Meet Diana Valentin | Small Business Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Diana Valentin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Diana, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
The value of having a good work/life balanced definitely changed the minute I became a mom. When I was younger I had no problem staying late and working over time. I felt like I needed to prove myself at work where now, I only care about being a present mother to my son.

I lost my job during the pandemic and when I was looking for work again, I made a decision that I would take a lower salary if it meant that I had a good work life balance. I’m no longer willing to give these companies more than they deserve out of me and my priorities are very different now that I’m older and a mother.

I always put my family first. Even if that means that I can’t put in as much time as I would like into my business because my son will never be this small again but my business will always be there. However, I do fit in time for MQW around my son’s schedule. Like when he’s in school or late at night after he goes to bed.

What should our readers know about your business?
All hair textures and patterns need a hair care routine. I started my business to help Latina create healthy hair habits and it to break down the “Pelo Malo/Bueno” stereotype. We’ve all been lied to because there is no such thing as good or bad hair, just healthy hair.

My obsession with hair products and the ingredients in them, started when I was trying to rehab my hair from heat damage. I, of course, jumped down the “curly hair world” rabbit hole because I have naturally textured hair but I realized that all hair types benefit from following the same routine that I do (with modifications). I feel like the market is very black and white, very straight hair vs.curly hair. I want my business to be inclusive because Latinas come in all shapes, colors and hair textures!

We currently only sell hair accessories to assist with a hair routine but I recently enrolled into formulation school to learn how to create and make my own hair product formulas. I’m excited to offer products with good ingredients to my customers. I’m very picky about the ingredients and products I use so I will only make and sell products that I would purchase and use myself!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I dedicate this shoutout to my husband. He has always been so supportive of anything I wanted to do. He was right beside me throughout the whole process of starting my business. He drives me around to events and take my packages to the post office. He helps me makes decisions about product, pricing, design, quality and restocking. He gives me pep talks when I want to quit and holds me accountable. He believes in me more than I believe in myself and I appreciate him so much for everything he does.

Website: miraquewow.etsy.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miraquewow/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/miraquewow

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM25cwhCXhOfzY0P2qQvoBg

Other: Shop list link: https://shoplist.us/miraquewow You can go to this link for current hair recommendations and holy grails.