Press and Features

Featured in

Pharrell Williams - Entrepreneur (Official Video) ft. JAY-Z

Featured on TOPMAN

'It’s never been more important to celebrate diversity, so for July’s top accounts, we urge you to follow Avila Chidume’s brand Avila Diana.Her spectacular work ensures inclusivity for marginalised groups through greeting cards, gifts and more. Check it out!'

Published: July 2020

Featured in Stylist Magazine

"This graphic mug by British stationery designer Avila Chidume is guaranteed to brighten your day"

Published: June 2020

Featured in The Strategist UK

"75 Black-Owned, U.K.-Based Businesses to Support"

Published: June 2020

Interview on 'Race and Diversity in the New Normal'

"After a short break, we're back with our fourth guest Avila Chidume, a final year Law student with a lifelong passion for human rights who has developed her business, Avila.Diana, with the Enternship Grant Fund opportunity."

Published: June 2020

Featured in QUAZAR Magazine

"Avila Diana, founded by Avila Chidume, is the incredible business that creates and designs unique celebratory cards with the main focus of inclusivity and diverse representation. Avila Chidume set out with the goal in mind to create a space where the under-represented community's such as BAME, LGBTQA+ etc. can find themselves within mainstream commercial media."

Published: June 2020

Featured in The Tab

"How many times do you see a greeting card that hasn’t been based on white culture? Do you always manage to get a card that truly reflects the person you’re giving it to? Back in September 2018, Avila Chidume set up a business, Avila.Diana, alongside studying for her Law degree at Southampton University. Avila made it her mission to have a shop which sells products to reflect a wide range of cultures so everyone can have a personal touch to their gift. Now, she is in the final year of her degree and hasn’t looked back since. The Soton Tab spoke to Avila to hear her story and how she managed a business alongside her studies:"

Published: June 2020

Nominated for Entrepreneur of Excellence- National Diversity Awards

I am grateful to be able to announce that I have been nominate for the National Diversity Awards 'Entrepreneur of Excellence' award, in association with ITV News. There are some amazing nominations at the moment and its amazing that I am amongst them.

Published: May 2020

Santander Emerging Entrepreneurs

Avila.Diana has been selected to represent the University of Southampton at the Santander Emerging Entrepreneurs Programme 2020! I am going to be a part of 80 start-ups each from a different university competing for a once in a lifetime opportunity, I can't wait to get started. I'm so grateful that there are some amazing companies and initiatives which truly see potential in what I am doing. Thank you soo much University of Southampton and Santander UK for this amazing opportunity. I would like to express an even bigger thank you to everyone who continues to support me and my business. I wouldn't be at this stage without you.

Published: May 2020

beBrave 'What I do' webinar

I was invited to host a webinar with beBrave Network. I spoke about how I balance being a business owner, a part-time employee and final year law student. In addition to how I stay motivated.

Published: May 2020

Do Your Thing - Podcast (Listen Here)

"In this episode I speak to Avila Diana. Avila created her greeting card business in 2018 with the hopes of overcoming stereotypes and changing the world's perceptions on underrepresented communities. As a law student, Avila is a strong advocate for human rights and representation and firmly believes that positive change can only be brought about through actions and commitment. All of the designs are created by Avila and depict marginalised groups including those with disabilities, identifying as LGBT+, ethnic minorities or problems with mental health. We discuss the importance of standing up for what you believe in, how she got started and share tips on how to start a small business."

Published: May 2020

Interview on Graduate Jobs with Adpulp

Read Here.

Published: April 2020

Panel Guest for International Women's Month

"I had the pleasure of being invited to be a speaker and panel member for International Women’s Month. I used the opportunity to speak about the difficulties I’ve faced as a black woman in the creative industry, and the strength such adversity has given me to create my own opportunities.
I’m proud of the work being done in this world to create inclusive spaces for underrepresented groups. It inspires me to continue working hard for what I believe in, creating a world where representation and inclusivity are not buzzwords or trends to follow for a few months only."

University of Southampton's Student Union

Published: March 2020

Summer Enternship

Watch here

Published: 28 December 2019

BBC News Interview

Watch here

Published: 19 November 2019

International Women's Day

"Law student Avila Chidume is using her unique greeting cards to inform and inspire."

Published: 7 March 2019

Mother's Day

"Avila Chidume has created a range of cards representing marginalised groups and ethnic minorities."

Published: 29 March 2019

SUSU Enterprise Fund

"As part of the Enterprise Fund 2018 the Students’ Union has awarded Avila Chidume £400 to support the development of her growing business."

Published: 8 January 2019

AWWAZ.FM Interview

"I will be discussing my cards and the importance of representation! I am truly grateful to be given a platform on the largest Asian and Ethnic broadcasting platform in Hampshire."

Published: 2 August 2019

Featured in Assembly

"Assembly readers in action."

Published: 31 July 2019

Featured in The Colour of Madness

"Avila has used her business to advocate for mental health and create dialogue around the lack of representation in the greeting card industry."

Published: 31 August 2019

Nominated by BYP Network

Nominated for 'Trailblazer of the Year' 2018.

Published: 18 October 2018

Featured on BBC Radio

"Avila Chidume talks about her greeting cards for minority groups Southampton law student, Avila, chats to Steph about her new venture."

Wessex Scene Interview

Wessex Scene Editor Charlotte Colombo speaks with Avila Diana Chidume, the founder of Avila.Diana, about setting up her own card business and the importance of representation across all mediums.

Published: 27 October 2019