Dr. Diana Richardson’s story is one of determination, resilience, and relentless passion. Her journey began at just nine years old, working in a local hair salon where her first job was sweeping floors. While it was a simple task, it sparked a love for the beauty and wellness industry that would shape her entire life. By her early teens, she was already exploring entrepreneurship, selling mail-order makeup and learning firsthand what it meant to build a business from scratch.
Even at such a young age, Diana knew she wanted to forge her own path. She recalls filling out a career questionnaire in tenth grade, imagining herself as a lawyer or accountant. Yet, the result was clear: entrepreneurship was written in her stars. Though her heart was set on the beauty industry, her father advised her to pursue formal education first. Today, Diana looks back with gratitude on this advice, which led her to study at prestigious institutions including UNLV, Greenwich University, Oxford, and Harvard.
Education Meets Experience
While studying communication and business electives at UNLV, Diana gained hands-on experience by working at a Las Vegas spa. This period of her life provided not only practical skills but also a deeper understanding of customer service, business operations, and the inner workings of the beauty industry. She realized that combining formal education with practical experience would give her the best chance to succeed in a competitive field.
After completing her studies in the United States, Diana moved to the United Kingdom to further her education in beauty and wellbeing. Here, she honed her skills and gained a global perspective on the industry, which later became invaluable when launching her first company, Orchids Hideaway. This venture laid the foundation for what would grow into an impressive entrepreneurial career.
Achievements and Recognition
Dr. Diana Richardson has consistently pushed the boundaries of success in the beauty and wellness sector. She has been recognized globally for her contributions, professionalism, and dedication to her craft. In 2024, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring her sustained impact on the industry. She was also named the International Top Beauty and Wellbeing Entrepreneur of the Year, a testament to her influence and leadership.
Her commitment to high standards is reflected in her three-time recognition with the PHAB Service Star, an award often compared to a Michelin Star in the beauty industry. Beyond awards, Diana considers her greatest achievements to be the two beautiful boys she is raising and the opportunity to inspire and empower others through her work.
Writing and Empowering Entrepreneurs
Diana is not only an entrepreneur but also an author. Her second book, The Glowgetter’s 21 Day Challenge: Be a GOALgetter, focuses on helping entrepreneurs and executives elevate their careers and achieve their goals. The book guides readers through practical strategies for goal-setting, resilience, and personal growth, emphasizing the importance of consistent review and reflection.
The path to publishing this book was not without challenges. Diana had already written over 10,000 words, with only the final third remaining. But when she attempted to complete it, she discovered that two-thirds of her manuscript had mysteriously disappeared. While it was a frustrating setback, she saw it as a sign from the universe to pivot her focus. Instead of targeting early-stage entrepreneurs, she shifted her message to executives and those seeking to elevate their existing businesses. Today, the book is successfully available in both paperback and digital formats.
Currently, Diana is working on her third book, expected to launch next year, and is co-authoring several other projects slated for 2026. Through her writing, she continues to educate, inspire, and empower others to embrace growth, innovation, and resilience.
Expanding Horizons: Film and Media
Diana’s influence is extending beyond the beauty industry. She has been invited to participate in a film project set to release next year, complete with a red carpet premiere in London. The film will be streamed across multiple platforms, including Sky TV, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku TV, Samsung TV, and YouTube. This new venture highlights her ability to diversify her impact and reach new audiences while maintaining her core mission of empowering people to achieve their best selves.
Overcoming Challenges
Diana has faced numerous challenges throughout her career. From managing teams to navigating customer service scenarios, from dealing with personal injuries to adapting to technological advancements, each obstacle has been a learning opportunity. Her philosophy is simple: challenges are a chance to grow and develop. She views failure not as defeat but as the First Attempt In Learning, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and continual improvement.
She is a strong advocate of the Kaizen approach, which focuses on small, incremental improvements every day. By striving to be one percent better than the day before, she believes anyone can maintain momentum, stay positive, and achieve meaningful progress over time.
Mission: Lead, Love, and Lift
Diana’s overarching mission is to lead, love, and lift others while making an impact, innovating, and inspiring. Through her Glowgetter community and entrepreneurial ventures, she teaches others how to create innovative strategies, cultivate resilience, and position themselves in a league of their own. Her philosophy is built on action: start, learn fast, fail forward, and turn obstacles into opportunities.
Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is both practical and motivational: “Just get started. Only look back to see how far you’ve come. Always trust your intuition and embrace opportunities as they arise. Discomfort is part of designing your destiny.”
Key Takeaways
- Diana began her entrepreneurial journey at nine years old and has been passionate about the beauty industry ever since.
- She balanced hands-on experience with a stellar education, becoming an alumna of UNLV, Greenwich University, Oxford, and Harvard.
- Her first company, Orchids Hideaway, laid the foundation for a successful career in beauty and wellness entrepreneurship.
- She has received numerous accolades, including the Lifetime Achievement Award and the International Top Beauty and Wellbeing Entrepreneur of the Year award.
- Diana is an accomplished author, with her second book inspiring entrepreneurs to achieve their goals and elevate their careers.
- She continues to expand her impact through co-authoring books, film projects, and mentoring.
- Her philosophy emphasizes learning from challenges, incremental growth, and maintaining a positive mindset.
Connect with Dr. Diana Richardson
Diana actively shares her insights and inspirations on social media. She can be found on Instagram and on LinkedIn, where she engages with a growing community of entrepreneurs and executives seeking guidance.
Dr. Diana Richardson’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, education, and passion. From sweeping salon floors as a young girl to becoming a globally recognized entrepreneur, author, and mentor, she continues to inspire others to dream bigger, act boldly, and embrace life’s challenges as opportunities to grow.
Do follow her on Instagram
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