My Black History Month Feature: From her abusive upbringing to her corporate career and being an entrepreneur, Naomi (Diamond in the Ruff), spoke to me about her life and business.
Tell us about your background and what lead to you starting your own business ?
I come from a rough background being physically, emotionally, and sexually abused. I was homeless by age 14 surviving on the rough streets of Detroit by stripping to support myself as a young teenage mother. I put myself through college and received degrees in communications, broadcast television & radio and health education.
I previously worked in business management for big corporations, marketing & advertising and sales which led to me starting my company Diamonds in The Ruff Body Imagery. I was tired of working for men in a male dominated society getting doors closed in my face countless times for being an educated outspoken black woman which many men felt threatened by.
I am empowering other women to be more self efficient and have the confidence to do the same.
How did your tough start prepare you/give you the skills to get to where you are now?
My dark and rough past has taught me that if you want anything in this world you will have to fight to get it because no one will freely give it to you. It gave me the confidence to never back down from challenging obstacles and always stand up for myself & what is fair and right!
Therefore I obtained my 3 college degrees to arm myself with knowledge to have more to offer than just my physical attributes.
How did you overcome your most difficult obstacles?
I overcame difficult obstacles by forgiving myself, forgiving my past, letting go of the pain and not allowing myself to be a victim of my environment!
I knew that life had more to offer me than what I was taught and living and I was going to go out there in the world and get it.
How would you describe your business and what does it do?
As a Certified Life & Relationship Coach and Image Consultant, I help women who have experienced adversities, regain their self-esteem and confidence through spiritual guidance and coaching so they can step into their God given greatness. I focus on giving women the tools needed to picking up the pieces & rebuild on the inside, while helping to create a better personal image on the outside.
Why was it important to you to create this type of business?
I created my business because its important to me to share my past struggles with other women, especially women of color (even if life tries to bring you down).
You have your whole future to take back your power by creating and living the life you desire. I know there is a need for my business and it is long overdue because women of all colors are shoved in the background and made to feel less than, due to their physical appearances and our intellect etc.
We have been taught by society to be jealous of one another, we are not worthy enough of equal paying jobs, as men nor are we capable enough to do anything more than be housewives and bare children.
What inspires you and keeps you going (especially during the tough times)?
My spirituality and faith in GOD keeps me going when times get tough. I know that I am living in my purpose to 
inspire and empower as many as I can in this world.
GOD saved me from death many countless times and pulled me out of darkness & self destruction so that I can pay it forward and help the next person by sharing my story and revealing the ultimate power of The Lord and what hard work can provide for you if you do the work!
What are your hopes and dreams for your business in the future?
My future goals are: Motivational speaking all over the world and inspiring and empowering countless women and everyone to stand up and fight for themselves and their rights and to live their lives the way they desire.
Start a nonprofit organization to empower and create jobs for inner city young women affected by physical and sexual abuse, initiate a sisterhood of women all over the world.
Uniting as one and standing up and speaking up against the injustice we all face each and everyday.
Learn more about Naomi and her work at:
