Diana Rosito | Founder, Attia Designs; Sr. Coordinator, Baptist HealthPlace
Diana has worked at Baptist HealthPlace in Jacksonville, FL as a Senior Coordinator for the past eight years. There, she conducts Biometric screenings, plans and moderates virtual talks, conducts food demos, and more. She’s also a mama to two kiddos, and the founder of Attia Designs, a polymer clay earring business which is named after her daughter, and means “gift” in West Africa. When not at her day job, she can be found crafting beautiful, meaningful jewelry, selling said jewelry at local markets, and dreaming up future designs. We’re excited to see what she comes up with next!
The Basics:
Hometown: Belize City, Belize
Current city: Jacksonville, FL
Alma mater: University of North Florida
Degree: B.S., Health Education, Nutrition & Dietetics
Very first job: Coastal Zone Management (Rescuing Manatees)!
Hustle: Senior Coordinator, Baptist HealthPlace; Founder, Attia Designs
The Interests:
Babe you admire and why?
Oh man, this is such a hard one, but I would have to say Angelica Pompy from Pompy Portraits. I follow her on social media and she is a go getter, hard worker, and total boss babe. She is hilarious, but behind all of that, I can see the hustle and she never stops. It’s such an inspiration to see that.
If you could vacay anywhere in the world, where would you go + why?
Morocco. There’s so much rich culture, art and delicious food there. I would come back so inspired!
Who is one woman you’d love to see wearing your earrings?
Brene Brown! I would literally die.
The Hustle:
Tell us about your hustle, providing a summary of your roles and the work you do daily.
Where do I start? My typical day starts between 4:30-5:00am. This is the time I have to work on earrings or orders for my business, Attia Designs. It’s also the best time for me because the house is super quiet and my kids are sound asleep. I try to wrap things up by 6:30 to get ready for my full-time job. I work at Baptist Health as a Senior Coordinator in our Nocatee location. I have been with Baptist Health for eight years. As a part of my job, I conduct Biometric screenings, plan and moderate virtual talks, and sometimes conduct food demos. My job can be pretty exciting. Once I’m done for the day, I head home and it’s family time: dinner, homework with my kindergartener, and of course, wine. On Saturdays, I work my booth at Riverside Arts Market, and on Sundays, I cook for the week—this saves me so much time so that I can focus on orders, marketing, budgeting, etc.
What’s the Attia Design story? What inspired you to start your jewelry biz while also working full-time?
I have always had a love for earrings. I remember getting one of those beading kits as a kid, and it stuck with me. In 2018, I went through a really dark period in my life and hit rock bottom. It took some time to come back to the surface but once I did, I came back stronger than ever. I was more confident in myself and didn't worry so much about what others thought of me. I came across polymer clay in 2020, and after experimenting with it, I was hooked. In June 2020, I officially launched my business. It was the scariest but best decision of my life. As for the name, Attia is my daughter’s middle name. Attia means “gift” in West Africa.
When did you know you wanted to make earrings your main focus?
I have always been obsessed with earrings. Just knowing I can make whatever I want with them gives me so much freedom. Earrings can also dress up any outfit, just like heels :)
What does your creative process look like from concept to completion? What types of materials + tools are used during production?
Whew! It’s a process. The main medium is polymer clay, but not just any. There are certain types that are best for jewelry making. You start with one block, and you can use the colors it comes in, or you can mix them. I mix all my colors—it makes my earrings more unique. Once you have your color, the clay must be conditioned with a pasta machine. If not conditioned properly, there may breakage or air bubbles. The clay is then cured/hardened by baking in a regular oven. There are a lot more complex details that go into making polymer clay earrings, but these are just the basics. You can make it as easy or as complicated. Finishing requires a dremel, acetone, and jewelry tools :)
How have your past professional and academic experiences + lessons prepared you for the work you do today? How have they not prepared you?
My work experience and lessons have helped me tremendously in running my own business. I’ve had to have several meetings with other business owners and organizations for collaboration purposes, so being able to communicate and get my message across clearly has been crucial. I’ve done numerous presentations and led meetings, which gave me so much confidence. So when it comes to my business, I have applied the same skills I learned. Professionalism and first impressions are very important to me. You never know who you’ll meet, so it doesn’t matter what day I’m having—my rule is to be professional at all times.
What was the inspiration and vision behind the La Femme collection? Are there any other collections you’re particularly excited about at the moment?
The La Femme collection was so near and dear to my heart. Women are so powerful, yet sophisticated and mysterious. I wanted to really showcase that in La Femme, which means “The Woman.” The Woman is a powerful being—we need to be celebrated all the time. The entire foundation of my business is built on women power, and one of my best selling pieces are my women's body earrings.
How has being a woman impacted your professional experiences? What can we collectively do to support and empower women in your industry today?
In my line of work at Baptist Health, it has been mostly female dominated, so that has only motivated me. I have been very fortunate to work with some amazing, driven and intelligent women. In general, I do think more effort needs to be placed towards diversity and inclusion training.
Specifically, how has being a woman of color impacted your professional experience? What can we do to create more supportive and inclusive work environments inside and outside of your industry?
Cultural competence training for every employee! People say some really offensive things sometimes, and my reaction is always to educate instead of getting angry. In those moments, I am in control. If I say nothing, then nothing changes. Baptist Health has been so wonderful to me. As an immigrant and a worker on a visa, Baptist Health gave me a chance. I have had the most wonderful opportunities there, including graduating from our Emerging Leaders program. It’s not always perfect, and every organization has its own challenges, but they are currently implementing intensive educational programs and training in Diversity and Inclusion, and I’m currently in a young professional group that focuses on health equity. It’s been a really rewarding experience.
What’s one thing you’re proud to have accomplished in your career thus far?
At Baptist, graduating from the Emerging Leaders program and being promoted to lead on my time. In my business, having my earrings at the Cummer Museum gift shop is a huge accomplishment for me.
How has your own experience as a mother influenced your business and goals? What’s your approach to balancing these two important roles + aspects of your life?
Being a mother motivates me even more. Everything I do, I do for my family. All the late nights, frustration, tears, and victories—it’s all for them. Knowing I have two little ones at home that I need to provide for is my driving force. I’m setting an example for my kids that they can do anything they set their minds to. Nothing is impossible, you just have to believe in yourself even when no one else does, and passion will take you very far.
How do you handle creative burnouts? Similarly, how do you approach self care?
Burnout usually means that I’ve worked myself to the ground, so I will stop what I’m doing and just walk away. I also take a lot of naps, and drink a lot of coffee. Those are my superpowers. To stay sane, I exercise, take regular bubble baths, drink wine, and get my nails done. I love fresh nails!
Where would you like to see Attia Designs in five years?
I would like to see Attia Designs expand outside of Jacksonville. Having my earrings in Nordstrom would also be a DREAM—I would cry and scream all at the same time. I would also like to do more than earrings, but my time is limited right now. I would also love to hire a team of amazing go getters. Trust me, it’s all in the plan—and it will happen.
Who are some women in your field that you look to for inspiration?
Lauren Valenzuela from Sigfus designs and Marina from Luna and Saya. Outside of my field, Yolonda Williams, Realtor, and Angelica Pompy of Pompy Portraits.
Career and/or life advice for other babes (both inside and outside of your industry?)
Keep going, do not give up, and don’t let them see you sweat! Keep your head up and keep a smile on your face—even when your world feels like it’s crashing.
In partnership with: Attia Designs
A passion project-turned-small business born out of the pandemic, Attia Designs is a Jacksonville, FL-based jewelry company owned by Diana Byll-Cataria. Named after her four-year-old daughter and meaning “gift,” Attia specializes in polymer clay earrings with designs that reflect Diana’s personal style and unique perspectives. Check out the Attia Designs collection here, and follow along on Instagram for shop updates.
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