Meet Emily Mckissick Diaz | CEO & Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Emily Mckissick Diaz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Emily, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I grew up in a small town in Southern Colorado. I came from a very loving family of 6. We were all very supportive of one another. Especially when my sister was born with Down syndrome. This brought our family closer together. My parents always supported the idea that education, consistency, and following our passions would be the key to our freedom. I decided then that I was going to make a big impact on the world. I thought that if I was able to become an influencer on a larger platform that I would ultimately be able to inspire more individuals to pursue their passions and purpose in life. So I decided to follow a career in soccer. I began playing at a very young age and worked my way to a starting position that came with a full-ride scholarship at a Division 1 college in Denver. Shortly after I earned that position, my dream to play in college and beyond dissipated due to a knee injury. Although I was devasted for many years, I began to learn more about who I was as a person and the greatness that I could still give to the world. After many years of working through a personal development journey, I decided to launch my personal growth book club to the world in hopes that the subscribers could ultimately change their lives from the concepts and ideas from the books and resources provided.

What should our readers know about your business?
I started a personal development company in 2018 called Enlightened Warrior Book Club. EWBC is one of the most inspiring platforms that you will receive every month in a box. The idea is to inspire both Women and Men to have the desire to become the best expression of themselves one book at a time. The box contains an enlightening book, fiction or non-fiction along with several items to help create a calm, peaceful, growing environment. There are always bonus items included in the box each month. It is a great gift for someone exploring their journey in life as well as giving that gift to yourself. Prior to that, I was on a long journey of personal growth. To some people, that concept may sound, cliche, but to me, it literally saved my life. I was on a downward spiral right out of college. A dream I had of playing major league soccer was cut short after an injury playing college soccer. And following that, a handful of incidents took place that broke me. I was young, scared, alone and I didn’t know how to handle it. I was then introduced to the concept of Personal Development. This was the first time in my life that I felt like there was hope. So I started to work more on myself and well being. I surrounded myself with more books, seminars, positive associations, resources, and tools that loved me more than I loved myself. What grew from that were decades of growth, self-love, and an incredible journey. Today, what makes me the proudest of who I am, is being vulnerable enough to talk about my experiences and sharing how concepts and ideas, when applied, can change a person’s life. The reviews, personal messages, emails, and texts from the Enlightened Warrior Book Club Subscribers, have been confirmed for me that my vision and mission are coming to pass. Thank you to my subscribers for your loyal support, honest feedback, and self-accountability.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I have been in Denver for 20 years now and this vibrant city never ceases to amaze me. My husband and I are mostly plant-based and these are some of our favorite spots that offer an array of plant-based options. Water Course, Necio Latin Eatery, Sunny’s, Pochitos, Javier and Diner, City O City, Basil Doc’s Pizza, Postino Wine Bar, and Crush Pizza are a handful of our favorites. If you want to find the best vegan Pueblo green chili in Denver visit Diegos Mexican Food and Cantina. When we go out for coffee or tea we love to visit Cherry Bean, Huckleberry, and House of Commons. Our favorite place to find local wine is Bonacquisti Wine Company. It is a family-owned urban winery located on the Northside. A few of our favorite bars include Local 46, Zuni Brewing Company, Linger, and Avanti.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
One of my mentors said this statement once on stage at a big event and it always stuck with me throughout my journey. She said, “If I had to write the story of my life, I probably would not have written it this way. But if I had to rewrite it, I would not have changed a thing.” To me, that statement was bold about the experiences and the people who have come into my life. I have had both positive and not so positive people enter my life throughout my journey and I will say that each and every one of them was there for a reason in efforts to make me a better human. So I would first like to shout out to those who challenged me, did not support me, and who doubted me. It molded me to become stronger and more aware of the power I have within myself. I also had a group of individuals who positively supported my journey financially, emotionally, and mentally I will be forever grateful for the person I became because of you. To all of my mentors, family, friends, acquaintances, and more, I would like to say, “Thank you” for all of the lessons I have learned along the way. You have full filled my heart. I would like to give a shout out to a power couple who encouraged me to take a leap of faith, start a business, and embark on my personal growth journey over 14 years ago. Patrick and Julie Shaw, Founders of RapidFunnel, first introduced me to the concept, personal growth. They not only supplied resources and tools, but they lived their life by it. I want to thank both of them and all of the wonderful individuals I met through LegalShield. My life has been forever changed. I would like to give a shout out to my life coach and former 7th-grade teacher, Ms. Jane Roane. She pushed me to launch my business during a very difficult part of my life journey. It is because of her inspiration and greatness that my company exists today. I would like to thank my parents and my siblings for their creative support as I continue to navigate my journey. The 5 of them have been incredible “cheerleaders” and a huge support system with every endeavor that has come my way. Finally, my husband, Matthew Diaz. I met him over 17 years ago and he literally saved my life. I was in survival mode from a really broken and abusive past and he loved me enough to help me through it. Once I began my personal growth journey he stood by my side through the “wild ride.” I will forever be grateful for his unconditional love and support.

Website: enlightenedwarriorbookclub.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enlightenedwarriorbookclub/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/EnlightenedWar1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Enlightened-Warrior-Book-Club-279409872723576/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPX8QoTM5Qn_DcJXKj-91Mw

Image Credits
Kmulhern Photography Laugingwithoutanaccent