Name: Dia Brown City: Los Angeles, CA | @dia_annette

Dad’s Name: Gregory D. Brown

Describe your relationship with your Father and how did that impact you?

My dad and I are very close. I was blessed to grow up with him in my childhood home and when I think back on different memories throughout my life he had a part in all of them. I got to see a great example of a man providing for and protecting his family and household.

What’s the best thing you’ve learned from your Father?

I definitely learned my work ethic from my dad and the importance of doing something you love. My dad worked for 35 years in the financial planning industry and worked long hours but he loved it. He always says “When you do what you love, you don’t work a day in your life.” I’ve carried that with me and it’s given me the drive to discover what I really love doing and going after that with tenacity. He’s also affirmed in me that it doesn’t matter what I do as long as I’m striving to be my best in it. I’m one of those people that has tried so many different hobbies, educational pursuits, and professions and he’s encouraged and support my journey of self discovery along the way. He also gives really sound logistical advice once I’ve decided what I want to go after, he’s really good at breaking down a lofty goal into actionable steps to get there. He never makes me feel like an goal or aspiration I have is “too big.”

What struggles did you face in your relationship with your Dad and how did you get through them?

The biggest struggle I’ve probably ever face with my dad was when I was about 12 years old and he shared with me that he had another daughter. My sister was in her 30s by that point and we had never met. I felt betrayed that he had kept such a big secret from me but we got through it with open communication. He allowed me to fully express the range of my emotions even when I was angry with him. He also didn’t force me to build a relationship with her right away, he gave me the space to come around to the situation on my terms.

What has your relationship with your Father taught you about what to look/not look for in your partner?

My relationship with my father has served as a guide post in my dating life. My dad has treated me like his princess my entire life and while I don’t expect a spouse to love me in the unconditional way my father does it’s given me a guiding standard as to how I deserve to be treated and in turn bad treatment I can’t tolerate. It’s also shown me the type of qualities I would want my husband and father of my children to posses.

How has your relationship with your Father shaped the woman you are today?

I wouldn’t be the woman I am today without my dad’s support and unwavering love. Our relationship has been put to the test a few times and I can say with full confidence there is nothing I could do to change the way my dad views me or loves me and that safety net of grace has been life making for me. He helped instill my belief in myself and encouraged me to shoot for the starts which has ultimately given me the freedom to design my life in whatever way I see fit.

If you could write a short letter to your father, starting with “Dear Father,” what would you say?

Dear Father,

There aren’t enough words or phrases in human language to express what you mean to me and the love I have for you. Thank you for everything you’ve done and continue to do for me. I don’t take any of it for granted. My life has been so much more full and complete simply because I’ve had a dad like you. I love you…

Your baby bird,
Dià