Pearls of wisdom from Jewel Diamond-Taylor author and motivational speaker

By Barbara Ellington, Flair Co-ordinator

Who is Jewel Diamond-Taylor?

SHE GOT her name from her late gemologist father and growing up in an environment where precious stones were handled constantly, she now draws parallels between gems stones and life situations.

Her late grandfather was a Jamaican and among her short list of role models are women in her family as well as others in her field. In an interview with Flair, the mother of two sons and an adopted daughter said she saw herself as a healer of people's self esteem.

"In my life, I have made some wrong choices but I take responsibility for the different outcomes."

Part of that responsibility, she said, was to leave the corporate rat race and chart a more fulfilling career path. She saw the gap in the motivational speaking business for someone of colour and proceeded to fill it.

Fifteen years later, Diamond-Taylor has written several books, and produced a line of greeting cards and audio cassette tapes. Her daily motivational quotes are accessible on the Internet and she is sought after by some of the largest corporations in the world.

"The kind of sessions I conduct usually last for three days as we really delve into the soul, do some inner work and cleansing," said Diamond-Talyor, who recently spoke at the 'Mind, Body and Soul' retreat for women in Ocho Rios.

Married for 31 years, she credits her husband for being supportive. "I am not a traditional wife but he doesn't stop me from pursuing my interests. I want stability but I also want respect to be myself and do what makes me happy."

How does she want to be remembered? "As a point of light that holds your hand making things a little clearer so that people can see after their vision becomes less clouded. As an encourager, not a pusher."

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