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

Hi Diane, how do you think about risk?
Risks generate a lot of fear for me. But yet, at the same time, I push myself to take risks because I truly believe the magic happens outside your comfort zone. My biggest reward has come from my biggest risks. My partner in life and business, Scott Strand, is a much bigger risk-taker than I am. He pushes me to leave my comfort zone and take the big leaps of faith. And every time I do take a risk, it has paid off.

I have gotten more comfortable with financial risk. Today I focus on building wealth and not on how much things cost or what money I have in my bank account. It truly does take money to make money. When I stopped worrying about how much the cost was and focused on the value, I always got it back and more. Whether it was quitting my job in Hollywood that was making us very comfortable and becoming an entrepreneur, not knowing when the next paycheck was coming in, or getting involved in a coaching program to better myself for the business and not worrying about the cost but calculated the value associated with it, I knew that the return would be even greater. There are no guarantees or safety nets for life. Trying to always build a safety net financially kept me limited in growing our companies. I became more comfortable with financial risk when we started our nonprofit. We had to take out a $200,000 loan and carry the organization’s payroll for nine months from January 2018 to October 2018 for eight employees. We made a lot of changes to our personal finances to start and build the nonprofit. And now, our small self-funded dream has grown into a thriving seven-figure nonprofit with 16 employees!

What should our readers know about your business?
Our #JDSFamily mentality sets us apart from others. We have a family feel with a supportive culture. Whether we are supporting our students and clients or supporting our employees to grow and reach for their dreams, we strive to encourage everyone our organization meets. We also have a fun, creative environment that people can engage with easily and quickly. We’re very community driven and I think that helps us get noticed.

I am proud of what we’ve accomplished and excited about where we are going. I think that we could rest on our laurels, stay where we are, and call it a day and still be extremely successful. But we keep trying to find more for the organization and for those that we serve, our mission now is to move the Arts Across America.

There have been a lot of things and people that helped me get to where I am. In hindsight, my faith in the arts and what we are teaching has helped me get through a lot. When challenges arise, I am able to lean on my strong support system– the Board, my husband, my family and being creative. When we are faced with these situations, I look to my community to provide resources whether it is financial, legal, or marketing. Being a strong community player and having the community be a part of my team has helped me get here. My family and my kids keep me driven and are my WHY – the reason I do what I do.

Some lessons I have learned along the way include: Start before you’re ready, acknowledge your wins, you’re either winning or learning, show up and say yes, stay humble, step outside your comfort zone, and take risks.
My motto is “Take your passion, turn it into purpose, and it will lead to profits.” We teach others how to use the same platform. We remind people: “No risks, no reward” and “No pain, no gain.” Discomfort is temporary whereas growth is permanent. Put in the hard work and you will get to the other side. JDS Creative Academy turns dreams into reality by providing H.O.P.E. – Helping One Person Everyday.

On a marketing front, we would like to remind entrepreneurs that it is your job and responsibility to share. Promoting yourself is an important aspect of the job, so know what your strengths are. That way you also know where you need support and help as well, and you can achieve your dreams by turning them into a reality!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Southern California has an endless amount of activities for those new to the area, whether they are just visiting or recently moved here. First, I would take my friend to the beach, specifically Newport Beach, as that is my personal favorite. Then I would take them across the border to Mexico to understand a little more about the culture that we intersect with. I would also take them to the mountains, up to Big Bear or Lake Arrowhead. Then to Temecula Wine Country, specifically to Bottia Winery, because they have the best view, good food, and great wine (plus a pool!). I would also take them to El Coyote in Hollywood for incredible Mexican food, Green Street Restaurant in Pasadena, and Breadwinner, a delicious breakfast and lunch place in Downtown L.A. Last but not least, I would take them to the happiest place on earth – Disneyland!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My first shout-out is to the Board of Directors for JDS Creative Academy. When we launched the organization, I had no idea how to run a nonprofit. Yet, the Board supported me and had faith that I could figure it out. We had moved into our current building, which was over double the size of the space we used as JDS Actors Studio. This move caused us to incur more financial obligations to occupy this larger space. In these ten years, the Board has been there through the highs and the lows. Every member means more to me than words can describe.

My second shout-out is to my incredible family. My husband, parents, and children all support me, encourage me, and get behind the crazy ideas I ask them to do.

Website: https://jdsstudio.live/

Instagram: @dianestrand @jdsstudiotemecula

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianestrand/

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JDSCreativeAcademy

Other: https://dianestrand.com/

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