Hey y’all! My name is Kalyanna (Yanna) Williams, and I’m the Founder and SHE-EO of Dear Diary. I created Dear Diary with one goal in mind: to provide a luxurious space where Black girls can be unapologetically themselves—on their own terms. Growing up, my auntie told me, “You were born with two disadvantages: you’re Black and you’re a woman. The world is going to count you out. You have to decide what that will mean for you.” For me, that meant GAME ON. I was determined to live my best life, playing by my own rules. I knew that once I created the life of my dreams, I’d help other Black girls do the same. Little did I know, creating my dream life would mean helping Black girls create theirs.

Dear Diary was never part of my original plan—I have degrees in Animal Science and Dairy Science, so this was not where I thought I’d end up! But looking back, I realize Dear Diary was always my destiny. I was put on this planet to change the narrative of what it means to be Black, female, and unstoppable—and I’m here to do just that.

Dear Diary was born from a vision to rewrite the narrative for Black girls everywhere. Growing up, I didn’t see spaces that celebrated Black girls like me or empowered us to thrive unapologetically. We were often labeled as "too" something—too loud, too bold, too quiet, too strong, too aggressive, too independent. But I knew those labels didn’t define us. I saw strength, power, authority, tenacity, resilience, and innovation in Black women, and I couldn’t understand why those stories weren’t told. So, I created a space where we don’t have to hide or censor ourselves—a space where we can be our full, authentic selves, just like we would in our own diaries.

Welcome to the journey. Will you join me?