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

Hi Diana K., we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
There are three main reasons that encouraged me to start my own business,

First, Mental Health has always been a very important topic to me, especially for the working class. I began working since the early age of 13. This has given many years of injustices in many workplaces. I have noticed that as a society we have been conditioned to accept toxic work environments because there is “no other choice”. My goal is to challenge that mindset and to perfect an alternative choice. I’d love to create a positive work culture for future employees that will work for Aesthete By DKOR. I have hopes that this will create a chain of reaction that will bring more positive work spaces to the world.
Second, I strongly believe in sustainability and taking responsibility to protect our planet. I see an entrepreneurship as a platform and an opportunity to create eco-friendly businesses so that people can make better choices in benefit of Mother Earth. A turning point in my life was when I came across a quote that read, “Each time you spend money you are casting a vote towards the world you want to see.” This resonated so much within me. I made changes in the way I spent my own money and in the way that I make decisions for my business. As Aesthete by DKOR continues to develop and grow I hope to one day be 100% sustainable.
Most importantly, I am a creative by nature. Ever since I can remember I have always had an impulse to just create, from clothing for my barbies from socks to friend ship bracelets for friends. I have grown up to find therapy in creating custom art for my clients through earrings, floral accessories and floral arrangements. Nothing makes my heart melt than when I get the chance to see people wearing my floral pieces. I truly put so much love and hard work into everything I make and it’s always an honor to be part of someone’s special day with something as small as earrings or as big as floral arrangements. Between all of these reasons I have been motivated to make a difference in the entrepreneurial world and build a movement towards a better future.
What should our readers know about your business?
Aesthete By DKOR is managed by a culture that does not want to run a business for ambition. Aesthete By DKOR cares about Mental Health, and social issues such as Immigrant lives, Black Lives, LGBTQ+ community and Planet Earth. There is a big heart behind the company. We want to create a platform to amplify these voices so that together we can make changes that benefit these communities. We are a small and humble company in hope to grow big enough to give back in ways that can create changes.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Brunch @ Jonathan’s Dinner Park Oak Cliff, Tx  or @ Normas Cafe Oak Cliff, Tx Parks @ Klyde Warren Park  Dallas, Texas

Sightseeing @ Thanks-Giving Square Chapel (they have a beautiful stain glass ceiling) Dallas, Tex

Local Shopping @ Bishop Arts in Oak Cliff, Tx

Drinks @ Paradiso Oak Cliff, Tx

Popsicles @ Picolé Oak Cliff, Tx

Desert @ Cream & Crepes Cafe Richardson, Tx (The nicest service I’ve ever received EVERY TIME! )

Museums @ Dallas Art Museum @ Perot Museum of Nature and Science Dallas, Tx

Food Trucks @ Truck yard/Walking around Greenville Dallas, Tx

Movie theater @ Galaxy Drive-In Movie Theatre Ennis, Tx

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There so many people I owe so much love to but most importantly, my family, they are the reason I work so hard. My parents have taught me the importance of hard work and being an empathetic person in life. I am also the oldest of my siblings and I always want to be a positive role model for them. I want to teach them that perseverance and dedication towards your goals is worthwhile. Second, a person I consider family, my best friend Yvette, who has always been part of my support system through all the celebrations and downfalls in life. I look up to her as a woman as she has been a champion in life as a single mother and future nurse. And lastly but certainly not least all the women in the industry who has been selfless and has given me a helping hand as I figure out what it truly means to run a business.  These women know who they, some include Cortnie (@like_confetti),  Bianca (@nimbusevents), Elizabeth (@lizziebeeflowershoppe), Anila (@sageandstemco), Elidia (@e.t.memories), Denise (@dixiedoesvintage) among MANY others. In their own way they have empowered me by giving me opportunities or by helping me grow confidence in myself and my talents.

Instagram: @aesthetebydkor & @dkorfloral

Image Credits
Elidia Neese -E.T. Memories (@e.t.memories)

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.