, I noticed a lack of Black creatives being highlighted in spaces like mood boards or campaigns. That pushed me to create projects that showcase Black people in beautiful, inspiring ways. While my work is for everyone, this foundation drives me.

What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m proud of how far I’ve come—starting as a model and growing into a designer and creative director. Seeing how my work inspires others and challenges stereotypes keeps me motivated.

What I Want You to Know
At the heart of everything I do is a passion for creating something meaningful. Whether you’re a client or a supporter, I want you to feel inspired, seen, and empowered through the work I create.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Absolutely. My goal is deeply rooted in my parents’ journey. They moved from Mali, West Africa, to America to give their children a better life. Both of them were entrepreneurs in their own ways, and their sacrifices inspire me every day.

My dad worked tirelessly, holding down two jobs to keep our family secure, while my mom juggled raising five kids and building her own business—a hair braiding shop—before earning a college degree and building a career in the healthcare system. Their hard work and resilience remind me of the purpose behind their sacrifices.

I’m driven to create a life of success and fulfillment, not just for myself but to honor them and show that their journey was worth it. I want them to feel that their sacrifices had a purpose—and that I am that reason.

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

A lesson I had to unlearn was feeling like I needed to fit in or change myself to be accepted. Growing up as an African, creativity wasn’t always seen as valuable in my culture, and I often felt like being a creative wasn’t taken seriously. This made it hard for me to embrace my talents or find my community.

It wasn’t until my mid-20s that I started to find people who truly understood and appreciated me for who I am. I learned that being myself is enough and that there’s always a space where you belong—you just have to find it.

The next step for me is continuing to build on that authenticity, creating spaces where others can feel seen and accepted, especially those who might not feel like they fit in. My journey taught me the importance of staying true to who you are, and now I want to pass that lesson on to others.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://diakitedenim.com
• Instagram: Its.ibadia / diakitedenim / influentiallyiba_
• Other: tiktik ibadia1