Big update: I'm launching a show!
Welcome to the new and evolved Take Your Time Universe
Welcome back to Take Your Time — a space where I share pieces of my world in the hope that they spark growth, reflection, and connection for all of us. Today’s letter is an exciting one, because we have a new look to celebrate a new update… I’m launching a show!
Okay, okay— it’s really a podcast. But it’s a video podcast, and I’ve put my heart and soul (and personal resources) into bringing this baby to life. So I’m going to call it a show for now :)
This Substack, Take Your Time, has been such a special place to wax poetic to you about everything and anything from Brainspotting therapy to the magic of moodboarding. What started as Keynote-level graphics made by yours truly has become a space for so much more, and it was time for the world to reflect on the care and intention of what I’m excited to build out here over time.
The Universe:
In a future newsletter, I’ll take you through the full branding journey — how we arrived at the custom logo, illustrations, and the broader visual universe of Take Your Time. But for now, I want to give a major shoutout to my creative partners in all of this:
The formidable Helen (and her partner Ian) of Modern Alchemy. Building this dream with you has been exactly that: a dream.
To my award-winning producer, Mbiye who has taught me so much about the podcasting world. And to Nina and Kelsey helping me with anything and everything for this rollout! This is actually the third project I’ve launched with Kelsey — first at Away, then Crown Affair, and now Take Your Time. At this point, working together feels very “Avengers, assemble,” and I’m endlessly grateful for the trust, history, and magic we’ve built together along the way.
Speaking of Avengers, I want to thank my partner in everything — my husband, Alexander, aka Bubs — for being on this journey of life with me for the last 13 years. I truly would not be able to shine the way I do without your endless support and your role as the unofficial COO of my life. You also deserve a literal creative shout-out, because you’re the one who insisted we watch Loki (arguably one of the best Marvel productions of all time), which became a major visual and tonal reference point for Take Your Time. You never know where inspiration will strike!
And a major thank you to Elaine Choi, my CEO and true partner on this journey. Without you, so many of my creative visions wouldn’t have the space to breathe and grow in the garden we continue to plant together.
And speaking of growth and a garden… let me tell you about the show, because my Seedlings are going to love this one because my first guest is my mentor, Ara Katz, the Co-Founder of Seed (and my boss after Emily Weiss), of whom I am her Seedling.
The Show
I know the world doesn’t need another podcast. But my promise to you is that this isn’t another founder podcast or business conversation.
At its core, Take Your Time is about my favorite thing: creativity — and how we unlock more of our creative potential.
The show is rooted in the belief that the greatest works of art are ourselves, and that truly meaningful things take time to build. In each episode, I sit down with leaders across creativity, wellness, beauty, fashion, and culture to explore not just how they’ve designed their lives, but why they do what they do. Together, we unpack creative turning points, personal philosophies, rituals, and the daily practices that shape who they are becoming.
Sound familiar? Julia Cameron paved the way with The Artist’s Way, and my hope is to channel muses like Julia and Rick Rubin — but through my own contemporary lens, rooted in the time, culture, and internet-brain reality we’re all navigating right now.
So get ready for intentional conversations designed to feel a little like a cortisol drop. I know, the opposite of what most of the internet wants from us. Shock. Awe. Clickbait. None of that here, because guess what? We don’t have to!!
We get to make this space whatever we want it to be: thoughtful, inspiring, calming, expansive, weird, creative, emotional, human.
A space to slow down, reflect, and reconnect: with ourselves, our creativity, and each other.
So thank you for being on this journey early. I appreciate you taking the time to read, listen, and stay with me as we work through the kinks and learn as we go. I would also love to hear who you’d like to see me interview! Requests very welcome :)
Starting this new project reminds me so much of the early days of Crown Affair. This summer marks seven years since I began that journey, and I’m considering this Year One of Take Your Time.
So welcome to the party, and thank you for being right on time.
Take care, and take your time, always,
Dianna
Listen to Take Your Time on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts.
And now…. Three Things I Love and A Haircare Tip!
I’ve never received more compliments on my skin since using this product. It’s transformed my uneven skin tone and dullness for a smoother, more radiant complexion
Melanie Masarin is my Martha Stewart. She makes making things feel effortless, relatable, and JOYFUL. I will be making these recipes with a Ghia in hand!!
I’m sorry to all other body moisturizers, but this one is the best I’ve used to date! I fear it is worth the price, you will see the results and your skin feel firmer and more hydrated.
A Haircare Tip: The One-Step Wonder
One of the biggest misconceptions in haircare is that hair oil makes your hair greasy. The right oil actually does the opposite—it nourishes, smooths, protects, and adds the kind of healthy shine that makes hair look stunning. A few drops through the mid-lengths and ends instantly soften frizz, add hydration, and help seal the cuticle without weighing the hair down.
Think of hair oil the same way you think about a face oil: it’s there to lock in moisture and support the health of what’s underneath. Dry, brittle hair is often just hair asking for nourishment.
Pro tip: start small. Warm a few drops between your hands, apply from the ends upward, and use whatever’s left on your palms to smooth flyaways. The goal is touchable, healthy shine—not heaviness.
Healthy hair should move, reflect light, and feel alive. Hair oil helps get you there. I’ll be able to share my favorite new hair oil very soon :) This one has been in the making in some way since I took my first trip to Japan in 2019. Stay tuned…
This is EXACTLY the show that is needed right now. Cannot wait to listen.
Love this. Can't wait to listen.