Meet Trina Diakabanzila | Mother, Veteran, Entrepreneur flying dress shootz,

We had the good fortune of connecting with Trina Diakabanzila and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Trina, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
As a child in the Democratic republic of Congo 🇨🇩 Kinshasa, my oncle ( may he continue to rest in peace” always use to tell us and had a sign of this quote in our tribal language of Kikongo that read “sala ngolo, dia ngolo” and throughout my upbringing and growing up; even after leaving Congo as a child and immigrated to the US, that quote still stuck with me even till today. Pretty translate to “work hard, eat hard “ no one comes to your rescue people can only help you but so much. You must fend for yourself. This quote has been so profound because it allowed me to find and fight my way into the Air Force as a commissioned officer, and an entrepreneur.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
In the military I was a Logistics Readiness Officer and we were referred to as jack of all trades. So I have made it my mission and goal in life to know at leas one thing about almost everything. I got to where I am today by having immigrant parents who just had enough to take care of my sister and I. They weren’t rich; so they had to work for every penny. I invested into real estate and became an author. I have also started my flying dress business (Facebook and IG @flyingdressshootz) Being an entrepreneur isn’t easy or glamorous, it can be ugly and does get ugly sometimes. I learned to stay grounded and have faith in God and myself. It takes money to make money in most legitimate businesses. I’m excited to photograph women from all walks of in their vibrant flying dresses. I want to just take 45 minutes to an hr out of their days for this fun photoshoot session.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would take them to lake Murray ( I love the water) I would also take them downtown Columbia because it’s so full of history. I would definitely take them to the state fair and eat all the funnel cakes our hearts desires. I’m a kid at heart so we would definitely make a trip to the zoo as well. I am a wanderer so I love watching planes take off and land, so we would def make a stop at Columbia metropolitan airport; being a Veteran, I just loveeeeee how well the USO take care of the newly incoming future soldiers to Columbia and Ft Jackson! Every now I then I even give the ladies a quick pep talk before they are picked up from the airport.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My motivation comes from my 2 daughters; but my daughter Grace was an only child for 6 years, she’s been through the high and lows with mommy and has never complained. Her love and warm hugs has kept me grounded no matter what was taking place.

Instagram: Flyingdressshootz