Today we’d like to introduce you to Diamond-Jade French.
Hi Diamond-Jade, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve always had a heart for serving others and creating opportunities where they don’t already exist. My journey has taken many different paths, but they’ve all been connected by one purpose: helping people believe in themselves and reach their full potential.
Today, I serve as an 8th grade math teacher and Head Cheer Coach at Stratford STEM Magnet Middle School in Nashville. Every day I have the privilege of encouraging young people, not only academically but also by helping them build confidence, discipline, and leadership skills.
Outside of education, I’ve always dreamed of becoming an entrepreneur. That dream led me to create The Jade Collective, a mentorship program that teaches girls ages 12 to 18 about entrepreneurship, leadership, financial literacy, and confidence. I wanted to create the kind of program I wish more young women had access to, one that reminds them their ideas have value and that they are capable of building something meaningful.
I’m also the founder of The Jade Room, a business I’ve been developing with the vision of creating a space that brings community, culture, and connection together. While it’s still in the planning stages, it’s a reminder that dreams don’t have to stay dreams when you’re willing to work for them.
Like many entrepreneurs, my journey hasn’t been without challenges. Balancing motherhood, teaching, coaching, earning my degree, and building businesses has required resilience, faith, and a willingness to keep moving forward even when life gets difficult. Those experiences have shaped me into the leader I am today and continue to fuel my passion for serving others.
Looking back, I realize my story isn’t just about starting businesses. It’s about creating opportunities, inspiring the next generation, and showing people, especially young girls, that where you start doesn’t have to determine where you finish. I’m excited to keep growing, learning, and building a legacy that extends far beyond myself.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Absolutely not. Like many entrepreneurs, my journey has come with its share of challenges. I’ve had to learn how to balance being a full-time teacher, Head Cheer Coach, college student, entrepreneur, and mother of three. There have been moments when I questioned whether I had enough time, resources, or energy to pursue everything I felt called to do.
I’ve also experienced personal setbacks that tested my resilience. Instead of allowing those moments to define me, I chose to let them strengthen me. They taught me to be resourceful, to keep learning, and to trust that every obstacle was preparing me for something greater.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that success isn’t about having a perfect path. It’s about continuing to move forward even when the road gets difficult. Every challenge has given me a deeper understanding of perseverance, and those experiences now shape how I mentor others. I want young people, especially young women, to know that setbacks don’t mean your dreams are over. They simply become part of your story.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
No matter the role I’m in, my mission stays the same: to educate, empower, and equip others to become confident leaders. Everything I do is centered around helping people recognize their potential and giving them the tools to succeed.
I currently serve as an 8th grade teacher and Head Cheer Coach at Stratford STEM Magnet Middle School in Nashville. Working with students every day has shown me that education extends far beyond academics. Whether I’m teaching math concepts in the classroom or building teamwork and confidence on the cheer mat, my goal is to help young people believe in themselves and realize they are capable of achieving more than they imagined.
That same passion inspired me to create The Jade Collective, a mentorship program for girls ages 12 to 18. Through entrepreneurship, leadership development, financial literacy, and personal growth, we help young women discover that their ideas matter and that they have the ability to become business owners, innovators, and leaders within their communities. Watching a young girl go from doubting herself to confidently presenting a business idea is one of the most rewarding experiences I could ask for.
I’m also the founder of The Jade Room, a business I’ve been building with the vision of creating a space that celebrates community, culture, creativity, and connection. While it’s still in development, it represents my commitment to building something that brings people together and creates opportunities for others.
What I’m most proud of isn’t simply starting businesses or holding leadership positions. It’s the impact I have on people’s lives. Whether it’s a student gaining confidence in math, a cheerleader stepping into a leadership role, or a young entrepreneur believing in her dream for the first time, those moments remind me why I do this work.
I believe what sets me apart is that I measure success by the people I help along the way. My goal has never been to build something just for myself. It’s to create opportunities, open doors, and leave every person I encounter more confident, more prepared, and more empowered than they were before. If I can inspire someone else to believe in themselves, then I know I’m fulfilling my purpose.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My biggest piece of advice is simple: start before you feel ready. So many people wait until everything is perfect, but the truth is that growth happens while you’re building. If I had waited until I had every answer, I wouldn’t have started any of the things I’m most passionate about today.
I also encourage people not to compare their beginning to someone else’s middle. Social media often highlights the finished product, but it rarely shows the late nights, setbacks, failures, and sacrifices that happen behind the scenes. Your journey is your own, and it’s okay if your timeline looks different from someone else’s.
One thing I wish I had known when I was starting out is that asking for help isn’t a weakness. Find mentors, build relationships, ask questions, and be willing to learn. Some of the greatest opportunities in my life have come through genuine connections and people who were willing to share their knowledge.
Finally, don’t let fear or self-doubt keep you from pursuing your purpose. There will always be reasons to wait, but there will also always be someone who needs what only you can offer. Stay consistent, keep learning, and remember that success isn’t built overnight. It’s built one decision, one lesson, and one act of courage at a time.
Pricing:
- The Jade Collective Pricing & Partnership Information Upcoming Cohorts 💜 Standard Registration: $150 per participant ✨ Early Bird Registration: $125 (available during select enrollment periods) 👯 Sibling Discount: 10% off each additional sibling 🎓 Scholarships: A limited number of need-based scholarships will be available each cohort.
- Program Includes: 8-week entrepreneurship and leadership mentorship program CEO Binder and workbook Weekly business-building workshops Leadership and confidence development Financial literacy education Branding and marketing activities Professional CEO Photoshoot Pitch Day Showcase Certificate of Completion
- Every sponsorship helps remove financial barriers so more girls can participate in The Jade Collective. Sponsorship Levels 💎 Future CEO Sponsor | $150 Sponsors one girl’s full program tuition. 🌟 Leadership Sponsor | $300 Sponsors two participants. 👑 Visionary Sponsor | $750 Sponsors five participants and helps provide program materials. 💜 Legacy Sponsor | $1,500+ Supports scholarships, workshops, guest speakers, and program expansion.
- Additional Giving Donations of any amount are welcomed and help fund scholarships, supplies, leadership experiences, and special events for participants.
- Partnership Opportunities We welcome partnerships with businesses, organizations, and community leaders who are passionate about investing in the next generation of young women entrepreneurs and leaders.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bit.ly/3THWzT4
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jadecollectivehq/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1C1gGuERmE/?mibextid=wwXIfr
